Understanding IGCSE Grading

Understanding IGCSE Grading: What You Need to Know

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the most recognized qualifications worldwide, known for its rigorous assessment and flexibility. Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, understanding the IGCSE grading system is crucial to interpreting results effectively. This blog will guide you through the IGCSE grading system, grading standards for different subjects, and how these grades compare with other grading systems globally.

Overview of the IGCSE Grading System

The IGCSE grading system uses two primary scales: the A-G* scale and the 9-1 scale. Here's a breakdown:

A-G Grading Scale*: Introduced before 2017, this scale categorizes students based on letter grades, with A* being the highest and G being the lowest.

9-1 Grading Scale: A newer scale, introduced in the UK, ranges from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest). The scale is designed to distinguish high-achieving students more clearly. For instance, a grade 9 is above an A* on the traditional scale.

In both grading systems, a passing grade starts at C (or 4 in the 9-1 scale), with U (ungraded) indicating a failure to meet the minimum standard.

Understanding IGCSE Grades

IGCSE grades reflect a student’s performance across various assessments, which may include written exams, practicals, and coursework. Grades are awarded based on predetermined percentage thresholds, with variations depending on the subject’s difficulty and specific exam board standards.

For instance:

A / 9*: Reserved for top-performing students who fully understand and apply the subject.

A / 8: Indicates strong subject knowledge, with minor errors or gaps.
C / 4-5: Represents a solid grasp of the subject and sufficient competency.
E / 2: Shows a basic level of understanding, with significant room for improvement.

Grading Standards for Different Subjects

The IGCSE offers a wide variety of subjects, from languages and sciences to creative arts and humanities. Each subject has specific grading standards based on the nature of its content and skills assessed.

Core and Extended Tiers: Many subjects, like Mathematics, offer both "Core" and "Extended" tiers. The Core tier covers basic concepts, with grades awarded from C to G (or 5 to 1). The Extended tier assesses higher-level concepts and skills, with grades ranging from A* to E (or 9 to 3).

Practical Subjects: In subjects like Art and Design, Physical Education, or Sciences with a practical component, coursework or practical exams contribute significantly to the final grade.

Different boards may also have slight variations in assessment, but all IGCSE exams maintain high standards of rigor.

Comparing IGCSE Grades with Other Grading Systems

IGCSE grades can sometimes be confusing when compared with other international grading systems. Here's how they align with some of the popular global systems:

United Kingdom (GCSE): The new 9-1 IGCSE grading scale directly corresponds with the UK GCSE scale. A grade 9 is higher than an A*, while a grade 1 is the lowest passing grade, similar to the old G.

United States (GPA): In the U.S., IGCSE grades are often translated into a GPA scale (Grade Point Average) for college admissions. Generally, A* equates to a 4.0, A to a 3.7, and so on.

International Baccalaureate (IB): While the IB uses a 1-7 scale, IGCSE grades are sometimes equated to IB grades. For example, an A* aligns with a 7, and a C aligns with a 4.

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Conclusion

The IGCSE grading system is designed to evaluate students' mastery of subjects while maintaining high international standards. Understanding how the grading scales work, the standards across subjects, and how these grades compare globally is essential for interpreting academic performance effectively.

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Study Schedule for IGCSE Students

Classes are currently conducted for the following  (Select the subjects your child will be studying) 

IGCSE Math 
IGCSE Additional Mathematics
IGCSE Physics
IGCSE Chemistry
IGCSE Economics / Business studies 
IGCSE English Language 
IGCSE English Literature
IGCSE Biology
IGCSE Computers (ICT) Computer Sciences
IGCSE French
IGCSE Spanish
IGCSE Psychology
IGCSE History & Geography
IGCSE Economics 
IGCSE Islamiat 
IGCSE Pakistan Studies
IGCSE Urdu

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Access to Class recordings.
Assignments for your child to complete at regular intervals throughout the course.
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