Choosing IGCSE Option Subjects

In Years 7-9 students at the British International School Ukraine study a curriculum in line with the English National Curriculum Key Stage 3 which in Years 10-11 is followed by the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. It consists of compulsory core subjects and option subjects and gives students one of the biggest opportunities to really take ownership of their education as they will need to chose the subjects they will learn.

On Monday 20 November, parents of Year 9 students at Nivki Secondary School were invited to attend an evening looking at the options process. The Head of School Mrs. Pauline Westwood explained the importance of the core subjects and then teachers and parents explored the various option choices.

At our school the compulsory subjects in the IGCSE curriculum are English language, English literature, Mathematics, Information and Communication technologies, Science and a Modern foreign language. The final list of option subjects will be finalised by the end of the term and later in the year students will make their final subject choices. At the end of Year 11 students will sit IGCSE exams and receive certificates for each subject. These certificates, alongside the IB Diploma Program certificates that can be received after successful completion of the program at the end of Year 13, are the key factor that universities worldwide look at when considering school graduates applications to enter universities. So it is very important to make a wise choice of option courses for the Years 10-11 curriculum.

Most universities require a minimum of 5 IGCSEs. Many will be looking for applicants with breadth as well as depth in their choice of subjects. If a student has a particular university course in mind it is essential to check whether specific IGCSEs are required or would be an advantage.

When choosing option subjects it is important to seek advice from subject teachers, Form Tutors and Head of school. Online research of different universities requirements and option choice recommendations would also be very helpful.

“It is vital that every child gets the advice and guidance they need and all pupils in year 9 will meet with me for careers advice, before taking this big step in their educational journey,” says Mrs. Pauline Westwood.