Upper Secondary Cambridge IGCSE

Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16-year-olds, although it can be taken by learners of other ages. It is tried, tested and trusted.Learners can choose from 27 subjects in any combination – it is taught by over 4800 schools in over 150 countries.

We may add or remove subjects from our programme offering due to changes by Cambridge International and learner interest.

Learners studying with another school or as private candidates may opt to study one or more subjects online through 21K School. This broadens opportunities for learners to demonstrate their learning, particularly for university undergraduate programmes. A more comprehensive choice of subjects at the IGCSE level will help learners select the right combination of Advanced Level subjects. By taking advantage of this option, learners will be able to obtain the necessary academic qualifications while still being able to attend classes at their regular school. Additionally, this will provide an opportunity for those unable to sit for the IGCSE examinations due to illness or other reasons.

The ability to study selected IGCSE subjects online also opens up opportunities for retaking examinations if a Learner needs to improve their score to meet University admission requirements. In addition, it allows Learners to complete their courses earlier than the traditional school calendar if they are ahead in their learning. All these reasons make 21K School an attractive option for learners who want more control over their educational destiny.

Important Note:

1. A minimum cohort of 10 learners is required to offer a subject. If enrolment falls below this number, learners may be asked to opt for an alternative subject
2. Learners may be advised to change subjects within the first term of Year 1 based on academic performance and the recommendation of the Principal.
3. Examination series availability (March, June, November) is subject to Cambridge International schedules, and not all subjects are offered in every series.
4. 21K School enrols learners at AS Level, with the option to extend subjects to A Level in Year 2.
5. The school follows Cambridge University Press and Cambridge-endorsed coursebooks for all subjects.
6. Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel are pen-and-paper based examination boards. All board examinations are conducted offline at a physical examination centre. Learners are required to appear for examinations in person and cannot take board examinations online.
7. Examination centres are available globally. Learners may register at approved examination centres across the world, either through the school (if the school is a registered centre) or as private candidates at authorised centres.
8. Board registration and examination fees are mandatory and payable to the examination centre. A board registration fee is applicable at the time of registering for board examinations and must be paid directly to the centre where the learner registers. Examination fees are determined by the board and are subject to revision every year.
9. School fees and board fees are separate. The school fee is payable to the school for academic facilitation, teaching, and learning support. Board registration and examination fees are not included in the school fee and must be paid separately to the examination centre.
10. Board examinations are conducted at key academic stages:
    • Cambridge IGCSE: Board examinations are taken at the end of Year 2 of the IGCSE programme.
    • Cambridge International AS Level: Examinations are typically taken after one year of study.
    • Cambridge International A Level: Examinations are taken at the end of the full A Level programme, either through staged or linear assessment pathways, as applicable.
11. Textbooks and learning resources are not provided by the school. The school will share the recommended book list aligned with Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel specifications. Learners/parents are responsible for purchasing the required textbooks, either in physical or digital format, from authorised sellers. The school does not provide soft copies or hard copies of textbooks.

We follow Cambridge University Press coursebooks and workbooks for core subjects.

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

1. Choose 5–7 subjects for IGCSE and 3–6 subjects for AS & A Levels.
2. English is mandatory at IGCSE (First, Second, or Additional Language).
3. Mathematics is strongly recommended. If opting out, email the Principal.
4. ICT and Computer Science cannot be taken together — choose one.
5. Combined Science cannot be taken with individual sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
6. At IGCSE, we follow the Alternative to Practical option. At AS Level, practical work is mandatory for Science subjects.
7. English Language (9093) and English General Paper (8021) cannot be opted together.
8. English Language and English General Paper are qualifications offered only up to AS Level.
9. Both subjects are taught and registered for the board examination at the A Level stage only.
10. Learners may be asked to change subjects within the first term of Year 1 based on performance and the Principal’s recommendation.
11. Art & Design is not available for private candidates.
12. AS Level Cambridge Science subjects require practical training, which learners must arrange at a nearby Cambridge physical school. There are no practicals in Pearson Edexcel in AS & A Level.

The essence of the IGCSE program at 21K School is to develop lifelong learners while making the journey a joyful experience. Our IGCSE program facilitators follow an inquiry-based approach and engage young learners with relevant, challenging and productive teaching and learning approaches.

Our Facilitators employ a variety of teaching strategies in the classroom. This will typically include carefully-designed individual learning activities, group work and whole-class instruction. The critical element is the quality of learner engagement and the opportunities provided for feedback between the learner and facilitator to guide the next learning steps. Whole class instruction is a highly effective instructional approach as it includes discussion and learners have the opportunity to respond and contribute. We expect all learners to come prepared to the class for active learning.

Our Facilitators apply assessment practices using an AI-based personalised learning platform that regularly informs them whether learners are reaching their objectives. These personalised assessments also allow learners to understand where they are on their learning journey and how they can improve.

Each academic year is divided into two terms, during which learner understanding is assessed through formative and summative assessments. The two years of the IGCSE program at our school strengthen the foundation for our learners to develop their conceptual understanding, critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills. This, in turn, prepares them to smoothly transition into A Levels, IB Diploma or other pre-university programs and sustain their love for learning.

21K School offers learners a variety of experiences to develop their skills and build on their socio-emotional experiences. The Habits of Mind (HOM) embedded into the 21K Academic Practices is a tested, proven curriculum for creating strong learners and educators. Habits of Mind are the attitudes and dispositions that help learners become better thinkers and problem solvers who know what to do when the answers are not immediately apparent. Learners who demonstrate the attributes habitually and skillfully employ a broad range of cognitive and socio-emotional skills (including personality qualities such as resilience, self-motivation and self-regulation) towards effectively managing their performance.

Beyond the regular classes and activities, full-time learners also participate in inter-house activities, Lit-Fest, Shark Tank, Mathalon, Social Fest, MUN, Master Classes, Community & Service, Internships, Debates, Yoga, Mindfulness, Stress management, Time Management, Goal Setting and more.

Fields Trips and Excursions allow full-time learners to engage with other children across cities and countries.

Agentic learner, Resilient thinker, Critical and creative problem solver, Effective communicator, Collaborative global citizen, Ethical and empathetic individual, Life long learner

Field trips

Field trips provide learners with different ways of viewing the world, communicating with it, successfully introducing new questions and issues of daily life, and finding answers to generate knowledge. In the end, inquiry-based learning teaches the learners a greater understanding of the world they work, communicate, learn, and live. At 21K, field trips also allow learners to socialise and meet peers outside their online classes.

Annual Excursions

At 21K, the annual excursion is primarily an opportunity to consolidate the bond between learners and facilitators. The trip usually provides our learners with experiences outside their daily activities, such as camping with teachers and classmates. Our past experiences have been insightful. We have planned for visits to locations that provide ample opportunities to facilitate learning through engaging activities while consolidating the bond with the community.

Assessment takes place at the end of the course and may include written, oral, coursework and/or ‘alternative to practical’ assessment. There is a choice between core and extended curricula in many subjects, making Cambridge IGCSE suitable for a wide range of abilities. Grades are benchmarked using eight internationally recognised grades, A* to G, which have clear guidelines to explain the standard of achievement for each grade.

Cambridge IGCSE examination sessions are conducted thrice a year, in March (for learners in India only), June and November. Results are issued in May, August and January, respectively. All examinations are pen and paper-based at any of the Associate Centres of Cambridge. Learners are advised to check for the availability of the nearest Associate Centre before enrolling with 21K School. These Associate Centres are Cambridge Schools accepting private candidates, and the list can be checked online here https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/find-a-cambridge-school/.

Cambridge provides time-zone variation of papers for its IGCSEs. This ensures that learners who sit examinations before others cannot compromise the security of the examinations while examinations are timetabled at reasonable local times. To check your Zone, please click here.

All UK GCSEs from 2019 will be graded 9-1, whereas IGCSEs are offered as A*-G. Cambridge IGCSE is also available, graded 9–1 in certain subjects and administrative zones – grade 7 is aligned to grade A, and grade 4 is aligned to grade C.

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.

Our vision is to create a joyful learning environment which includes an experiential learning mode which is interactive, inspiring, and stress-free that induces true love for learning and instils in one self-responsibility and commitment towards life. This dream comes to life through the actions of our dynamic team of facilitators who work effortlessly and selflessly. Due to the vibrancy and creativity of our teaching pool, we can put life into teaching-learning sessions.

Facilitators concentrate on the learning process and encourage collaboration and self-learning. The approach stimulates discussions, asks questions to get the group thinking, and enables peer-to-peer communication. They help learners identify different ways of learning that work for them, take responsibility for their learning, and contribute to group sessions.

The Crew, at 21K, are hired based on their qualification, training, and expertise. They comprise members who believe in the vision and mission of the school and have the experience to add value to the organisation. They are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. Our Facilitators

• have mastery of their subject area.
• Teach for understanding as well as coverage.
• Connect learning to the real-world
• Constantly challenge learner thinking.
• Have a learning rather than a performance orientation.
• Concerned with the holistic development of the learner.
• they understand how to use assessment to support learner learning.
• Use a variety of different teaching strategies and activities.
• Are reflective and creative practitioners.
• Are collaborative and supportive.
• Use different technology tools for personalised learning and assessment.

The prerequisite for a job at 21K School is the qualification and a minimum of two years teaching in an international board. The experience ranges between 5 -10 years at the leadership level. While most of the facilitators work full-time with 21K School, there may be a few subject experts who teach part-time. Regular guest lectures and workshops from professionals are also part of the academic delivery of content.

Crew members receive in-house training at various levels throughout the year. Apart from in-house training, they attend training conducted by Cambridge International. The facilitators receive much exposure to webinars, podcasts and conferences conducted online globally. Global trends are shared through blogs, vlogs and resource persons who share their experiences with our team. A select team enrols in various certification programs as part of professional development. All Facilitators are trained in aspects of child safety, cyber security and cultural sensitivity.

Leadership

The leadership at 21K School aims to transform the school’s vision into reality. The leadership works tirelessly to build an organised and effective system through meticulous attention to detail, realistic target-setting and precise scheduling.

The Heads of School, Principals, and Coordinators who form the leadership team are qualified, trained, and experienced individuals in Cambridge International and other international boards.

The Head - Training, Research & Development and Publications looks into the training requirement of the School and updates the leadership for participation.

Learner Support

The importance of technical support services in 21K School heightens as the world embraces digital innovations. The Technical crew is a strong team comprising specialists in various technological aspects required in an online set-up. Through the help of technical support staff, schools can have a more streamlined and systematic connection — making learning easier and fun.

Learner Success Team liaises between the parents and academic, technical and admissions crew. They are the point of contact to set up meetings and resolve queries within a turnaround time of 24 hours.

Learners would get access to our web-based Learning Platform, and Parents have access to Mobile Apps on Android and iOS. Through the Learning Platform, learners can access the following resources:

• E-Library with over 2 million titles
• Virtual Science Lab
• Personalised Learning Platform
• Assessment Platform
• Learner Dashboard, Reports and Analytics
• Digital Content & learning resources (only when the learning kit is purchased from 21K School)