The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the most recognised qualifications around the world. Cambridge IGCSE courses are renowned for developing vital educational skills, including recall of knowledge, oral skills, problem solving, initiative, team work and investigative skills. The resulting qualification provides a foundation for higher level courses, such as the International Baccalaureate. IGCSE provides a series of syllabi and assessment programmes to cover the two years of education between the ages of 14 and 16. The examination caters for a wide ability range and has a seven point scale of grades: A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Grade A is awarded for the highest level of achievement; Grade C indicates minimum satisfactory performance expected at BELS. Candidates who perform outstandingly well in a subject are awarded a ‘starred A’ grade (A*).
BELS students have to earn at least “C” in every subject in order to continue in the IB Diploma Programme in grade 11.
Below are the Cambridge IGCSE course offerings at BELS
- First Language – Turkish (0500)
- First Language – English (0500)
- Literature in English (0486)
- Mathematics (0606, 0607)
- Biology (0610)
- Chemistry (0620)
- Physics (0625)
- German (0525)
IGCSE First Language English develops the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. Students learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed. Students are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. IGCSE First Language English also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0486)
The syllabus aims encourage and develop candidates’ ability to: enjoy the experience of reading literature; understand and respond to literary texts in different forms and from different periods and cultures; communicate an informed personal response appropriately and effectively; appreciate different ways in which writers achieve their effects; experience literature’s contribution to aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth; explore the contribution of literature to an understanding of areas of human concern.
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0606, 0607)
Successful Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics candidates gain lifelong skills, including: the further development of mathematical concepts and principles; the extension of mathematical skills and their use in more advanced techniques; an ability to solve problems, present solutions logically and interpret results; a solid foundation for further study.
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610)
In Biology, students acquire a foundation of knowledge and skills appropriate to further study and continued learning. Students develop their understanding of the structure and the function living things, with particular emphasis on health and disease, genetics, interactions of different organisms and environmental issues. Students also learn and are assessed on investigative skills in the context of experimental and analytical work. Students understand the limits of experimental measurement and accuracy.
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)
IGCSE Cambridge Chemistry gives students the scientific skills needed to work confidently in the lab on practical activities. The knowledge and understanding gained provide a strong basis for the IB Chemistry program.
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)
Cambridge IGCSE International Physics course covers a broad physics range of physics and provides a strong basis of both theory and practice. The course is offered at both the core level and the extended level for students who are looking to pursue physics in their further studies with particular relevance to the IB diploma.