Knowing and understanding the difference between the IGCSE, IB, ICSE and CBSE could be quite confusing and daunting for parents who wish to enrol their children in any of the prospective boards and have no prior experience to school admissions.
Understanding the difference between the boards can also help parents decide which board is the right board for their child in accordance to their: Budget and their future plans.
Let’s dive right into understanding the difference between IGCSE and IB:
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
- This programme was developed by the University of Cambridge International Exams recognised in the UK.
- Hence, making IGCSE as a qualifying exam at the Grade 10 & 11 offered by Cambridge Assessment International Exams. These exams are equivalent to a board GCSE in the UK.
- IGCSE Is a 2-year programme, which is equivalent/comparable with all those students who have completed the IB Middle Year Programme (IB MYP) i.e. 15 to 16 years of age.
- IGCSE exams are externally set and marked. They are certified by University of Cambridge.
- IGCSE Coursework and certifications keep pace with educational qualifications and trends accepted Globally.
- On completion of IGCSE students often opt to study boards such as O-Level, A-levels and IB Curriculums.
- Prior to offering to elect for IGCSE Exams An Indian school could follow either ICSE, CBSE or even SSC curriculum.
- Cambridge IGCSE exams are conducted in the months of February (India only)
Why Study IGCSE?
- Students who study IGCSE move on to prepare for exams such as A-Levels or IB Curriculum Diploma Programme (16-18yrs) later.
- Parents who are keen on providing their children with internationally acceptable university admissions qualifications.
Fun Fact: In the United States many of the homeschooling educators prefer the IGCSE Curriculum. According to the home-school educators, the IGCSE Is far advanced than the typical North American secondary school course by at least 1 year International Baccalaureate IB Curriculum
- (IB) is an international educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and founded in 1968.
IB Programme Structure Decoded IB offers these educational programmes:
- IB Primary Years programme (Age 3-12 yrs)
- IB Middle Years Programme (Age 11-16yrs)
- IB Career Related Programme (Age 16-19yrs)
Why Study IB Curriculum?
- Parents who are keen on providing their children with internationally acceptable university admissions qualifications.
Fun Fact: To teach these programmes, schools must be authorized by the International Baccalaureate.
Read more: How to choose the right board between CBSE, ICSE and IB Curriculums