IGCSE vs GCSE vs O Level

23 October 2022

Harvest Academy Malaysia is the first and only International GCSE provider in Perlis. IGCSE is the most popular international syllabus used worldwide and adopted by most international schools in Malaysia.

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 (IGCSE) were introduced to replace O Level qualifications. Although O Level teaching and examinations are no longer the go-to options in Malaysia International Schools, the standards still remain and are passed on to GCSE and IGCSE (refer to standards below).

The question: is O Level similar to IGCSE? The short answer is a yes in a few aspects. The standards are identical and offer the same opportunities for learners at Harvest Academy Malaysia to further their education.

Now, let's talk about the current certifications, GCSE and IGCSE. GCSE is the exit examination of secondary education in the UK and some countries such as Australia, Canada and India, while IGCSE is an equivalent exit examination for students outside of the UK, internationally. Hence, Harvest Academy Malaysia is preparing our students to sit for the International version of the GCSE.

The standard comparison

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 GCSE.

In addition, IGCSE is being recognised worldwide. With International GCSE, we allowed our students to 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 International GCSE to visit us in Perlis. This would be a critical step to enrol your child on the world's most popular international secondary education at Harvest Academy Malaysia.

Notes:

1. Harvest Academy Malaysia is located in the heart of Perlis to prepare learners for International GCSE, the common international school syllabus in Malaysia.

2. Harvest Academy Malaysia is the nearest International GCSE destination for learners in Langkawi with boarding facilities available.