State schools go IGCSE
- Aug. 15, 2010
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Keywords:
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Several state schools in England have signed up for International GCSEs in subjects such as English and Maths, instead of the traditional exams
IGCSEs are considered to be tougher due to their linear structure with the exams and coursework taken at the end of the academic year, in comparison with GCSE exams where tests are conducted in modules.
IGCSE’s are particularly favoured by private schools and teachers as they give more freedom to institutions in the way they are taught.
In July, sixteen state schools signed up for IGCSE courses; and a further fifty schools have asked for information on IGCSEs.
The previous Labour government had banned state schools from offering IGCSEs in core subjects, claiming that they failed to meet the requirements of the curriculum.
Just over a month ago, the ban was reversed as Education Secretary, Michael Gove, announced that state schools would now be funded to offer the IGCSE exams.
Ann Puntis, Chief Executive of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), said that Michael Gove’s decision had “opened the gates”:
“It’s a real step change. At the moment, we have got 350 schools in England who are registered to take IGCSEs, for the next academic year we think it will be 500.”
