IGCSE vs GCSE vs O Level
IGCSE and identical qualifications explained.
Harvest Academy Malaysia is the first and only International GCSE Prep School in Perlis. IGCSE (the International GCSE) is the most popular international syllabus used worldwide and is adopted by most international schools in Malaysia.
O Level
O Level was a common certification for secondary exit examinations worldwide, which originated in the United Kingdom. In 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (International GCSE) were introduced to replace O Level qualifications. Although O Level teaching and examinations are no longer the go-to options in Malaysia, the standards still remain and are passed on to the GCSE and International GCSE.
Is O Level similar to IGCSE? The short answer is yes, in a few aspects. The standards are identical and offer the same opportunities for learners at Harvest Academy Malaysia to further their education.
GCSE and IGCSE
The GCSE is the exit examination of secondary education in the UK and some other countries, while the International GCSE is an equivalent exit examination for students outside of the UK, internationally. Hence, Harvest Academy Malaysia prepares our students to sit for the international version of the GCSE.
The standard comparison
| IGCSE / International GCSE | GCSE | O Level | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intended for | Learners internationally | Learners in the UK | Historic UK and international qualification |
| Grades | A* (highest) to G (lowest) | Grades equivalent to the International GCSE | Standards passed on to GCSE and International GCSE |
| Stage | End of secondary (Year 11) | End of secondary (Year 11) | End of secondary |
Cambridge IGCSE is aimed at a wide ability range of students, with a range of grades awarded from A* (highest grade) to G (lowest). There is a core (C to G) and extended (A* to C) curriculum available in some subjects. According to Cambridge, candidates awarded A*–G have reached standards at least equivalent to the same grades in the GCSE.
In addition, the International GCSE is recognised worldwide. With the International GCSE, our students can open more doors after secondary school. Harvestians will be better prepared for their higher education locally and internationally.
We welcome parents who are keen to learn more about the International GCSE to visit us in Perlis. This would be a critical step to enrol your child in the world's most popular international secondary education at Harvest Academy Malaysia.
Notes
- Harvest Academy Malaysia is located in the heart of Perlis to prepare learners for the International GCSE, the common international secondary syllabus in Malaysia.
- Harvest Academy Malaysia is the nearest International GCSE destination for learners in Langkawi, with boarding facilities available.
