Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE)

Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most widely recognised international qualification for students aged 14 to 16. It is offered in over 4,500 schools across more than 140 countries, making it a truly global programme. This qualification provides a balanced and rigorous curriculum that helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills. Cambridge IGCSE prepares learners for further academic success, including progression to Cambridge A Levels or vocational pathways like BTEC, while also equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed for future careers. Its international recognition ensures that students have excellent opportunities for university admissions and employment worldwide.

Benefits of Choosing the Cambridge IGCSE Programme

• Internationally Recognised Qualification: Accepted by universities and employers worldwide, providing excellent opportunities for higher education and careers.

• Broad and Balanced Curriculum: Offers a wide range of subjects, allowing students to explore their interests and strengths.

• Development of Critical Skills: Focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning that prepare students for lifelong success.

• Flexibility and Choice: Students can tailor their subject choices to align with their future academic and career goals.

• Strong Foundation for Further Study: Prepares students effectively for advanced qualifications like Cambridge A Levels or BTEC.

• Global Perspective: Encourages intercultural understanding and awareness, essential in today’s interconnected world.

• Real-World Application: Emphasises practical learning and applying knowledge to real-life situations.

• Confidence and Academic Rigor: Helps students build self-confidence through challenging and well-structured assessments.

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. GCSE examinations are taken by the vast majority of students in England and Wales.

IGCSE stands for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is at least of the same standard as, and in many cases is higher than, the GCSE. For many subjects it is more suited to students in International Schools where the courses and examinations will have an international flavour rather than being grounded in British situations and settings.

At Uppsala International School, our IGCSE core subjects are carefully chosen to support the intellectual, social, and personal development of each student. These compulsory subjects build essential skills that serve as a strong foundation for further education and lifelong learning. Here's how each subject benefits your child:

English
Through IGCSE English, students develop advanced communication skills, including reading comprehension, writing clarity, and critical analysis. These are crucial not only for academic success across all subjects but also for confident self-expression and future career readiness.

Mathematics
Mathematics fosters logical reasoning, problem-solving, and numerical fluency. It equips students to handle real-world challenges, from data interpretation to financial literacy, and is a core requirement for most higher education pathways and professions.

Science
IGCSE Science enhances inquiry-based thinking and scientific literacy. Whether studying biology, chemistry, or physics, students learn to investigate, experiment, and understand how the world works—preparing them for science-related careers and informed citizenship.

Physical Education (PE)
PE promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and mental well-being. Regular physical activity supports concentration and stress management, helping students maintain a healthy lifestyle while developing leadership and collaboration skills.

Music
Music education enhances creativity, emotional expression, and discipline. It encourages students to explore their artistic potential while supporting cognitive development, memory, and a sense of cultural appreciation.

In addition to core subjects, students at Uppsala International School can choose from a diverse range of optional IGCSE subjects. These options allow learners to tailor their studies to their individual interests, strengths, and future aspirations—whether academic, creative, or career-focused. Here’s how each optional subject contributes to a well-rounded education:

Business Studies
Introduces students to real-world business concepts, including marketing, finance, and operations. It builds commercial awareness and entrepreneurial thinking, preparing students for business-related studies or careers.

Drama
Develops confidence, creativity, and collaborative skills through performance and theatre studies. Drama encourages self-expression and enhances communication—useful in any profession.

Economics
Equips students with an understanding of economic systems, market dynamics, and financial decision-making. It promotes critical thinking and global awareness, valuable for careers in finance, policy, or international relations.

History
Fosters analytical thinking by exploring significant events, cultures, and global developments. History helps students evaluate evidence and arguments—skills that are essential in law, politics, and academia.

Geography
Encourages students to examine the relationships between people, places, and environments. It builds spatial awareness and global understanding, linking to careers in environmental science, urban planning, and more.

Art and Design
Nurtures creative thinking, visual communication, and attention to detail. Students explore various artistic techniques and styles, preparing them for further study in design, architecture, or visual arts.

Psychology
Explores human behavior, cognition, and mental processes. Psychology develops analytical skills and emotional intelligence—important for fields such as health, education, and social sciences.

Computer Science
Introduces students to programming, algorithms, and digital systems. It enhances logical thinking and technological fluency, laying the groundwork for careers in IT, software development, and innovation.

Uppsala International School partners with leading UK-based examination boards to ensure high-quality, internationally recognised qualifications. Currently, we offer programmes accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE) and Edexcel, both renowned for their rigorous standards and global acceptance. These partnerships enable our students to access a wide range of respected academic and vocational courses, supporting their success in further education and careers worldwide.

At Uppsala International School, the grading system for IGCSE and GCSE examinations is designed to provide a clear and accurate reflection of student achievement. The traditional grading scale ranges from A* to G, with A* being the highest and G the minimum passing grade. The lowest grade, U, indicates an ungradable performance where a student has not met the required standards.

In recent years, the UK government introduced a new numeric grading system for certain subjects, including Drama, Music, Physical Education, Psychology, French, Spanish, Mathematics, and Religious Studies. This scale ranges from 9 to 1, where 9 is the highest possible grade. For comparison, a grade 4 is considered equivalent to the former grade C, while a grade 7 corresponds to an A. This numeric system allows for finer differentiation between levels of student performance, especially at the higher end.

Students may follow either the core or extended course routes, which influence the grade range available to them. Core courses typically offer grades C to G, while extended courses range from A* to E, allowing higher-achieving students to demonstrate greater mastery of the subject.

The exact grading scale applied depends on the subject and examination taken, which may be decided during the course based on a student’s progress and abilities. This flexible and internationally recognised grading framework ensures that each student’s academic performance is fairly and comprehensively assessed, supporting their development and future educational opportunities.

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