Top Reasons for Choosing an IGCSE School for Your Child

Once a student reaches Grade 9 (Year 10), the debate between whether to continue with an MYP IB or embark upon an International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is bound to be a continual discussion point. In essence, both approaches have real integrity and value, be it the 5-year programme of the MYP or the 2-year process of the IGCSE. At Wellington College International Pune (WCI Pune), we follow the wider family of Wellington schools and look forward to introducing the IGCSE courses in August 2024 for our new Grade 9 cohort. All Wellington schools, whether in the UK, China, Thailand or India, pursue the IGCSE examination modules and WCI Pune is excited to follow this pathway of excellence, employing the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) board which is renowned for its reputation and positive impact upon student outcomes.

The IGCSE programme resonates with a Wellington College Pune education as it chimes with our wider educational philosophy. Our academic ethos and vision centres on fostering a love of learning and aiming for mastery; the IGCSE is fixated on progression in these areas and neatly builds upon the existing learning of Grades 6-8 (achieved at Wellington through the English National Curriculum). Furthermore, we want all our pupils to be challenged, engaged and inspired, and the IGCSE provides this level of expectation, together with the knowledge and skills to thrive.

Parents and pupils also consider the IGCSE as a top qualification because it does just that; completion of the 2-year IGCSE courses culminates in awards by subject (A* to G grade, with A* being the highest award). These courses are largely externally examined (some subjects include coursework) and provide an excellent benchmark of students’ respective levels, as well as a clear academic signpost for future university applications. Of course, the growth mindset, academic grit and resilience that is developed during the IGCSE is then enhanced during the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) years. IGCSE is a perfect bridge of learning between Grade 8 (Year 9) and the commencement of the IBDP from Grade 11 (Year 12). Indeed, WCI Pune looks forward to the start of the IBDP in August 2025, using the foundation of the IGCSE as a springboard for further academic success.

Ultimately, Wellington College Pune believes in the rigour and choice that the IGCSE provides, with parents and pupils benefitting from the wide array of subjects that the Cambridge IGCSE allows. Core subjects in English (Language and Literature), Mathematics and Science, are enhanced by a broad selection of elective subjects (such as Art & Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education and language choices like French or German or Spanish or Hindi). These subject choices, with students typically taking at least 8 IGCSE courses, offers deep learning in their chosen areas and excellent preparation for the next stages of their academic careers. At Wellington College Pune, these IGCSE subjects are accompanied by compulsory (non-examinable) courses in Wellbeing, Marathi and Career Guidance/Development (what we term ‘Beyond Wellington’).