Demystifying IGCSE Extended vs. Core Curriculum

Students often need clarification when choosing between the core and extended curriculum. The correct choice decides the future progress of a student. To get the proper idea of how to understand extended and core curriculum options, you need to delve deep down and collect information about both these courses. In this article, IB Elite Tutor provides information to demystify the difference between the extended and core curriculum options.

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What is IGCSE?

IGCSE is an educational platform globally recognised and run by Cambridge International Examination. It works as a link between the foundational stage of learning and the higher level (A-Level). IGCSE is widely accepted by famous universities worldwide.

Difference between the IGCSE Extended Vs Core curriculum

IGCSE offers students the choice of different pathways based on their caliber and interest. These two courses are extended curriculum and core curriculum. Students often feel confused while choosing any one of these. Here, our IGCSE Tutors want to clear up all your doubts and give you a clear view of both these courses. Let us IGCSE Extended Vs Core curriculums.

Extended Curriculum :

  • The extended IGCSE curriculum offers a rigorous and comprehensive syllabus covering a wider range of topics, requiring a deeper understanding.
  • Extended curriculum is suitable for those students who are excellent in a subject and can undertake challenges more responsibly.
  • The IGCSE extended curriculum motivates students to analyze their skills and abilities and prepares them for a higher level of study in a particular subject.
  • The IGCSE extended curriculum is more difficult than the core curriculum. It contains more complex questions that require depth of knowledge and application-based knowledge.
igcse extended vs core

Core Curriculum :

  • IGCSE core curriculum focuses on the essential topics necessary for a fundamental understanding of the subject.
  • IGCSE core curriculum is prepared for students with different learning abilities and styles.
  • Core curriculum examination has questions typically prepared to check students’ knowledge and understanding.
  • Students learn critical concepts with little attention to deep learning with extensive details.

Things to Remember While Deciding Between Extended and Core Curriculum

1. Check academic strength and interests

  • Students must check their proficiency and how much they are ready to face the challenges.
  • An extended curriculum demands a deep commitment to study and a good command of time management. Reflect on your study habits. If you are excellent in a particular subject and want to make it your career, you should opt for an extended curriculum.
  • You can also seek guidance from your teachers and academic advisors, who can help you to make the right decisions.

2. Consider your Future career:

  • If you plan to study A-Level in a famous university, you should opt for an extended curriculum because it will provide you with a stronger foundation for getting admission to A-Level.
  • If you have great aspirations for your career, for example, if you want to pursue the career of an engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics and physics, so you should opt for an extended curriculum.

3. Workload and Stress Level:

  • IGCSE extended course demands a heavy workload of multiple subjects, which might increase your stress level.
  • Sometimes, balancing academic workload and personal well-being can be challenging. It would help if you chose the level according to your caliber.

4. Grading system:

  • You should be aware of different grading scales. The core curriculum has a grading system from P to G, while the extended curriculum grades from A to E. It would help if you chose an extended curriculum to get the highest grade in a particular subject.
  • Students are well aware of their strengths and weaknesses. If you want to achieve the highest grade in a particular subject, you prefer an extended curriculum.

5. Availability of resources and support

  • The extended curriculum requires comprehensive resources, so you should have sufficient study material and resources if you choose an extended curriculum.
  • There should be a sound support system to guide you throughout the journey of the extended IGCSE curriculum. You should arrange good tutors and study groups where you can get appropriate information and guidance.
Trial and feedback:
  • You can also get help from past year’s question papers. You can download core and extended-level papers and get an idea about the difficulty level. You can also get feedback from your seniors or mentors.
  • Personal confidence and motivation: Check your interest and confidence level. Match it with the level of your curriculum. If you are able to handle all the challenges and difficulties of an extended curriculum, it could be more beneficial for you.
  • Reasonable confidence and motivation can help you succeed in the extended curriculum.
Conclusion:

Choosing the right IGCSE curriculum option will determine your academic journey and future opportunities. It would help if you were very careful while making this decision. Evaluate your weaknesses and strengths. Give preference to your interests and seek guidance from your mentors.