It’s common to confuse IB for IGCSE & vice versa due to the comparable structure of the two programs. However, you should be aware of the distinctions between the two applications.
This comparison guide will teach you about the distinctions between the IB and IGCSE.
Ultimately, based on your demographics and academic objectives, you can determine which option is best for you.
What are the differences between the IB school and the IGCSE?
IB and IGCSE programs are compared side-by-side below.
IB vs IGCSE: Global Presence and Popularity
The International Baccalaureate is more prevalent internationally than the IGCSE. The IGCSE is predominantly taught in the UK. However, it is gaining popularity in the US. Additionally, it has a minimal presence in both Singapore and India.
In contrast to the IGCSE, the IB is internationally recognized. Countries including China, Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Germany, and Poland participate in the IB program.
IB vs IGCSE: Governance
IGCSE monitoring is done directly by Cambridge International Examinations. Further, the certifications this organisation gives are becoming more and more respected worldwide. The IGCSE is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, where it is offered by over 438 private and 200 public schools.
The IB school program’s regulating framework is more strict. The Board of Governors & six committees oversee all aspects of access and progression, education, governance, human resources, finances, and audit. A Board of Governors will consist of between 15 and 25 nominees from the Board Regional Councils and the Heads Council.
IB vs IGCSE: Program Overview
IB school offers the following programs
Career-related, taught to kids aged 16-19 years old
IB Diploma taught to children aged 16-19 years
Middle Year Program (MYP) teaches children between the age of 11 to 16 years and,
Primary Year Program (PYP) teaches between the age of 3 to 12 years.
IGCSE offers the following programs
Secondary 2 for 14-16 years old
Secondary for 11-14 years old
Primary for 5-11 years old
IB vs IGCSE: Grades
For grading, the IGCSE employs a scale of 8 points. A U signifies that the learner or class did not get a grade. This grading is similar to the GCSE, the curriculum used in the United Kingdom. Students can take up to 14 IGCSE subjects. However, they must pass at least five main subjects with a C grade or higher to meet the minimum requirement.
The IB curriculum does not include any formal examinations that are required or graded. Instead, the IB assesses students’ final-year grades and provides diplomas to those who meet the prescribed criteria.
The IB Diploma is primarily assessed through a combination of external tests with a variety of question types and internal evaluations.
Students obtain grades ranging from 7 to 1 for six programs in each topic category, with 7 representing the highest grade. IB school adds these marks to generate a total score range from 6 to 42.
Signing off
The International Baccalaureate (IB) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) are particularly advantageous for the rising global demands. They are capable of producing internationally comparable and research-ready skills in students.
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