Choosing the subjects for the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Examination) or IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum is an important consideration for all students as it determines the path their futures will take. There are various considerations that students need to make before getting down to choose the subjects for their course of study. These considerations are unique for each student. So, it is entirely up to the students to make wise choices for themselves.
Sticking to the curriculum needs patience, hard work, and discipline. Both IGCSE and IB are rigorous academic programs and require the students to put in a lot of effort. And this is true for each subject that has been chosen by the students for either of the program. A larger focus is on understanding than memorizing especially if the students aim for A levels or IB diplomas.
Both curricula offer a variety of subjects, and each curriculum has its own prerequisites for subject selection.
IGCSE offers up to 70 subjects to its students, including more than 30 languages. Students can take them in any combination. The groups under which the subjects are ordered are
Students have to choose 2 languages, one subject each from groups 2 to 5. The 7th subject can be chosen from any group 2 to 5.
Similarly, GCSE offers around 60 possible subjects and vocational areas. Math English and Science are 3 compulsory subjects. That means students are able to pick from 4 up to 6 from the remaining subjects offered. So basically, students can do up to 9 subjects in their curriculum.
Choosing the best set of subjects for their study path is the most challenging task for students. Let us explore various considerations in choosing the right kind of subjects be it the IGCSE curriculum or the IB curriculum.
The thumb rule in choosing the best set of subjects is to understand and identify the areas of interest. The students can consider their past experiences or determine the desire to explore an area they haven’t studied earlier. They can question themselves to find their passion
The students may take time to figure out their passions, but that is fine as that much time is needed to determine what exactly their interests are, as these interests influence the choosing of the subjects for the IGCSE and IB study path.
The students would have already studied a couple of subjects in the earlier classes and found them interesting and have the zeal to study them further. Then these subjects would be a good choice to make. They are deemed to be the easiest choice because of the students’ eagerness to learn more.
After exploring personal interests, it is vital for the students to check the requirements of the potential career and professions that they are keen on. Google can be used wisely or connecting with the universities that are of interest to know their entry requirements – grades and score and what level of a mandatory subject – can be of great help. This would help the students to check ahead to make sure that they are confident of getting the minimum grade.
Both the IGCSE and the IB curricula encourage to take a second language. And the syllabus offers a wide range of languages to choose from. Students can safely choose their mother tongue. The language varies from student to student, yet it always is the best move to choose something that you are familiar with.
The students avoid that extra opinion from their teachers or tutors, as they usually shy away and they do not want to look silly or clueless. But getting that help definitely goes the extra mile in the subject-choosing task. The teachers are aware of the student’s learning styles and capabilities, strengths and limitations, and can guide the students accordingly. In addition, the teachers are also aware of the IGCSE and IB curricula subjects and can clearly gauge the student’s potential to perform in the subjects they choose. Thus, the teachers are the best source of inspiration and guide the students well in choosing the right subjects.
The students tend to give in to peer pressure or influencers-parents, friends, and relatives. Even though this route is easier, it tends to bring in grief and a lot of regrets in the later stages. This is because the students are the ones taking the subjects and sitting for the examinations. What works for one student does not always work the same for another.
The underlying aspect of choosing the right set of subjects is to know one’s strengths. If the student is strong in Mathematics, then there are plenty of other subjects to consider – Physics, Economics, and Accounting. Else if his strength lies in language, he can consider choosing English Literature or History. Thus, trying to relate the subjects in the right way can make the task of choosing the apt subjects easier. This of course is possible if the student is aware of these strengths.
In short, students should consider their interests, degree of proficiency, and the field of work they want to pursue when choosing the subjects. By choosing the appropriate set of subjects, students are choosing the ones that will help them reach their goals.
Manya – The Princeton Review offers end-to-end study abroad services encompassing admissions consulting services, test preparation, English language training, career assessment, and international internship opportunities to study abroad aspirants. Founded in 2002, Manya holds an impeccable track record of enabling more than 4 lac students to accomplish their study abroad dreams through its network of 47+ centers across India.
Manya has formed long-lasting global alliances with several market leaders in the education industry in order to maximize the benefits of its large service portfolio. Their list of esteemed partners and affiliations includes – The Princeton Review (TPR), Cambridge University Press (CUP), Cogito Hub, British Council, and Tuding to name a few. Manya has also forged 600+ partnerships with international universities across top study-abroad destinations.
Book your Free Counselling Session now!A student who wishes to pursue an academic career should follow these tips: decide according to your taste and preferences. Some students like to opt for those subjects which have less essay writing or vice-versa.
IGCSE offers the best foundation for Diploma programs. IB candidates who do not get 7’s perform as well as top students from the national curriculum. Therefore, the IGCSE syllabus is the best.
Studies in language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and societies, sciences, Mathematics, and the arts are the 6 IB subjects.
A student must decide on 6 mandatory subjects. And three subjects each for the higher level, & standard level respectively.
English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Languages, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts. Thus are the 6 best IGCSE subjects.
Religious studies, Media studies, Hospitality, Business studies, Drama, Physical Education, etc. are the easiest subjects in IGCSE.
Tips for IBDP-TOK and a Sample Essay
