ᐅ IGCSE Programme in Switzerland, Montreux ᐅ St George's

Our IGCSE Programme in Montreux, Switzerland

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a high-profile qualification provided by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board (CIE), the largest provider of international qualifications for 14- to 19-year-olds.

At St. George’s International School, Montreux, learners take IGCSEs in years 10 and 11, having followed the Cambridge curriculum in junior and middle school. Recognised by schools, universities and institutes around the world, Cambridge IGCSE courses are designed to allow pupils to obtain high-quality academic and personal skills. They develop pupils’ confidence and a sense of responsibility while encouraging reflection, innovation and engagement.

Benefits of Studying IGCSEs

A globally recognised Cambridge pathway, the IGCSE opens doors to unlimited opportunities. The curriculum, aimed at learners aged 14 to 16, leverages 25+ years of world-class curricular planning and research and is the single most popular international qualification for this age group. Learners who take the IGCSE Cambridge courses develop key academic and personal competencies, such as critical thinking and creative problem-solving, paving the way to success at the next academic level. International recognition of the IGCSE gives learners the chance to pursue overseas study at top-ranked universities, as well as succeeding in any industry.

The IGCSE curriculum is broad yet balanced, providing students with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to excel in later school years. Having clear outcomes and content ensures IGCSEs are compatible with other curriculums, such as the International Baccalaureate. This, and a responsiveness to local contexts, means that IGCSE Cambridge courses are adaptive and highly effective at fostering future leaders and change-makers.

Why Choose St. George's to Study the IGCSE?

Our IGCSE Cambridge curriculum provides an excellent foundation for a range of higher-level courses, including the IB Diploma, for which St. George’s results are among the best in Switzerland.

We encourage learners to pursue their ambitions, offering a challenging, wide-ranging IGCSE syllabus over two years. The curriculum is flexible, and pupils are guided to choose all the best subjects to enable a smooth transition to IB.

Learning enrichment is prioritised. Pupils embark on stimulating extracurriculars spanning arts, elite team and solo sports, and more; thus, the IGCSE Cambridge pathway is one of academic and personal growth, curiosity and innovation.

We also provide comprehensive university counselling services to help IGCSE students plan their academic and future career paths. This personalised approach ensures that each student is well-prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.

IGCSE Cambridge Curriculum

The curriculum at the IGCSE level is both broad and well-balanced, fostering key study skills, knowledge and expertise in preparation for the next academic stage. Learners take several IGCSE courses in a range of subject areas simultaneously, based on their interests and goals for future study. Each course typically takes two years to complete, with exams scheduled at the end of the program. In addition to tailoring their learning, this approach offers a robust foundation for pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Years 12-13.

IGCSE Subjects

Our IGCSE Cambridge pathway offers a wealth of subjects for learners with varying needs and interests, including pupils whose first language is not English. Our pupils follow a broad, balanced IGCSE programme that cultivates their knowledge, skills and understanding in the following: subject content; applying knowledge and understanding to familiar and new situations; intellectual enquiry; flexibility and responsiveness to change; working and communicating in English; and cultural awareness.

IGCSE subjects are divided into groups:

Group 1: Languages
Group 2: Humanities and Social Sciences
Group 3: Sciences
Group 4: International Mathematics
Group 5: Creative, Technical and Vocational

IGCSE Teachers

Our IGCSE teachers are committed to delivering the best international education, leveraging top credentials and a wealth of experience. As Cambridge educators, they also benefit from up-to-date, relevant resources, including training tools and specialist advice, to elevate learning and deliver outstanding outcomes. The dedication and expertise of our teachers are key factors in our legacy of academic excellence: in each of the IGCSE courses, our staff offer personalised learning provision to inspire, challenge and motivate learners, as well as fostering a love of learning.

IGCSE Examinations

Most assessments take place at the end of the course through a combination of practical exercises, oral and listening tests, and written examinations. IGCSE pupils are expected to achieve at least a C in all subject areas. Subjects are graded A* through to G, with A* being the highest.

Learn More About the IGCSE

What are the grades required at IGCSE in order to qualify for the IB Diploma?

Pupils who successfully achieve 5 C Grades at IGCSE are eligible to progress to our IB Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme requires pupils to select subjects from similar IGCSE subject groups. Therefore, the topics chosen for the IBDP should ideally be related to pupils’ previous studies. Pupils’ IGCSE results for their proposed IB Higher Level (HL) subjects, should be of grade B or above in those areas.

When is the IGCSE assessed?

IGCSE examinations are taken by pupils in Year 11 (US Grade 10). Exams are held in school in May and June each year, with results issued in August.

How is the IGCSE useful?

Learners who take the IGCSE gain crucial study skills, which help prepare them for future academic achievement. Recognised globally as a well-established Cambridge curriculum, the IGCSE is a gateway to further study both in Switzerland and overseas. Assessments for the IGCSE are equivalent to the UK GCSE and Cambridge International GCE O-Level examinations.

Learn how an excellent IGCSE programme, offered in our cutting-edge Montreux campus, prepares students to succeed both at school and in life beyond.

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