Cambridge IGCSE

The Upper Secondary programme builds on the foundations developed during British Lower Secondary education; however, learners are not required to complete British Lower Secondary before entering this stage. The Cambridge IGCSE qualification is widely accepted by leading universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic ability. The programme is typically designed for learners aged 14 to 16 years, corresponding to Year 1 and Year 2 of IGCSE.

Cambridge Upper Secondary at 21K School

At 21K School, the Upper Secondary programme is offered exclusively through the Cambridge IGCSE pathway. The programme is available to both full-time and part-time learners, providing flexibility while maintaining strong academic rigour.

Learners are required to study a minimum of 5 subjects to qualify for the Cambridge IGCSE. However, the school strongly recommends that learners opt for 7 subjects, as this ensures a balanced subject combination and keeps future academic and career pathways open. Learners can choose from 26 subjects offered by the school, allowing them to personalise their learning journey based on interests, strengths, and aspirations.

While a small number of universities worldwide may consider IGCSE grades as part of their undergraduate entry requirements, most universities primarily consider AS and A Level results for admissions. A broad and well-planned subject combination at the IGCSE stage supports smoother progression to Advanced Levels.

We follow Cambridge University Press course books and workbooks.

For more details on the IGCSE Subjects and Curriculum, please visit https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/cambridge-igcse/

Subject Selection Guidelines

1. As per Cambridge board requirements, English is a mandatory subject at the IGCSE level. Learners may choose English as:
   • First Language English - FLE
   • Second Language English - ESL
   • Additional Language English - EAL

   The choice depends on the learner's academic background and language proficiency.

2. The school strongly recommends learners continue with one additional language Hindi, French, or Spanish, provided the learner has studied the language for at least the last two academic years.
3. At 21K School, Mathematics is viewed as a core skill rather than just a subject. It plays a critical role in developing analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Therefore, Mathematics is strongly recommended and should be taken up to the IGCSE level.
4. For Sciences, learners may choose:
   • Combined Science, which includes elements of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology,

   OR

   • Separate Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as individual subjects).

   Learners cannot combine Combined Science with individual science subjects. Although practical science is a challenge for online schools, we offer an experience of practical work through videos, simulations, encouraging simple experiments at home, etc. Practical work is an essential part of any science education. It helps learners to understand abstract concepts and to develop experimentation skills. We offer a variety of resources and activities, including videos, simulations, and experiments that can be conducted at home safely. These activities allow our learners to gain a deep understanding of practical concepts and to develop the skills they need to be successful in examinations.

   21K School will offer an Alternative to Practical paper at Cambridge IGCSE.

5. There is no mandatory requirement for learners to choose subjects from Science, Humanities, or Commerce streams. Subject selection is based on learner interest, aptitude, and future goals.
6. The school also offers a range of professional and creative subjects, including:
   • ICT
   • Enterprise
   • Statistics
   • Environmental Management (EVM)
   • Travel and Tourism
   • Art & Design*

   Learners are strongly encouraged to choose at least one subject from this group to develop practical, real-world, and career-oriented skills.

   *Please note that Art and Design is not available for private candidates.

7. Computer Science and ICT cannot be taken together, as both subjects assess overlapping skill sets and learning outcomes.

Examination Planning and Academic Calendar

The IGCSE academic year at 21K School begins in April. Learners are prepared and guided to register for the May/June Cambridge Board examination series, aligned with the school's academic calendar and progression planning.

Learning Flexibility

Learners registering for five or more subjects are considered full-time learners and are generally not registered with any other school. Learners enrolled with another school or appearing as private candidates may opt to study one or more Cambridge IGCSE subjects online through 21K School. This flexible approach enables learners to strengthen subject combinations, prepare for Advanced Levels, and tailor learning to their individual academic pathways. The online delivery model allows learners to study at their own pace, access expert facilitators, and benefit from a flexible yet structured learning experience.

Length of study and number of subjects

Learners usually study Cambridge IGCSE over one or two years, though a few study IGCSE over three years. At 21K School, Cambridge IGCSE is spread over two years. We do not offer a one-year accelerated IGCSE Programme. Usually, learners often study eight or nine subjects, and occasionally more, over two years. In others, learners study a reduced number of subjects, typically about five or six, over one year. Reducing the Cambridge Upper Secondary programme to one year directly influences the balance of the curriculum, as the curriculum will be narrower for any learner studying fewer subjects. We recommend that you choose the number of subjects based on your career goals and preferred university's entry requirements. IGCSE qualification is awarded based on individual subjects. Hence, part-time learners will have no difficulty studying a few subjects at 21K School and other subjects pursued through other Cambridge International Schools.