Two international schools, Le Bocage International School (LBIS) and Northfields International School, seem to be on the right path with their IGCSE programmes. After reaching 90.4% in 2005 the pass rate for Le Bocage, in 2006, rose to 94.5%, to their satisfaction.

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education and is awarded by the University of Cambridge Board of International Examinations (CIE). The IGCSE is designed as a two-year programme for 14-16 year olds and leads to an internationally recognized certificate equivalent to the British GCSE and the GCE ‘O’ level certificate. However, in recent years, many British schools have switched to IGCSE because of its reputation for more rigorous assessment and the international perspective of many of its subject programmes. Many schools around the world use IGCSE to promote international understanding and as a high quality preparation for pre-university studies such as the International Baccalaureate diploma, or A/AS levels.

The IGCSE is comparable with and equivalent to the School Certificate (SC). However there are some marked differences. One main factor that differentiates them is the amount of coursework students have to do. Indeed, the IGCSE has eight subjects requiring coursework. Teachers and students see the inclusion of coursework as a real plus. It means students are assessed more holistically and fairly than the ‘all your eggs in one basket’ approach of traditional examinations. A continuous approach to assessment takes into account the different rates at which students develop academically and measures a greater variety of skills and knowledge than does a single examination.

“We are an international school and it is important for us to provide our students with the opportunity to measure their performance against the best in the world”, the headmaster of LBIS, David Muddle, comments. “The IGCSE provides us with such a benchmark. It also provides students with the strong foundation of skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to pursue the academically demanding International Baccalaureate diploma program in their senior years.”

Moreover, the IGCSE provides a broad study programme from different fields - Mathematics, Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Sciences and even Vocational. So far, only two schools here offer the IGCSE, namely LBIS and Northfields International School. Le Bocage has been presenting students since 2004 whilst Northfields is now into their second year with the programme.

Nadine Espiegle, IGCSE coordinator at LBIS, thinks it is the ideal exam at this stage of student life. “The student takes 8-9 subjects - therefore his choice remains wide open when he completes his IGCSE. When I was at school I remember I had to specialize already when I was doing my SC. Hence, I specialized in languages. I believe that to equip a child with so many subjects is great for his personal development!”

IGCSE has 3 ways of ranking students’ success, namely: distinction, merit and pass. The balance between coursework and examination allows students to do things in their own time.

With its emphasis on assessment through project-work and exams, IGSE puts less pressure on students and gives them various possibilities for self-development.

Vanessen TIRVASSEN</B>

<B>Four 16-year old le bocage students tell us about their experiences:</B>

Yannick Marie </B>

“What helped me most was the way I had to work during the two years (Forms 4 and 5). For example, we had coursework to do. I worked at a regular rhythm. Hence, I was not so stressed at the eve of the exams. However, teachers also played a great role in my success. They made me feel confident for the exams and I was very comfortable with them. I think the learning environment is really important!

I did not expect such good results. Now I’m looking forward to the future. I have an International Baccalaureate to do. I know the amount of work will not be the same. But now I have experienced a real exam. I will not feel that much pressure! Added to this, my choices for a career are wide open as the IGCSE does not force to student to specialize.”

<B>Karen Ng Cheong Sang</B>

“Usually I am not good at languages, but surprisingly I did very well in the exam. I am extremely happy and thankful to my teachers and my parents who supported me and made me feel confident. From a more personal perspective, I must say I was motivated. I did not expect a distinction. On the eve of the results, everyone told me that I would get it. Compared to the others I do not know what to do in the future. But all I know is that I feel prepared for anything. The IGCSE has opened all doors for me…”

Kelly Vinchy Ku </B>

“English is my first language, but I still managed to get an A in French. It is amazing. I did not really revise. I followed everything in class. I knew I would not fail because I knew I had enough basics and knowledge to go into the exam. So I was confident. What I appreciated from my parents is that they did not put pressure on me. They told me even if I was to get a merit they would be happy. So I was not stressed. I think Bocage also helps in the sense that we are protected from the stress and competition that reigns in most schools in Mauritius. Like Karen, I feel IGCSE has opened doors for me. I am not forced to specialize in a specific field right now. But I am well prepared for the future!”

Nikhil Boolell</B>

“The IGCSE requires a lot of preparation. I still remember before the exams, my class mates and I had to work a lot. When I walked into the exam room I was quite confident for most subjects. But I also got a lot of support from my teachers and my parents. However, I sometimes felt destabilized by the way things were done. There was a subject where there was no teacher for almost one year. This is the kind of thing that pushed students like me to go and take private tuition. At home the atmosphere was very particular as all three children (including me) had exams. My twin sister was doing her SC and my older sister her HSC. In the end, I believe I managed to do well in my exams because I knew how to find the balance between fun and work. In the middle of the year, I am leaving to do my IB in Atlantic College, the best for IB in the world. Having done my IGCSE, I may say that I am ready for the challenge!”

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