FAQ
  • What is IGCSE?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the most recognized qualifications around the world. IGCSE courses are renowned for inculcating and developing vital life skills, including educational skills, problem solving, initiative, team work and investigative skills. The resulting qualification provides a strong foundation for higher level courses, such as A and AS Levels, the Advanced International Certificate of Education, the North American Advanced Placement Program and the International Baccalaureate.

The IGCSE curriculum caters to different levels of ability, with a choice between core and extended papers in many subjects. The core curriculum is based on a more general overview of a subject, and is suitable for students expected to achieve grades C to G. The extended curriculum is more challenging, and is designed for students who are expected to achieve grades A* to C. Grades achieved through either route have the same value.

IGCSE offers a flexible course of study which provides them with broad knowledge based and lifelong skills, while also giving them the freedom to choose subjects that they prefer.

  • Where is IGCSE accepted and recognized?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the most recognized qualifications around the world. IGCSE's English as a Second Language (ELS) program, with a good grade (i.e: C or above), is accepted for entry as evidence of adequate competence in the English language by almost all universities in the UK, and also by many in the United States of America, Canada and Australia.

  • Who can take IGCSE?

IGCSE is designed to be taught as a two year course of study for students aged 14 to 17 years. In some countries IGCSE courses last one year and there are no formal age regulations.

Most subjects offer a choice between core and extended curricula, making IGCSE suitable for a wide range of abilities. Students have the flexibility to study at the level that they find most appropriate for themselves, and this need not be the same across all the subjects they choose.

  • How is IGCSE taught?

Our students are encouraged to study a wide range of subjects at IGCSE level at the same time. In order to follow a broad and balanced curriculum, many students take courses from each of the IGCSE groups (see subjects listed on following page), particularly if they are aiming to go on to further education. This could lead to the awarding of the International Certificate of Education, an additional qualification that recognizes students who successfully complete exams in seven or more subjects, which includes two languages and one subject from each of the other groups. However it is also possible to study a more varied choice of IGCSE subjects.

The syllabus is set by Cambridge, but the exact way it is taught will depend on individual schools or colleges.

While courses differ for each subject, a variety of consistent assessment methods are followed for evaluation, including coursework, practical exercises, oral and listening tests, projects, and written examinations.

  • Examination Information

IGCSE courses usually take two years to complete, and exams are taken at the end of that period.

Examinations are held in June and November each year, with results issued in August and February respectively. Students must enrol for IGCSE through a registered CIE Centre.

  • What is 'A' level?

GCE 'A' level (General Certificate of Education - Advanced Level) is a 2 year program after standard X or IGCSE. It is conducted by Prudence Local Examination Syndicate, University of Cambridge, UK.

The CGE 'A' level is one of the most recognized qualifications around the world, and students completing the 'A' level enjoy a wide range of opportunities and options available to them within India and abroad.

The 'A' level from Prudence also provides credit / direct admission to nearly all reputed Universities in the world. The 'A' level is also considered a desirable criterion for employment by many organizations.

  • Advantages of completing 'A' Level

The International 'A' level is a "gold standard" qualification. It has exactly the same value in admitting students to Universities as the U.K. equivalent and is accepted as an entry level qualification by Universities worldwide.

It offers flexibility of going abroad to the desired college and studying further in India as well.

  • What are the Subjects Offered?

Compulsory:
English Language (AS)

Science stream 
Engineering: Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry & English Language (AS)
Medical: Physics, Biology, Chemistry & English Language (AS)

Commerce stream 

Any three (3) subjects can be chosen out of the following subjects.

  • Business Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Economics
  • Computing
  • Accounting
  • How is the ‘A’ Level a superior alternative to the HSC exams?

‘A’ Level V/s HSC

‘A’ Level

HSC

Three core subjects

Six core subjects

International exposure

Only local exposure

Global recognition

Board not at par with international qualifications

Credit / direct admission to almost all International Universities

No direct admission to International Universities

Strong grounding in career oriented subjects

Subjects generally irrelevant to future career

Analytical and methodical approach to teaching, initiative encouraged

Theoretical approach to learning

Knowledge based education

Memory based education

Option of staying in India or going abroad for further education

No option for international education

  • What are the facilities available at Prudence International School & Junior college?

The list is endless. But to name a few,

  • Highly qualified faculty
  • Air-conditioned classrooms
  • Semi 5 star residential campus
  • In-house computer lab with high speed internet access
  • Well-equipped library
  • State of the Art Science labs
  • Music Room
  • Seminar hall
  • Indoor games
  • Sports Activities-Cricket
  • Football
  • Tennis
  • Skating
  • Air Conditioned Accommodation
  • Swimming Pool
  • Laundry Service
  • Nutrition Certified Food
  • Restaurant / Cafeteria
  • Safety Generator
  • Modern Classrooms
  • Music (Dance Hall)
  • Computer Centre
  • Counselling Service
  • Dispensary
  • Travel Desk
  • Air Conditioned School Buses
  • Fully equipped maintenance / housekeeping department
  • a General Stores and Stationary Shop
  • Amphitheatre and Movie Theatre
  • Domestic & International Education trips
  • Family & Friends Recreational Day
  • Music and Dance Clubs
  • Aerobics
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Nature Club
  • Science Club
  • Book Club
  • Personality Development
  • Educational Tours (India and Abroad), etc…
  • Can a student appear for Medical and Engineering Entrance Examinations like- PMT, IITJEE, PET or CET after passing ‘A’ level examination?

YES.

The ‘A’ level examination is equivalent to the std XII examination and is recognized by the board in India. Hence, the students can appear for any of the competitive examinations after passing the ‘A’ level examination.

  • Does Mumbai or any other Indian University Accept Courses from CIE?

YES. According to the Association of Indian Universities (ALU) the minimum eligibility requirement for admission to a Bachelor degree program in Indian Universities is 5 (five) passes at IGCSE* with a grade of A, B and C, and a minimum of 2 (two) passes at the GCE Advanced* level examination of the British examining bodies. This is equivalent to +2 stage qualification in Indian Universities.

Therefore, appearing for 3 subjects at the Advanced level will make you eligible for admission to the First Year class of a 3 year degree course like B.A, B.Com. B.Sc., and also a 4 year B.E. course in Indian Universities.

(*Separate information is provided for CIE, IGCSE and A level)

  • What is CIE?

Cambridge International Examination (CIE) is part of the world-renowned University of Cambridge, U.K. It is among the world's leading providers for international qualifications and assessments.

CIE has been offering International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and General Certificate of Education - Advanced level (GCE- 'A' level) qualifications for over 50 years.

CIE conducts examination twice a year (i.e. in June and November). The structure and content of a CIE syllabus is such that it does not put too much stress on students, yet successfully draws out the best from within them.

  • Why Prudence?

As correctly said, globalization and modernization are a fact of life which are to be met heads on with challenge and capacity.

Countries worldwide now seek to modernize teaching methods in order to maximize their students' potential at the cutting edge of the international workplace. The demand is to compete at an international level.

Employers require well-rounded individuals with the versatility and flair demanded to meet new challenges head-on with creativity and consistency. Therefore, teaching methodology and learning need to be thoroughly developed and revised.

Cambridge International Examination leads the way worldwide in raising educational standards with the introduction of their IGCSE and "A" level study program.

Cambridge International Academy has structured its teaching methods with planning and precision to align with Cambridge requirements at a global level.

Quality assurance is provided with ongoing teacher training workshops and regular evaluation and support systems.

"Cambridge qualifications are taken in more than 128 countries each year with students from many different backgrounds, cultures and countries setting them on the path for further study and employment, having achieved an internationally valued qualification recognized by universities, education providers and employers worldwide…"

Cambridge International Academy aims to be a world leader in offering students and parents the very best of modern education.

(*Read complete article on Why Prudence? here)