IGCSE in Muscat
Our school delivers the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) in Oman, a globally recognised programme for secondary students in Grades 9 and 10. With one of the broadest range of IGCSE subject options in Muscat, Oman, and the most comprehensive co-curricular activities programmes in the country, our school gives students the opportunity to design the perfect curriculum to cultivate their talents and meet their academic and personal goals.
IGCSE Benefits
The Pearson IGCSE is one of the most widely recognised secondary qualifications in the world. It is taught to students in 150 countries and offers a standardised assessment system that offers a representation of students' ability across a range of subjects. Additional IGCSE benefits include progression to international courses worldwide, wide-ranging knowledge across multiple subjects, practical and theoretical understanding, and language tuition to promote bilingualism. After completing Grades 11 and 12, IGCSE holders are well qualified to attend prestigious universities across the globe.
Why Study the IGCSE at Our School in Oman?
Our IGCSE pathway presents a diverse curriculum, giving students access to the most extensive range of subjects of any other IGCSE course in Oman. At our school, the IGCSE establishes a solid academic grounding in core subjects, as well as the flexibility and choice to pursue individual interests. Our experienced staff guide students and their families through the subject selection process to ensure they have the highest chance of success.
IGCSE classes are delivered by a supportive team of UK-qualified, English native speakers, who help our students achieve academic excellence in the curriculum and fluency in the English language. Our first-class language support leads to excellent opportunities for future international study and professional success in an increasingly global environment.
IGCSE Curriculum
The Pearson IGCSE provides a strong foundation for students seeking wide-ranging, high-quality, internationally accepted qualifications. The secondary-level course comprises the core academic subjects of English, mathematics, and science, which are taught alongside optional subject choices that can be tailored to each student’s talents and interests. In total, students undertake 8 to 10 subjects that are divided into modules.
The IGCSE curriculum challenges students to think critically and develops the crucial practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for success in the 21st century. Uncompromising in its academic rigour, the IGCSE pathway fully prepares students for the demands of international higher education. The course is a valuable investment in your child’s future and will open the door to a wealth of opportunities in Oman and overseas.
IGCSE Subjects
We are firm advocates of the benefits of a broad and balanced curriculum. Our holistic approach ensures that our students benefit from a well-rounded secondary education that prepares them well for various future academic and career options. At our school, students may select optional subjects that cover Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts and Languages; however, each school may offer varying options.
At our school, we provide the following IGCSE subjects:
English Mathematics Sciences (Offered as Triple or Double Award Science) Humanities |
Social Sciences Performing & Creative Arts Sports Modern Foreign Languages |
IGCSE Grading System
The IGCSE grading system offers an accurate assessment of students' knowledge, skills and understanding of a particular subject. Students are awarded a grade from 9 to 1 for each subject based on final examinations (and coursework, where applicable), with 9 being the highest grade and 1 being the lowest. All IGCSE papers are set, marked and moderated externally by the Pearson Edexcel examination board in the UK.
Requirements for IGCSE Study
Prospective IGCSE candidates must have completed Key Stage 3 (Grades 6 - 8) to qualify for entry. IGCSE lessons are delivered in English; therefore, students wishing to pursue this pathway must be proficient in English. Potential students will be required to take an entrance assessment to assess their academic ability and English language skills.
IGCSE Teachers
Our dedicated subject-specialist educators have undergone teacher training in the UK and have been selected as a result of their track record in achieving outstanding outcomes for their students. They ensure that every student is supported and guided to reach their full potential and receives personalised teaching to address their academic goals.
The background of our IGCSE teaching staff also means that they have a deep understanding of the IGCSE curriculum and examination requirements. Each subject teacher is an expert in their field and, alongside their teaching qualification, holds a Bachelors and/or Masters degree in their subject area.
Teaching members regularly attend training delivered by the Pearson IGCSE examination boards to ensure they remain up-to-date with any key changes in syllabi, and have an opportunity to share best practice with teachers from around the world.
IGCSE & IB Differences
The IGCSE and the IB are international courses leading to globally-recognised qualifications but they are designed by different awarding bodies who vary in their learning approaches. The main difference between the IGCSE and the IB is that the IGCSE awarding body is Cambridge Assessment International Education, which is focused on providing a curriculum-based programme that develops technical and academic skills to foster success in examinations.
The International Baccalaureate Organization awards the IB and approaches learning from a framework-based perspective. At the high school stage, the course fosters global citizenship and focuses on project work. IB subject options are not as extensive, offering a slightly more limited course
IGCSE & GCSE Differences
The IGCSE course is the international variant of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), a two-year programme delivered in the United Kingdom as part of the national curriculum. Pearson developed the IGCSE to educate Grade 9 and 10 students outside the UK, including those who may not speak English as their first language.
The IGCSE course and the GCSE are similar in that they offer study in multiple subjects, and students may choose to take optional subjects related to their interests and future academic careers in addition to the core curriculum.
IGCSE Uses
Completion of the IGCSE leads to qualifications in multiple subjects. Once students have attained IGCSE qualifications, they can enjoy a seamless transition to international A-levels in Grades 11 and 12 or IGCSEs, demonstrating a student's ability to work successfully across several disciplines and apply wide-ranging skills across all subjects. This benefits those who wish to continue their academic careers in Oman or elsewhere, as universities and employers value transferable competencies.
IGCSE Course Assessment
The IGCSE curriculum is assessed through a combination of final examinations taken at the end of Grade 10 (UK Year 11). Additionally, in some subjects, assessed coursework will also be completed, with research and work conducted at school. Specific assessment methods and weightings vary depending on the subject. For example, some subjects may have a greater emphasis on independent coursework, while others may rely more heavily on the final examination. Students who undertake assessed coursework as part of their studies must complete all elements at school. Outcomes are then evaluated and will count towards final grades.
Coursework requirements typically include a combination of projects, assignments, and practical work. This component is designed to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of subject material to real-world situations. Teachers mark IGCSE coursework following strict guidelines, and the UK examination board moderates all grades to ensure consistency and fairness.
IGCSE Examinations
IGCSE examinations are taken at the end of the two-year course. They are assessed by the examination board in the UK, and test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, as well as their ability to analyse, interpret, and evaluate information.
Contact Us Today
Learn more about how your child can achieve outstanding outcomes on our IGCSE pathway with access to exciting subject options, one-to-one learning support, and co-curricular activities that empower them beyond the classroom.