The international Cambridge Lower Secondary programme (CLSP) for middle school students, ages 11 to 14 years (Grades 6-8), is popular for strengthening core subject knowledge as well as developing critical skills like problem solving and creativity among students. As an international secondary school curriculum, CLSP prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) as they progress through the programme.
CLSP at GIIS helps students make a strong headway into the Cambridge IGCSE programme (Grades 9-10), which is reflected in our consistent outstanding performance in the board exams over the years.
In 2024, our IGCSE students achieved impressive results, with 100% of students who pursued the Cambridge International Certificate in Education (ICE) successfully securing the certification. Moreover, 80% of our students achieved A* and A grades and 49% students secured A* grades. The average Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM) stood at 86, and 11 students received perfect A* in all the subjects they appeared for. Additionally, in Mathematics, 98% of students obtained A* or A grades without coursework.
Here in this blog, we hear from our students how CLSP paved the way for their IGCSE success. We spoke to two of our SMART Campus students, now GIIS graduates, Angel Maria Siji and Jaidev Balaji, who secured 9A* in all nine (9) subjects they opted for.
1. In what ways did the Cambridge Lower Secondary programme prepare you for IGCSE?
Angel: The transition from CBSE (Indian Central Board) to CLSP in Grade 7 took a while for me but it definitely helped smoothen my way as I progressed to IGCSE. CLSP helped us focus on the fundamental topics and theories, and the various ways they can be applied in real time. The application part of CLSP made transitioning to IGCSE a lot easier as applying theories and fundamentals is a huge part of IGCSE.
Jaidev: I feel the CLSP provides a good segue into the IGCSE and helps you to familiarise yourself with the rudimentary concepts. It provides a strong pathway to the IGCSE syllabus, pushing one to inculcate skills like time management. I think there is no easy way to do it and the only way it works is with hard work.
2. How did you balance academic and non-academic activities?
Angel: I have always been interested in dance and music-related activities. I took Carnatic music and Bharatnatyam classes, and as part of the school’s ECA/ CCA activities, I also attended weekly sessions on classical dance, aerobics and hip-hop. I am also part of the school podcasting club. Juggling all of these activities along with academics can be challenging. I managed all of my extracurriculars by carefully organising my activities, making sure I get the requisite time for my studies. Creating timetables, writing memos, and prioritising work – are some of the ways I managed my time.
Jaidev: As part of the school football and basketball teams, I won various inter-school and nationwide tournaments. I also participated and emerged victorious in Karate competitions. I was a founding member of the Hunger Warriors initiative that has won the GSL International Impact Award twice consecutively and the Sustainability Award. I feel while we need to make time for extracurricular activities along with studies, one should undertake only what you will give your best to.
3. How would you describe your learning journey at GIIS?
Angel: A good learning experience, I feel, is incomplete without the teachers. The teachers in GIIS aren’t just “good enough”, they are one of the most supportive and caring teachers I have ever met – always ensuring each student understands the necessary concepts. They were always available to answer our doubts.
Jaidev: The school promotes critical thinking and supports us with technology, which seeps into the curriculum. The atmosphere in the school is highly conducive for learning and the support structure provided by the school has invariably helped me throughout. I would also like to thank my teachers for their invaluable contributions.
Hear more from our Grade 7 student about her CLSP experience at GIIS.
The knowledge, expertise and skills gained during the IGCSE programme also help students in shaping their mindset for future studies. Especially for an internationally-recognised pre-university programme like the IB Diploma Programme which prepares our students for university and beyond.
If you are keen to know more about the IGCSE programme at GIIS, please feel free to contact our admissions team.
Team GIIS
Team GIIS is a group of enthusiastic writers who bring the vibrant world of GIIS Singapore to life through engaging blog posts. Dedicated to highlighting the school’s teaching methodology, innovative learning environment, and diverse curriculum options like IB, Cambridge and CBSE, they aim to connect with parents, educators and students, sharing insights and stories that inspire and inform the school community.
