IGCSE Grading System: Assessments, Grading, & Marks Range

IGCSE Grading System: The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) follows the British GCSE curriculum but is tailored for students worldwide. This curriculum is primarily exam-based, with assessments conducted by the examination board chosen by each school. Renowned for its rigorous academic standards, the IGCSE curriculum builds on students' previous knowledge through a 'spiral' learning approach. It stays updated with the latest educational advancements in each subject, ensuring students acquire essential skills for school, university, and future careers. The IGCSE grading system assigns grades from A* to U, where A* is the highest and U means ungraded. But what do these letters mean for your score? This article explores the IGCSE grading system, breaking down how grades are given, what they signify for your academic progress, and how they might influence your future educational opportunities.

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IGCSE Assessments and Grading

Each year, over eight million students enrol in the Cambridge curriculum globally. Students taking the Cambridge IGCSE are graded from A* to G. This grading system is recognized by universities worldwide. The IGCSE assessments are designed to thoroughly evaluate a student's understanding.

The assessment schedule includes two Cyclic Tests (CTs), Semester 1 exams, pre-board exams, Semester 2 exams, and Cyclic Test 3. These assessments allow teachers to tailor the learning experience to help each student advance in the curriculum. The main exams are conducted between May and June, except for Hindi exams, which are held in November. Assessments cover written exams, oral exams, listening tests, and coursework.

IGCSE Grades to Percentage Mark Range

The table below illustrates the percentage ranges corresponding to each grade in the IGCSE grading system:

What are 'Good Grades' in the IGCSE Grading System?

The grades in the IGCSE grading system range from A* to G, with A* being the highest and G the lowest. A grade of U indicates ungraded. Each grade is linked to a Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM), which shows how close the student's performance is to the top, middle, or bottom of the grade range, rather than the total marks achieved. For example, a Grade B corresponds to a PUM of 70-79. Although not the highest grade, a B is still quite good. Achieving a good grade is beneficial for further education, but it is also important to remember that IGCSE aims to prepare students for advanced studies. While focusing on grades is important, maintaining a strong grasp of the core material is important.

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Your IGCSE grades might not play a direct role in your admission, but they certainly help paint a picture of who you are. A good IGCSE results demonstrate consistency, passion, and motivation. On the other hand, if your IGCSE grades are average but you show significant improvement in your senior school performance, it highlights your capacity for growth and development.