What is IGCSE?
The IGCSE examination is taken by students at the end of Year 11 when the student is around 16 years old after the completion of Key Stage 4 of the UK National Curriculum.
Students in the UK take an equivalent exam known as GCSE. The IGCSE content has been ‘internationalised’ to make it more relevant to students who are overseas and learning in a non-UK context. However, some prestigious schools in the UK, such as Harrow and Eton, favour IGCSE as their examination of choice.
What is the difference
between GCSE & IGCSE?
The main difference between GCSE and IGCSE is the amount of coursework – IGCSE tends to have less coursework but is a more challenging exam than GCSE. However, both examinations are the gateway to higher education.
Two examination boards offer IGCSE – Edexcel (January & May/June) and CIE (November & June). Results are released in August and March.
IGCSE examinations are usually available through international schools and independent schools throughout Hong Kong.
Cambridge (CIE) Downloads
Syllabus
- English – First Language (0500) Syllabus
- English – Second Language (0510) Syllabus
Past Exam Papers
- English – First Language (0500) Past Exam Papers
- English – Second Language (0510) Past Exam Papers
Edexcel Downloads
English Language (A)
Candidates sit two papers – Paper 1 + either Paper 2 or Paper 3.
- Paper 1: Non-fiction texts & transactional writing (60%)
- Paper 2: Poetry & prose texts & imaginative writing (40%)
- Paper 3: Internal assessment – poetry and prose texts and imaginative writing (40%)
English Language (B)
Candidates complete the 3 hour exam in one sitting.
- Section A: Short & long answer questions on 2 unseen non-fiction texts.
- Section B: Directed writing – 1 task based on ideas presented in Section A texts with a specified audience, form or purpose.
- Section C: 1 writing task from a choice of 3 – discursive, narrative & descriptive
- Optional Spoken Language Endorsement – a 10 min recorded presentation (talk, debate, dialogue) + response to questions or prompts.
English Language (ESL)
Candidates
- Paper 1: Reading & Writing (2 hr)
- Paper 2: Listening (50 min).
- Paper 3: Speaking (optional – 12 mins)
Past Exam Papers
English