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IGCSE

DPS International School @ Singapore commenced Cambridge IGCSE curriculum from 15th April 2009.

The list of subjects offered in the IGCSE curriculum are as follows:

Block 1 English
(Compulsory)
Block 2 * Second Language (Hindi / French / Tamil)
(Any one is compulsory)
Block 3 Mathematics
(Compulsory)
Block 4 Physics / Chemistry / Biology
(All are compulsory subjects)
Block 5 * Business Studies / Geography
(Any one is compulsory)
Block 6 * Information and Communication Technology / Accounting / History
(Any one is compulsory)
Block 7 * Environmental Management / Economics
(Any one is compulsory)
* Please note that the choices indicated in Block 2, 5, 6 and 7 will be evaluated by the school after the options are received. Depending upon the number of optees for a particular option, a decision will be taken accordingly.
 
GCE AS/A Level

DPSIS offers below mentioned subjects. One can choose any four subjects from the list of subjects offered one would want his/her ward to opt for (English being the 5th subject which is  a compulsory subject).

SUBJECT

    English (compulsory)
    Physics
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Computer Applications
    Mathematics
    Maths-Stats
    Accountancy
    Business Studies
    Information Technology (IT)

 
 
Cambridge IGCSE - FAQ
 
What is Cambridge ICE (International Certificate in Education)?

The Cambridge ICE certificate is a group award designed for schools that want to offer a broad curriculum. Students enter and sit for a minimum of seven subjects selected from the five IGCSE curriculum areas:
  • Group 1 - Languages
  • Group 2 - Humanities
  • Group 3 - Sciences
  • Group 4 - Mathematics
  • Group 5 - Creative and Vocational

Cambridge ICE is awarded to students who pass in at least seven Cambridge IGCSE subjects, including two from Group 1 and one from each of Groups 2 to 5. The seventh subject may be chosen from any of the syllabus groups.

Students who qualify for the Cambridge ICE award will be placed in one of three categories:

  • Distinction - Grade A or better in five subjects and grade C or better in two subjects.
  • Merit - Grade C or better in five subjects and grade F or better in two subjects.
  • Pass - Grade G or better in seven subjects.
 
What is Cambridge IGCSE?

• The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is provided by
   University of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), the world’s largest
   provider of international qualifications for 14–19 years old.
• Cambridge IGCSE is a high-profile qualification with an excellent reputation
  –It is recognised by universities and institutes of higher education around the world
  –It is equivalent in standard to the UK GCSE and Cambridge International GCE O Level examinations.
 
Who can take Cambridge IGCSE?

• At DPSIS student on completion of Grade 7 is offered option to undertake IGCSE curriculum. Grade 8 is the foundation year for the ensuing Grade 9 and Grade 10 ‘O’ Level Cambridge curriculum.
• Cambridge IGCSE is designed to be taught as a two-year course.
 

What are the benefits?
 
• Cambridge IGCSE provides a foundation for higher level courses, including
  Cambridge International A and AS Levels and the Cambridge AICE Diploma
.
• Good Cambridge IGCSE grades count towards entry to universities and colleges
  around the world
.
• Cambridge IGCSE offers students a flexible course of study that gives them the
  freedom to select the subjects.
• Study and examination at Cambridge IGCSE provide a broad knowledge base
  and learning skills that provide excellent preparation for employment
.
 

What are Cambridge IGCSE courses and examinations like?

• The course differs for each subject, but throughout there will be a mix of assessment methods, including
   coursework, practical exercises, oral and listening tests, projects and written examinations
.
• Cambridge IGCSE courses usually take two years to complete and examinations
   are taken at the end of this period
.
• Examinations are held in June and November each year with results issued in
   August and February respectively
.

 

What resources are available?

• Each Cambridge IGCSE syllabus is accompanied by a resource list with full
  details of books and other materials that may be useful in the classroom
.
• Teachers are also provided with a range of resources and support materials
  to equip them with the skills they need to teach Cambridge IGCSE courses
.
• These include:
  – Online support and resources.
  – Textbooks and other classroom materials.
  – Teacher training.
  – Professional development qualifications.
 

About CAIE

• The world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 14-19 years old.
• Offers school qualifications such as Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level and
  International A and AS Level, plus professional qualifications in areas such as IT,
   business and management
.

• Part of Cambridge Assessment Group and part of the University of Cambridge
• CAIE examinations are taken in over 160 different countries.

• Cambridge qualifications are recognised by universities, colleges and employers
  across the globe.

Cambridge International A and AS Levels



What is Cambridge International A Level programme?

• International GCE A Level is provided by University of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), the world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 14–19 years old.
• International A Level is a ‘gold standard’ qualification.
  – For over 50 years A Level have been accepted for entry to universities and
  institutes of higher education around the world
.
  – A Levels are important to employers who often demand them as a condition of
  employment
.
• International A Level incorporate the best of UK A Levels, but are designed to
  meet the needs of international students
.

 


What is Cambridge International AS Level programme?

• International GCE AS Level was first examined in 2001.
• It represents the first half of an International A Level course.
• International AS Level bring flexibility to an International A Level programme by
  allowing students to:
  – Follow a staged assessment route to International A Level by taking the
  International AS Level in one examination session and completing the final
  International A Level assessments at a subsequent session
.
  – Take the International AS Level as either a one or two year course instead of,
  or in addition to, full International A Levels
.
• International AS Level has half the value of an International A Level and is
  accepted for entry to university courses across the world
.

Who can take Cambridge International A and AS Levels?

• International AS Level examinations are usually taken at age 17.
• International A Level examinations are usually taken at age 18.
• Students who are taking or have completed Cambridge IGCSEs or Cambridge
  O Levels will find International A and AS Levels a logical next step.

 

What are Cambridge International A and AS Level courses and exams like?

• International A and AS Levels require guided learning time in class, the library or
  a resource centre.
• All syllabuses require students to develop analytical skills and the ability to apply
  knowledge.
• Studying for International A and AS Levels is academically challenging but offers
  excellent preparation for the next stage of education – study at university or
  college.
• The course differs for each subject, but throughout there will be a mix of
  assessment methods, which may include coursework, practical exercises, oral and
  listening tests, projects and written examinations.

When can Cambridge International A and AS Levels be taken?

• International A Level courses usually take two years to complete and
  examinations are taken at the end of that period.
• International AS Level examinations are usually taken either as part
  of the International A Level course or as a qualification in their own right.
• Examination sessions are held in May/June and October/November each year.
• Subjects are graded A through to E - grade A is awarded for the highest level of
  performance, grade E for the lowest.


What resources are available?

• Each International A and AS Level syllabus is accompanied by a resource list with
  full details of books and other materials that may be useful in the classroom.
• Teachers are also provided with a range of resources and support materials to
  equip them with the skills they need to teach International A and AS Level courses.
• These include:
  – Online support and resources.
  – Textbooks and other classroom materials.
  – Teacher training.
  – Professional development qualifications.

 

 
To know more about IGCSE, visit The IGCSE web site.