At Global Indian International School, we strive to provide our students with the foundation that they need to succeed in a global economy. With this in mind, we offer a curriculum that is uniquely designed to set students up for success in both the short and long term. The Cambridge IGCSE programme offered to our students in Grades 9 and 10, is a natural complement to the IBDP — which is available for students in high school.
Some parents are curious about why we offer these two programmes for our secondary school students. These are a few reasons why we believe the IGCSE provides a strong foundation for the IBDP:
The IGCSE is an Internationally-Recognised Curriculum, Similar to the IBDP
Both the IB DP and the IGCSE are internationally-recognised curricula, and are both renowned for their excellence. The IGCSE prepares students to look at all concepts and ideas with a global outlook. In fact, one of the courses in the IGCSE is “Global Perspectives”, which helps students understand the importance of viewing their world through a multicultural, interconnected lens. The IGCSE is also known for encouraging students to look beyond what they know, ask questions, and test their own theories. These skills help students greatly throughout the IBDP, which is known for requiring students to think critically and analytically throughout their coursework.
The Choice of Subjects Available in the IGCSE Sets the Stage of the IBDP Courses
The IGCSE courses are categorised into five subject groups, and students are typically required to take seven subjects. Those subject groups include:
● Languages
● Humanities and Social Sciences
● Natural Sciences
● Mathematics
● Creative and Professional
Within those groups, students can select courses that align with their personal interests and their prospective career goals. These subjects also set the foundation for the courses in the IBDP. The IB Diploma Programme is made up of six subject groups, and students are required to take one course from each group. Students generally take three Standard Level courses and three High Level courses, and the ones that they select will vary based on their personal goals.
The IBDP subject groups are:
● Studies in language and literature.
● Language acquisition.
● Individuals and societies.
● Sciences.
● Mathematics.
● The arts
The IGCSE Focuses on In-Depth Study
The IGCSE is a two-year programme, and students will find that rather than covering a variety of topics at the surface level, they will study specific topics in-depth during their courses. This in-depth study allows them to fully understand the concepts covered and apply it within their own lives. They make lasting connections to the concepts covered and this prepares them for their future studies and careers.
The IBDP requires students to understand how to complete in-depth studies on specific topics successfully and conduct their own research. Students in the IB DP are expected to show initiative and work beyond the confines of the curriculum to expand their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the topic.
Both, IGCSE and IBDP Curriculum, Rely on External Assessments
IGCSE students are required to complete external assessments in Grade 10, which are good practice for the external assessments that conclude the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 12. In the IGCSE, the assessment is designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills that the student has developed throughout the programme. It also helps students learn how to manage their time during an exam and understand the guidelines required to complete a formal written exam. Students in the IGCSE become more comfortable with the idea of external assessments, and they often approach the IB DP exams with more confidence than those who have less experience with external assessments.
The administrators and teachers at GIIS believe that the IGCSE and IB DP provide our students with the rigorous academic curriculum they need while also emphasising the importance of skill development and critical thinking.
IGCSE programme is offered at both the GIIS campuses – SMART Campus and East Coast. For more information on how IGCSE is the best foundation for the IBDP, book a tour today and meet our counsellors.
Deepika Sodhi
Ms. Deepika Sodhi, Principal, GIIS East Coast Campus is a seasoned education leader with over 25 years of teaching experience, including 15+ years in Cambridge and IB programmes, and 10 years in CBSE.
She holds a Master's degree in Physics with a specialisation in Electronics, a Bachelor’s in Education, and an Honours Diploma in Software Management. Her teaching career spans India and Singapore.
Ms. Sodhi's achievements include being GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) qualified and a Gold Medalist in Physics, Lead ISO Auditor, a member of both the International Schools Network and the International Baccalaureate Educator’s Network.
In her past roles at GIIS, she served as Head of Science and Physics, Cambridge IGCSE Coordinator, Cambridge Exam Officer, and IB Examiner.
Ms. Sodhi is passionate about innovation, inclusivity, and student success. In her free time, she enjoys reading and volunteering with the Singapore Red Cross.
