Cambridge International Education in HCMC, Thu Thiem

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), designed by the prestigious Cambridge Assessment International Education, is a broad and rigorous curriculum for students aged 14 to 16. It leads to globally recognised qualifications and provides a strong foundation for Senior Secondary programmes, such as the internationally respected IB Diploma. This challenging and engaging curriculum fosters a deep understanding across various subjects, helping students discover their passions and strengths while aligning their studies with their university and career aspirations.

Benefits of Studying the IGCSE

There are several benefits to pursuing the IGCSE course at AIS Saigon: 

  • After completing IGCSE examinations, students earn internationally recognised qualifications accepted in over 140 countries.
  • The Cambridge IGCSE provides an excellent foundation for the final two years of high school and further study, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma, A Levels, and other post-16 routes.
  • The Cambridge IGCSE equips students with the essential skills for success in senior secondary education while preparing them for admission to top universities worldwide.
  • The IGCSE offers a well-balanced, diverse academic programme, covering a wide range of disciplines. Students entering the IB Diploma will focus on more specific areas of interest gleaned from their IGCSE studies.
Best Cambridge Education in HCMC
 

Why Choose Our School to Study IGCSE?

Our IGCSE programme in Ho Chi Minh City offers an unparalleled education with specialist international teachers, preparing students for both academic and personal success. Students consistently achieve outstanding results, often surpassing global averages and earning prestigious awards such as "Top in Vietnam." With a wide range of subjects, life skills education, and flexible study options, students gain a competitive edge and are well-equipped to accomplish their future goals.

AIS' IGCSE course in Thu Thiem integrates world-class teaching methods with the most advanced resources and technology, enhancing student performance. Through a strong enrichment programme, students not only develop academic abilities but also critical thinking, creativity, and a solution-oriented mindset, setting a foundation for success in the IB Diploma, university, and beyond.

Thu Thiem IGCSE School Programmes

Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum

Our Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Thu Thiem is ideal for students who seek a varied, yet structured secondary school curriculum. The IGCSE provides a flexible, challenging programme, allowing students to select optional subjects alongside core studies, tailored to their interests and career aspirations. The programme combines academic rigour with breadth and depth, preparing learners for any post-16 route, including the IB Diploma. 

The IGCSE course at AIS offers a balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on core subjects like English, mathematics, and science, supported by well-equipped classrooms and labs for practical and experiential learning. Information Technology is integrated across all subjects, and students also benefit from specialist teaching in art, music, and PE, fostering lifelong skills and interests.

IGCSE Programmes in Vietnam

IGCSE Subjects

All students will study eight IGCSE Cambridge subjects: 

  • IGCSE English (English Literature and/or 1st Language or 2nd Language)
  • IGSCE Mathematics (Mathematics or Additional Mathematics). 
  • One IB Foundation Language (Vietnamese, Korean or Chinese Language) OR IGCSE Global Perspectives. 
  • Three elective IGCSE subjects (they can choose from: Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Economics, Geography, Information and Communication Technology, Music, and Physics).
  • Vietnamese National Curriculum (Literature, Vietnamese History and Geography) is compulsory for Vietnamese students.
  • Physical Education (non-exam).

IGCSE Assessment & Grades

Assessment criteria for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education course will vary depending on the subject. Most subjects require students to sit one or more written exam papers, while language courses entail oral examinations. The IGCSE assessment guidelines will determine the protocol for practical examinations, as is the case in Drama and Science. Students may also be required to present a coursework portfolio as part of the end-of-year IGCSE review process.

Coursework plays a crucial role in several subjects. For example, it accounts for 65% in Global Perspectives (individual and group projects), 50% in both Art and Design and Design Technology, and 60% in Music (performance and composition). While subjects like Science, Business Studies, and Mathematics focus more on exams, practical skills are also assessed through alternative means. Coursework fosters essential skills such as independent research, creative and critical thinking, collaboration, and practical application of knowledge, preparing students for higher education and real-world challenges.

The IGCSE grading system used at AIS Saigon for both internal assessments and external exams ranges from A*, the highest grade, to G, the lowest.

Learn More

Learn More About the IGCSE

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme both offer strong international programmes with standardised assessment criteria, and both are highly respected and recognised around the world. However, the IGCSE is a qualification for 14–16-year-olds (Years 10 and 11), while the IB is taken by 16–18-year-olds (Years 12 and 13). Both courses of study are tremendously positive experiences for your child and offer rich learning opportunities for academic growth, so it is ideal when a school offers both.

In truth, there is little difference between IGCSE and GCSE. The Cambridge IGCSE was developed as an international equivalent to the UK GCSE, designed to meet the academic standards and demands of the UK curriculum while catering to a multicultural, multilingual audience. Both IGCSE and GCSE courses educate 14 to 16-year-olds across various subjects and are highly regarded globally. The IGCSE is delivered in international schools worldwide, while GCSE exams are compulsory in the UK. Though there are minor content and assessment differences, Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are considered equivalent to UK GCSEs on a subject-for-subject, grade-for-grade basis and are suitable precursors to IB Diploma or A Level study.

Successful completion of the International GCSE courses enables students to progress to other international education systems, such as A Levels or the IB Diploma. IGCSE qualifications are recognised and valued across the world.

Our IGCSE educators are subject experts with extensive experience in delivering the syllabus in a dynamic way for the best learning outcomes. They also have a comprehensive understanding of assessment criteria, helping students reach their full potential in each subject. Our IGCSE teachers benefit from comprehensive training and support from Cambridge International, ensuring students achieve consistently excellent results. Additionally, they guide students in developing the skills necessary to excel in their future studies and careers while boosting their individual strengths and talents.

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Discover how pursuing our exceptional IGCSE programme in Ho Chi Minh City can pave the way for outstanding academic and personal achievement.

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