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ExploreCambridge IGCSE courses are renowned for developing vital learning skills. They also enhance oral/listening, problem solving and investigative skills, and encourage students to take initiative while also working as part of a team.
Cambridge IGCSE caters to different levels of ability along with a choice between core and extended (advanced level) papers in many subjects. Though the topics covered in core and extended papers are the same, the level of difficulty varies, and the extended curriculum is more challenging.
The Cambridge IGCSE ‘O’ levels are equivalent to the Class 10 board examinations taken in India. The ‘AS/A’ levels are equivalent to the Class 11 and 12 board examinations.
The Cambridge approach helps develop learners who are equipped for success in our fast-changing, modern world because they are
The IGCSE syllabus discourages learning by rote (where students are expected to memorize everything written in the textbook and then write that in their examinations). Unlike many other syllabi available, IGCSE does not focus only on information. Rather, it focuses on making students think for themselves and find ways to use that information, how to apply it in the real world. The focus moves away from facts, figures and trivia to real-world scenarios.
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Innisfree House School is one of the first few schools in South Bangalore to offer the IGCSE curriculum of learning. We were certified to offer the IGCSE stream by Cambridge International Examinations in 2012.
We are proud to say that our founder, Mrs. Sheela Bolar, has been very closely involved with CAIE officials on various matters concerning the IGCSE curriculum being introduced and promoted in India. As such, she is deeply aware of how the IGCSE system works.
IHS has held numerous student and teacher exchange programmes with schools in the UK and continues to do so. We have also worked closely with the British Council on various programmes they have organised and conducted for students from the UK in India.
We have invested significantly in our teachers – more than 50% of our teaching staff has been with us for over five years. Further, the teachers handling the IGCSE stream have been trained and certified by CAIE itself to teach its curriculum. This has given them a thorough understanding of the CAIE programme and all that it entails.
Unlike several other schools, the fees for our IGCSE stream are not significantly higher than for the ICSE stream. We have always believed in providing quality education to impart our school’s core values – integrity, honesty, and sincerity – to our students instead of merely preparing them to be successful at examinations.
While IGCSE offers a total of 70 subjects in a variety of combinations, most schools offer a set of subjects that best cater to the requirements of their students and comply with IGCSE’s basic minimum requirements. Students need to appear for a minimum of seven subjects from across five groups (languages, science, mathematics, creative & vocational and humanities). At Innisfree House School, students opting for the IGCSE examinations appear for all the following subjects:
We believe these subjects create a solid foundation in the sciences, mathematics, humanities and real-world requirements. In addition, the combination of subjects provided students the base they need should they wish to appear for the ISC/CBSE Class 12/PUC examinations.
Rajath on outperforming thousands of candidates worldwide in the IGCSE Cambridge Examinations (Mathematics) to become a world topper.
The Cambridge IGCSE syllabus is recognized all over the world. It works best for a self-driven child who prefers active learning, i.e., learning by doing (versus passive listening or watching). It moves away from rote learning and seeks to develop an enquiry-based approach through concept-based (not content-based) learning.
This trans-disciplinary approach encourages experiential thinking. Self-assessment and peer assessment empower students to become self-reliant global citizens. A child with a questioning mind, who likes to think out of the box would benefit immensely from this syllabus.
The IGCSE syllabus discourages learning by rote (where students are expected to memorize everything written in the textbook and then write that in their examinations). Unlike many other syllabi available, IGCSE does not focus only on information. Rather, it focuses on making students think for themselves and find ways to use that information, how to apply it in the real world. The focus moves away from facts, figures and trivia to real-world scenarios.
Yes, the IGCSE is a qualification that is recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Examinations are held in June, November and March each year, with the results issued in August, February and May, respectively. From 2015 onwards, the University of Cambridge has decided to hold examinations for Indian students in March.
At Innisfree House School, examinations are currently held in November and March.
Yes, students can return to CBSE/ISC/State PUC syllabus after doing IGCSE for Class 10.
Our first batch of 15 students wrote their first set of IG examinations in May 2014. We are happy to say that close to 90% of the results comprised A*, A, or B grades.
While IGCSE offers a total of 70 subjects in a variety of combinations, most schools offer a set of subjects that best cater to the requirements of their students and comply with IGCSE’s basic minimum requirements. Students need to appear for a minimum of seven subjects from across five groups (languages, science, mathematics, creative & vocational and humanities). At Innisfree House School, students opting for the IGCSE examinations appear for all the following subjects:
As of now, we don’t offer any foreign languages.
We believe these subjects create a solid foundation in the sciences, mathematics, humanities and real-world requirements. In addition, the combination of subjects provides students the base they need should they wish to appear for the ISC/CBSE Class 12/PUC examinations.
Yes, they do. Innisfree House School has invested in training and certifying some of our finest teachers in teaching the IGCSE syllabus.
CAIE allows students the option of choosing to study each subject as a core or an extended course. The students will be tested on the same concepts in both the papers, but the level of difficulty differs. We, at Innisfree House School, however, only offer the extended syllabus in all papers.
There will be no practical exams conducted, but there will be an “Alternative to Practicals” paper which is a theory paper based on the practical classes conducted in the lab.
The Hindi paper does not offer the core/extended choice; instead, it incorporates a mandatory listening skills component.
Students take a total of 20 papers covering 8 subjects – the pattern is outlined below:
| Subject | Syllabus Code | Component |
| English as a First Language | 0500 | 12 and 22 |
| Paper 1 – Reading Paper 2 – Directed writing and composition |
||
| Hindi as a Second Language | 0549 | 12 and 22 |
| Paper 1 – Reading and writing Paper 2 – Listening |
||
| Mathematics | 0580 | 42 and 22 |
| Paper 2 – Short answer questions – Extended Paper 4 – Structured questions – Extended |
||
| Physics | 0625 | 22, 42 and 62 |
| Paper 1 – Multiple Choice Paper 3 – Theory Paper -extended Paper 6 – Alternative to Practicals |
||
| Chemistry | 0620 | 22, 42 and 62 |
| Paper 1 – Multiple Choice Paper 3 – Theory Paper -extended Paper 6 – Alternative to Practicals |
||
| Biology | 0610 | 22, 42 and 62 |
| Paper 1 – Multiple Choice Paper 3 – Theory Paper -extended Paper 6 – Alternative to Practicals |
||
| Economics | 0455 | 12 and 22 |
| Paper 1 – Multiple Choice Paper 2 – Structured |
||
| ICT | 0417 | 12, 21 and 32 |
| Paper 1 – Written Paper 2 – Practical Paper 3 – Practical |
Yes, students have the option to reappear for any subject if they are dissatisfied with their performance. In the event that they have failed a subject, they will not receive an IGCSE certificate until they clear it at the next sitting. Because of the registration dates specified by CAIE, students can reappear for papers only at certain times of year.
Students may pay the full exam fees per paper for which they are reappearing as applicable during that year. The fees and syllabus are liable to change from year to year.
No, the exam fees can be paid in Indian rupees, either in cash or via DD, or via online transfer to the school account.
At this time, we do not allow a student to move back to the ICSE syllabus once s/he has moved to the IGCSE. However, we do allow prospective IG students to sit in on IG classes before making the decision to switch to IGCSE.
IGCSE focuses on the functional use of language. Poems, stories and essays are only used as a medium to teach the language. The student is not tested on the content of the lesson. Rather, the exams, including written and the listening skills, test a student’s ability to successfully use a language in real life – understanding something that is explained orally, asking the right questions, having sufficient knowledge of the vocabulary, etc. so that the student becomes fluent in actually using the language. The focus is entirely on practice and use, instead of theory.
IGCSE does offer English Literature as a subject; however, we currently do not offer it at Innisfree House School as we believe it is more useful for students to be fluent in their chosen languages (English and Hindi).
It will not affect extra-curricular activities in any way. The entire school follows the same pattern of extra-curricular activities, including sports.
Students receive their percentage marks along with their grades; the IGCSE school-certificate is the same as any other school leaving certificate issued by other boards and is accepted by all colleges.
Yes, there are a lot of resources available online for students to become familiar with the types of question papers (written, multiple choice, listening skills) and practice.
The holiday calendar is the same for IGCSE students as the rest of the school.
Students will be able to continue with the IGCSE course and go on to complete their AS and A levels, or switch to other programs and boards, including IB, ISC, PUC, and CBSE.
This is a myth. Students can opt to continue with IGCSE A levels (the equivalent of Class 12) at Innisfree House School itself or opt for the International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus offered by several schools in Bangalore and across India. They can return to CBSE/ISC/State PUC schools and colleges.
Yes, your child will be eligible to take competitive examinations such as the CET, IIT-JEE or any other, if s/he wishes to do so. IGCSE provides a rating band for each grade, based on which his/her scores can be converted to marks, as required by most colleges.
IGCSE allows the use of scientific calculators in class for specific topics and where specific formulae are used; the paper pattern takes into account that students must do basic math calculations mentally. If they choose to do everything off the calculator, they may lose time and not be able to finish their examination on time. If the use of calculators is truly a concern, we encourage you to limit the use of the scientific calculator at home when the student is doing Maths. Rest assured, students who have done the IGCSE have gone on to build successful careers in Maths and Science.
That was indeed the case with our earliest batches because, as explained earlier, the IGCSE syllabus focuses on equipping a student with specific capabilities and knowledge that s/he can apply in real life.
Simpler topics are studied in the earlier classes and the more complex ones as they progress through the four years. The simpler topics comprise the fundamentals – for example, the periodic table of elements in Chemistry is something learnt in middle school but applied through high school, college and even doctoral studies if the person is specialising in any aspect of Chemistry or a related branch of science. The later, more complex topics build upon these fundamentals and teach the students how to apply these fundamentals to a variety of scenarios.
We are, however, reviewing this option and will provide an update to parents.
Yes, we do arrange for differentiated training for students having trouble coping in a particular subject.
We do not recommend tuitions for this syllabus as it is not the type of curriculum that can be taught or improved through tuitions.
The Cambridge IGCSE syllabus is recognized all over the world. It works best for a self-driven child who prefers active learning, i.e., learning by doing (versus passive listening or watching). It moves away from rote learning and seeks to develop an enquiry-based approach through concept-based (not content-based) learning.
This trans-disciplinary approach encourages experiential thinking. Self-assessment and peer assessment empower students to become self-reliant global citizens. A child with a questioning mind, who likes to think out of the box would benefit immensely from this syllabus.
The IGCSE syllabus discourages learning by rote (where students are expected to memorize everything written in the textbook and then write that in their examinations). Unlike many other syllabi available, IGCSE does not focus only on information. Rather, it focuses on making students think for themselves and find ways to use that information, how to apply it in the real world. The focus moves away from facts, figures and trivia to real-world scenarios.
Yes, the IGCSE is a qualification that is recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Examinations are held in June, November and March each year, with the results issued in August, February and May, respectively. From 2015 onwards, the University of Cambridge has decided to hold examinations for Indian students in March.
At Innisfree House School, examinations are currently held in November and March.
Yes, students can return to CBSE/ISC/State PUC syllabus after doing IGCSE for Class 10.
Our first batch of 15 students wrote their first set of IG examinations in May 2014. We are happy to say that close to 90% of the results comprised A*, A, or B grades.
While IGCSE offers a total of 70 subjects in a variety of combinations, most schools offer a set of subjects that best cater to the requirements of their students and comply with IGCSE’s basic minimum requirements. Students need to appear for a minimum of seven subjects from across five groups (languages, science, mathematics, creative & vocational and humanities). At Innisfree House School, students opting for the IGCSE examinations appear for all the following subjects:
As of now, we don’t offer any foreign languages.
We believe these subjects create a solid foundation in the sciences, mathematics, humanities and real-world requirements. In addition, the combination of subjects provides students the base they need should they wish to appear for the ISC/CBSE Class 12/PUC examinations.
Yes, they do. Innisfree House School has invested in training and certifying some of our finest teachers in teaching the IGCSE syllabus.
CAIE allows students the option of choosing to study each subject as a core or an extended course. The students will be tested on the same concepts in both the papers, but the level of difficulty differs. We, at Innisfree House School, however, only offer the extended syllabus in all papers.
There will be no practical exams conducted, but there will be an “Alternative to Practicals” paper which is a theory paper based on the practical classes conducted in the lab.
The Hindi paper does not offer the core/extended choice; instead, it incorporates a mandatory listening skills component.
Students take a total of 20 papers covering 8 subjects – the pattern is outlined below:
| Subject | Syllabus Code | Component |
| English as a First Language | 0500 | 12 and 22 |
| Paper 1 – Reading Paper 2 – Directed writing and composition |
||
| Hindi as a Second Language | 0549 | 12 and 22 |
| Paper 1 – Reading and writing Paper 2 – Listening |
||
| Mathematics | 0580 | 42 and 22 |
| Paper 2 – Short answer questions – Extended Paper 4 – Structured questions – Extended |
||
| Physics | 0625 | 22, 42 and 62 |
| Paper 1 – Multiple Choice Paper 3 – Theory Paper -extended Paper 6 – Alternative to Practicals |
||
| Chemistry | 0620 | 22, 42 and 62 |
| Paper 1 – Multiple Choice Paper 3 – Theory Paper -extended Paper 6 – Alternative to Practicals |
||
| Biology | 0610 | 22, 42 and 62 |
| Paper 1 – Multiple Choice Paper 3 – Theory Paper -extended Paper 6 – Alternative to Practicals |
||
| Economics | 0455 | 12 and 22 |
| Paper 1 – Multiple Choice Paper 2 – Structured |
||
| ICT | 0417 | 12, 21 and 32 |
| Paper 1 – Written Paper 2 – Practical Paper 3 – Practical |
Yes, students have the option to reappear for any subject if they are dissatisfied with their performance. In the event that they have failed a subject, they will not receive an IGCSE certificate until they clear it at the next sitting. Because of the registration dates specified by CAIE, students can reappear for papers only at certain times of year.
Students may pay the full exam fees per paper for which they are reappearing as applicable during that year. The fees and syllabus are liable to change from year to year.
No, the exam fees can be paid in Indian rupees, either in cash or via DD, or via online transfer to the school account.
At this time, we do not allow a student to move back to the ICSE syllabus once s/he has moved to the IGCSE. However, we do allow prospective IG students to sit in on IG classes before making the decision to switch to IGCSE.
IGCSE focuses on the functional use of language. Poems, stories and essays are only used as a medium to teach the language. The student is not tested on the content of the lesson. Rather, the exams, including written and the listening skills, test a student’s ability to successfully use a language in real life – understanding something that is explained orally, asking the right questions, having sufficient knowledge of the vocabulary, etc. so that the student becomes fluent in actually using the language. The focus is entirely on practice and use, instead of theory.
IGCSE does offer English Literature as a subject; however, we currently do not offer it at Innisfree House School as we believe it is more useful for students to be fluent in their chosen languages (English and Hindi).
It will not affect extra-curricular activities in any way. The entire school follows the same pattern of extra-curricular activities, including sports.
Students receive their percentage marks along with their grades; the IGCSE school-certificate is the same as any other school leaving certificate issued by other boards and is accepted by all colleges.
Yes, there are a lot of resources available online for students to become familiar with the types of question papers (written, multiple choice, listening skills) and practice.
The holiday calendar is the same for IGCSE students as the rest of the school.
Students will be able to continue with the IGCSE course and go on to complete their AS and A levels, or switch to other programs and boards, including IB, ISC, PUC, and CBSE.
This is a myth. Students can opt to continue with IGCSE A levels (the equivalent of Class 12) at Innisfree House School itself or opt for the International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus offered by several schools in Bangalore and across India. They can return to CBSE/ISC/State PUC schools and colleges.
Yes, your child will be eligible to take competitive examinations such as the CET, IIT-JEE or any other, if s/he wishes to do so. IGCSE provides a rating band for each grade, based on which his/her scores can be converted to marks, as required by most colleges.
IGCSE allows the use of scientific calculators in class for specific topics and where specific formulae are used; the paper pattern takes into account that students must do basic math calculations mentally. If they choose to do everything off the calculator, they may lose time and not be able to finish their examination on time. If the use of calculators is truly a concern, we encourage you to limit the use of the scientific calculator at home when the student is doing Maths. Rest assured, students who have done the IGCSE have gone on to build successful careers in Maths and Science.
That was indeed the case with our earliest batches because, as explained earlier, the IGCSE syllabus focuses on equipping a student with specific capabilities and knowledge that s/he can apply in real life.
Simpler topics are studied in the earlier classes and the more complex ones as they progress through the four years. The simpler topics comprise the fundamentals – for example, the periodic table of elements in Chemistry is something learnt in middle school but applied through high school, college and even doctoral studies if the person is specialising in any aspect of Chemistry or a related branch of science. The later, more complex topics build upon these fundamentals and teach the students how to apply these fundamentals to a variety of scenarios.
We are, however, reviewing this option and will provide an update to parents.
Yes, we do arrange for differentiated training for students having trouble coping in a particular subject.
We do not recommend tuitions for this syllabus as it is not the type of curriculum that can be taught or improved through tuitions.
