Are you confused about whether to send your child to an IB or IGCSE school? Well, you are not alone! International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) are the two most popular international education programmes. So, most parents have a tough time deciding between the two. To make the right choice, having an in-depth idea about the programmes is vital. In this blog, you will learn the difference between IGCSE and IB. Let’s dive in!
Salient Features of IGCSE
Are you planning to enrol your child in an IGCSE school in India? If yes, take note of the significant features outlined below.
- The IGCSE programme comes under the Cambridge International Education (CIE) board.
- The main focus of the program is to prepare the students for IB Diploma, AS/ A levels, and Cambridge Pre-University.
- It follows a structured and globally accepted curriculum.
- At the end of the program, a methodical examination is held. The goal is to enable the students to compare their abilities with the global standards. It aims to motivate students to work harder to achieve their goals in future.
- It consists of 4 stages. The Cambridge International Primary Programme is for learners who are 5 to 11 years old. The Cambridge Secondary 1 is meant for children in the age group of 11 to 14 years. Cambridge Secondary 2 is designed for students aged 14 to 16 years. Finally, Cambridge International A level is for learners who are 16 to 19 years. It is the advanced level of IGCSE and prepares students for higher education and universities.
- IGCSE emphasises technical subjects and English.
- The curriculum of the board is advanced and offers students the flexibility to choose from a variety of subjects.
Salient Features of IB Board
The IB schools are gaining popularity in India in recent times. If you have plans to enrol your child in a school following this board, you must know its salient features. The prominent ones are listed below.
- The aim of the IB board is to enable students to graduate with a diploma and gain mastery in different areas. It promotes skill-based education instead of content-based learning.
- IB has four different educational programs for the students. While the primary years programme is for learners between 3 to 12 years, the middle year’s programme enrols students aged 11 to 16 years. The diploma programme is meant for individuals belonging to the age group of 16 to 19 years. Finally, the career-related programme is an optional one for learners between 16 to 19 years.
- IB has a flexible curriculum and does not have any fixed textbooks. The curriculum is based on experimentation and application.
- The programme is more student-centric.
- Post-completion, students are eligible to apply for graduation programmes in the universities.
Conclusion
Wondering whether the IGCSE or IB schools are best for your child? Well, both boards can provide students with excellent learning experiences. The choice of board will depend on the learning style and future goals of your child. Are you looking for the top IGCSE school in India? If yes, GD Goenka World School is the best option.
