The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a globally recognised qualification developed by the University of Cambridge. It emphasises practical application, critical thinking, and a global perspective. IGCSE prepares students for future educational challenges by fostering in-depth subject knowledge, analytical skills, and independent learning, benefiting them for college admissions and beyond.

IGCSE grades range from A* to G, with A* being the highest. Core subjects offer grades up to a C, while extended subjects offer grades from A* to E, allowing students to be assessed at an appropriate level. This grading approach allows students to aim for levels that best match their skills and aspirations.

Assessment for learning (AFL) is an approach to teaching and learning that creates feedback that is then used to improve students' performance. AFL connects teaching and assessment objectives across curriculum frameworks and syllabuses and helps teachers plan to learn for the class and the individual student.

Coursework provides students with a hands-on, in-depth experience in subjects such as Geography, Global Perspectives, Drama, Music, Art and Design, reinforcing their theoretical understanding and practical skills. It forms part of the final grade in subjects where it is applicable, giving students the chance to perform well in non-exam conditions.

We are a Cambridge Candidate school. All of the IGCSE faculty are Cambridge-trained and have Cambridge accreditation for teaching and learning. Our teachers are experts at delivering the international curriculum to students. Additionally, every educator at Shiv Nadar School undergoes 200+ hours of intensive training annually to ensure they provide only superior learning experiences to students.

The Cambridge IGCSE exam culminates with a board exam for which the question papers, required stationery and instruction material are sent to the school by Cambridge, which is set to the same standard worldwide. The exams are conducted in school as per the strict protocol set by Cambridge, and the answer scripts are sealed and sent to Cambridge.

The teachers create all assessments according to IGCSE standards and assess the students according to the subject criteria. To gain an in-depth understanding of assessments, the teachers have gone through the IGCSE Marking workshops led by Cambridge. The teachers collaborate across campuses for assessment design and marking moderation to strengthen our school-based assessments further.

The learner gets about 45 days: 14 days of the Induction Week Program (knowing the subjects), followed by 30 days of forward teaching. and Biology) in class 12 or its equivalent to pursue a course in medicine from any institution in India. Since the NEET/JEE tests are based on the CBSE syllabus, students who intend to take the exams must set aside time for additional preparation.

Cambridge IGCSE is a springboard to IBDP. Their skills in the IGCSE two-year program enable a smooth transition to IBDP. After the 2-year program, Cambridge learners are Confident in working with information and ideas. Responsible for themselves Reflective learners Innovative and equipped for new and future challenges. Engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.

Apart from a diverse range of subject choices and offerings, our robust team of counsellors and subject experts can help you select the right subjects best suited to a learner’s appetite and aspirations. The campus-wise list of subject offerings can be obtained by downloading the brochure.

Cambridge requires students to succeed in 7 subjects, including 2 languages (Group1) and a minimum of one from each of the remaining groups to be able to award the ICE Certificate

• Group 1 - Languages - [ First Language English; The students have to pick one more language from Hindi; French; German; Spanish]
• Group 2 - Humanities - [ Global Perspectives; History; Geography; Economics, Literature in English;
• Group 3 - Sciences - [Physics; Chemistry; Biology; Coordinated Sciences (Double Award); Environmental Management
• Group 4 - Mathematics - [ Extended Mathematics, International Math; Additional Math]
• Group 5 - Creative and Vocational - [ Art & Design; Music; Drama; English Literature; Business Studies, Computer Science]

IGCSE offers Art and Design, Music, and Drama as independent subjects under group 5 for students who are keen to pursue these fields with academic rigour.

Cambridge IGCSE prepares students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. Schools can shape a Cambridge curriculum around how they want their students to learn, helping them discover new abilities and a wider world. Cambridge students develop the skills they need to achieve at school, university and work. Our curriculum is flexible, challenging, inspiring, culturally sensitive, yet international in approach.
We value deep subject knowledge and the conceptual understanding that helps students make links between different aspects of a subject. We also encourage students to develop higher-order thinking skills – problem-solving, critical thinking, independent research, collaboration, and presenting arguments. These are transferable skills that will last a lifetime, preparing students for their future lives. They also make learning enjoyable and rewarding.

After the two-year program, our Cambridge learners are
Confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others; Cambridge students are confident, secure in their knowledge, unwilling to take things for granted and ready to take intellectual risks. They are keen to explore and evaluate ideas and arguments in a structured, critical and analytical way. They can communicate and defend views and opinions as well as respect those of others.
Responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others; Cambridge students take ownership of their learning, set targets and insist on intellectual integrity. They are collaborative and supportive. They understand that their actions have impacts on others and the environment. They appreciate the importance of culture, context and community.
Reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn; Cambridge students understand themselves as learners. They are concerned with the processes and the products of their learning and develop awareness and strategies to be lifelong learners.
Innovative and equipped for new and future challenges, Cambridge students welcome new challenges and meet them resourcefully, creatively and imaginatively. They can apply their knowledge and understanding to solve new and unfamiliar problems. They can adapt flexibly to new situations requiring new ways of thinking.
Engaged intellectually and socially and ready to make a difference, Cambridge students are alive with curiosity, embody a spirit of inquiry and want to dig more deeply. They are keen to learn new skills and are receptive to new ideas. They work well independently and with others. They are equipped to participate constructively in society and the economy– locally, nationally and globally.

Parents can support their children by helping them stay organised, providing emotional support during exam time, encouraging independent study, and maintaining regular communication with teachers to monitor their child’s progress.

IGCSE is recognised by many Indian universities and boards. After completing IGCSE, students can transition to CBSE, CISC, or even pursue the IB Diploma. Many universities in India, especially private ones, welcome students with international qualifications. It is also recognised as a Class X qualification - one of the prerequisites for admission to undergraduate courses in India.

Many students transition from other curricula to the IGCSE. The school provides guidance to help students adapt to the new curriculum.