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More and more schools are abandoning the GCSE in favour of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). This exam, pioneered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (UCIE) is modelled on O-Levels and sees pupils taking exams at the end of a two year period, rather than an emphasis on coursework throughout. UCIE has said that 400 state schools in the UK are now using the IGCSEs, compared to just 97 in 2010.
Among private schools, the figure has risen from 320 in 2010 to 500 in 2012.
Supporters of the IGCSE claim that this method of testing is more rigorous and therefore more valuable.
Peter Monteath, UK Schools Manager, said: "The feedback we are getting from schools is that they like the flexibility of these syllabuses, which gives teachers more scope to explore different topics with students.
"Their linear structure also gives students space and time to study topics in depth."
As many secondary schools move towards the International Baccalaureate, internationally recognised, 'more rigorous' qualifications could soon be the norm in British schools.
Posted by Jennifer Smith
