At MEF IS, the Cambridge International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum is followed in grades 9 and 10. It offers a variety of routes for learners with a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English. Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide. The IGCSE courses have been developed by the University of Cambridge (Cambridge Assessment International Education).
Assessment takes place at the end of the two year course and offers students a range of ways to demonstrate their learning, including written, oral, coursework and practical assessments. The curriculum has aims and objectives that support students to become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. These are the attributes of Cambridge learners. This makes it the ideal springboard to advanced study and the IB Diploma Programme.
Throughout the programme students are encouraged to engage with a variety of subjects and develop knowledge and skills in
- Subject content
- Applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as unfamiliar situations
- Intellectual enquiry
- Flexibility and responsiveness to change
- Working and communicating in English
- Influencing outcomes
- Cultural awareness
To take into account differing abilities, there is a choice between Core and Extended curriculum exams in some subjects. The Core curriculum is within the ability range of a large majority of students. It provides a full overview of the subject and is targeted at students expected to achieve grades C to G. The Extended curriculum has been designed for the more academically able. It is targeted at those expected to achieve grades A* to E, with A* being the highest.
In May/June of grade 10, students take IGCSE exams in the following four subject areas:
First Language
- First Language English 0500 (Extended)
- English as a Second Language 0510 (Extended)
- First Language Turkish 0513 (National School Students only)
Mathematics
- International Mathematics 0607 (Core or Extended)
Science
- Coordinated Science 0654 (Double Award – Core or Extended)
Modern Foreign Language
Students also follow a Cambridge inspired curriculum for History and Economics as well as other international curricula for Art, ICT, Music, and PE.
*Please note that the information explained above pertaining to the IGCSE is taken from the Cambridge Assessment International Education website at cambridgeinternational.org. Please click here: Cambridge Upper Secondary IGCSE to read more about this curriculum on the Cambridge Assessment International Education website.
