The school had decided recently to switch from using the GCSE curriculum to the IGCSE. There are a couple of reasons why. The IGCSE has 2 papers, both of which are calculator based, whereas the GCSE Maths A has two papers, one of which is calculator based. The IGCSE has examinations in January and in June, so sometimes students might be able to get their Maths exam out of the way if they are ready to sit the exam in January and will achieve a decent grade. Grade boundaries have tended to be slightly lower for the IGCSE, which enables students to do slightly better.
The IGCSE, just like the GCSE, is available at the Foundation and the Higher level. The differences between the GCSE and IGCSE are quite simple and only require a few extra units to be taught. Traditionally the IGCSE has been a more difficult exam, but the use of a calculator on both exams is something our students find very beneficial.
Students who do well in Maths and want further Maths qualifications are able to take a GCSE in Statistics (AQA) during year 11. Students in year 11 may also take the Free Standing Maths Qualification (FSMQ) from OCR called Additional Mathematics, which is designed specifically for students wanting to do Maths at A-level.
The IGCSE, just like the GCSE, is available at the Foundation and the Higher level. The differences between the GCSE and IGCSE are quite simple and only require a few extra units to be taught. Traditionally the IGCSE has been a more difficult exam, but the use of a calculator on both exams is something our students find very beneficial.
Students who do well in Maths and want further Maths qualifications are able to take a GCSE in Statistics (AQA) during year 11. Students in year 11 may also take the Free Standing Maths Qualification (FSMQ) from OCR called Additional Mathematics, which is designed specifically for students wanting to do Maths at A-level.
