How Many IGCSE Subjects are Required in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide

In Saudi Arabia, students must complete several IGCSE subjects to progress to higher education. The IGCSE is a popular international qualification for students aged 14-16. 

The number of IGCSE subjects required in Saudi Arabia can vary depending on the individual’s goals and the school they attend. Generally, students must complete between 5 and 8 subjects, with a minimum accepted grade of C. 

Some schools may require students to complete one or more A-level subjects besides their IGCSEs. Students must check with their school or educational institution to determine the specific requirements for their chosen study path.

Understanding IGCSE in Saudi Arabia

IGCSE is a globally recognized curriculum for preparing students for International Baccalaureate, A Level, and BTEC Level 3. In Saudi Arabia, IGCSE is a popular choice among international, private, and British international students.

Cambridge International is the primary provider of IGCSE in Saudi Arabia. The curriculum offered by Cambridge International is designed to provide students with a broad and balanced education, which helps them develop the skills and knowledge needed for further studies and employment.

The IGCSE curriculum in Saudi Arabia covers various subjects, including Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, and Languages. Students must take a minimum of five IGCSE subjects, including English and Mathematics, to be eligible for higher studies.

The British Council is the leading examination board for IGCSE in Saudi Arabia. Students can register for IGCSE exams through the British Council website. The examination fees for IGCSE exams vary based on the number of subjects and the examination center.

In Saudi Arabia, IGCSE is recognized by leading universities, further education institutions, and employers worldwide as evidence of academic achievement and as an ‘international passport’ to progression and success.

Subject Requirements for IGCSE

In Saudi Arabia, students must take a minimum of seven IGCSE subjects, including two languages, one science subject, one mathematics subject, and three other subjects of their choice.

English Language is one of the compulsory subjects, and students can choose either English as a First Language or English as a Second Language. The science subject can be Physics, Chemistry, or Biology, and Mathematics can be Mathematics or Additional Mathematics.

Apart from these compulsory subjects, students can choose from a wide range of subjects, including Arts, Humanities, Computer Science, Drama, Geography, History, Sociology, Commerce, and Psychology. Students can study a foreign language, such as French or German, as one of their three optional subjects.

It is important to note that Arabic is also a compulsory subject in Saudi Arabia, and students can choose to take either Arabic as a First Language or Arabic as a Second Language.

IGCSE offers a choice between core and extended curricula across various subjects, catering to different abilities. It employs eight globally recognized grades, A* to G, with explicit criteria outlining the achievement level for each grade.

Role of Parents in IGCSE Selection

Choosing suitable IGCSE subjects is a critical decision for students, and parents play a crucial role in helping their children make informed decisions. 

Parents can provide valuable support and guidance to their children in selecting the proper subjects that align with their interests, strengths, and career aspirations.

For expat parents, it is essential to understand the Saudi Arabian education system and the requirements for higher education. They can seek advice from school counselors, teachers, or other parents to understand the IGCSE curriculum’s relevance to their child’s future education.

Parents should encourage their children to explore different subjects and consider their strengths and interests before deciding. They can also help their children to research other careers and the subjects required for them, which can help them make an informed decision.

Parents must provide emotional support to their children during this decision-making process. They should avoid imposing their preferences on their children and instead encourage them to decide based on their interests and strengths.

Understanding the IGCSE Curriculum Content

The IGCSE curriculum builds a solid foundation across diverse subjects, enabling students to explore various fields in higher studies. 

With a wide range of over 70 subjects, including 30 languages, students can select their preferred subjects, promoting motivation and the pursuit of personal interests.

The IGCSE curriculum is structured around the following key areas:

Subject content: The IGCSE curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, from core subjects like mathematics, English, and science, to humanities subjects like history and geography and creative subjects like art and music. The curriculum is designed to give students a deep understanding of each subject and the skills and knowledge needed to apply that understanding in real-world situations.

Applying acquired knowledge and comprehension to familiar and novel scenarios: The IGCSE curriculum fosters critical thinking and problem-solving. It prompts students to apply knowledge to new situations, equipping them for success in higher studies and careers.

Intellectual enquiry: The IGCSE curriculum fosters in-depth subject comprehension and cultivates critical and independent thinking. Students are prompted to inquire, innovate, and shape their viewpoints.

In Saudi Arabia, students typically take between 6 and 10 IGCSE subjects, depending on their degree program and stream. The IGCSE curriculum is widely recognized in Saudi Arabia, and many universities accept IGCSE qualifications as part of their admissions criteria.

IGCSE Assessment and Results

In Saudi Arabia, students take the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams to complete their secondary education. 

IGCSE assessment occurs at the course end and involves written oral, coursework, and practical evaluation. Graded A* to G, A* is the top score.

The IGCSE exams are internationally recognized and provide a foundation for further education, such as A-levels or Advanced Placement courses. To be eligible for A-levels, students must pass at least five IGCSE subjects, including English and Mathematics.

After each examination series, the Cambridge Assessment 

International Education analyzes the results and records various statistics. Saudi Arabia’s IGCSE results statistics are consistent with global trends, with most students receiving grades between A* and C.

Cambridge International Education also offers the Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education) qualification, which recognizes students who pass examinations in at least seven IGCSE subjects from five different curriculum areas, including two other languages. This qualification allows schools to offer a broad and balanced curriculum.

Teacher Support and Resources for IGCSE

Cambridge IGCSE offers a wide range of teaching support and resource materials for each subject. Teachers in Saudi Arabia can access these resources to help them plan and deliver the IGCSE program effectively.

Teaching Materials

Cambridge IGCSE provides a wealth of teaching and learning materials that suit different teaching methods and international contexts. These materials include:

• Teaching schemes of work and lesson plans
• Textbooks and publisher resources
• Example candidate responses (standards booklets)

Resource Plus

Cambridge International offers Resource Plus, a platform that provides high-quality teaching resources for IGCSE. Teachers can access these resources to deliver online learning for their students, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 outbreak.

Teacher Support

Cambridge IGCSE provides teacher support to help teachers prepare for their teaching and assessment roles. Teachers can access support materials, such as training courses, webinars, and workshops, to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Cambridge Schools Conference

Cambridge Schools Conference is an annual event that brings together teachers, school leaders, and education experts worldwide to share best practices, insights, and experiences. The conference offers a platform for teachers to learn and network with their peers and experts in the education field.

IGCSE and Future Career Prospects

IGCSE qualifications are internationally recognized and demonstrate academic achievement. They are an excellent foundation for future studies and career prospects. In Saudi Arabia, students must take a minimum of 5 IGCSE subjects, including English and Mathematics, to be eligible for higher education.

Saudi Arabian universities accept IGCSE qualifications as proof of academic success, giving students an advantage for university applications, especially in fields like medicine and engineering.

Moreover, IGCSE qualifications are recognized by leading universities, further education institutions, and employers worldwide. This recognition gives students an ‘international passport’ to progression and success.

The University of Cambridge, which offers the IGCSE program, is one of the most prestigious universities globally and is highly regarded by employers. 

Students who have completed IGCSE subjects from the University of Cambridge have a significant advantage when applying for jobs in the international market.

Cost of IGCSE in Saudi Arabia

IGCSE exams are an essential part of the educational journey of students in Saudi Arabia. However, the cost of these exams can vary depending on the subjects a student takes. 

The Cambridge Assessment International Education board sets the fees for IGCSE exams which are subject to change each year.

The fees for IGCSE exams in Saudi Arabia typically range from SAR 500 to SAR 1,500 per subject. The exact fee for each subject can be found on the Cambridge Assessment International Education website.

It is worth noting that these fees do not include any additional costs, such as exam center fees or administrative charges.

Private candidates who wish to take IGCSE exams in Saudi Arabia must register with the British Council. The registration process for private candidates is straightforward, and the British Council also sets the fees for registering. 

The cost of registering for IGCSE exams as a private candidate in Saudi Arabia is typically around SAR 1,500 per subject.

It is important to note that some schools in Saudi Arabia may offer IGCSE exams as part of their curriculum. In such cases, the cost of IGCSE exams may be included in the school’s tuition fees. However, it is recommended that students confirm this with their respective schools.

Choosing Between IGCSE and Other International Programs

Students and parents can choose from various options when selecting an international secondary education program in Saudi Arabia. 

A popular choice is the Cambridge IGCSE provided by Cambridge Assessment International Education.

However, other international programs, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, are also available. Students and parents should consider each program’s benefits and drawbacks before deciding.

The IGCSE program is renowned for its flexible subject choices, accommodating 5 to 14 subjects based on student’s interests and future goals. It caters to diverse abilities and includes routes for non-native English speakers.

On the other hand, the IB program is known for its rigor and emphasis on critical thinking and international-mindedness. The program requires students to take six subjects, including a second language, and complete an extended essay and a theory of knowledge course. 

The IB program is also recognized by universities worldwide and may give students an advantage when applying for higher education.

Ultimately, the choice between IGCSE and other international programs depends on the individual student’s needs and goals. When deciding, students should consider their strengths and weaknesses, future career aspirations, and preferred learning styles.

Language of Instruction in IGCSE

In Saudi Arabia, the language of instruction for IGCSE subjects is mainly English. However, Arabic is also used as the language of instruction for some subjects, especially those related to Islamic studies.

Since English isn’t the first language for many students in Saudi Arabia, schools offer English as a second language (ESL) courses to enhance their language abilities. These courses focus on improving reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English.

IGCSE subjects are taught in English to prepare students for higher education in English-speaking countries. English language proficiency is essential for students who want to pursue higher education abroad. Therefore, schools in Saudi Arabia focus on developing students’ English language skills from an early age.

Arabic is also an essential language in Saudi Arabia and a compulsory subject in the IGCSE curriculum. Students are required to study Arabic as a first language or a second language. Arabic is also used as the language of instruction for Islamic studies, a mandatory subject in the IGCSE curriculum.

Importance of Student Interest in IGCSE

Selecting appropriate IGCSE subjects is vital for a student’s achievement. Saudi Arabia mandates passing at least seven Cambridge IGCSE subjects across various domains, encompassing two additional languages. However, it’s equally important for students to opt for subjects aligned with their passions and future ambitions.

Opting for subjects that resonate with students enhances their engagement and learning motivation, leading to improved academic performance and career prospects. Hence, students should prioritize their interests and strengths when choosing IGCSE subjects.

Furthermore, subject selection based on interest fosters a sense of purpose and orientation. Students who delve into subjects they love tend to gain profound insights, potentially fueling their pursuit of further studies in related fields. This trajectory can pave the way for a gratifying career and personal advancement.

Additionally, interest-driven subject selection equips students to conquer challenges and setbacks. When tackling difficulties in a beloved subject, students display greater perseverance and an inclination to seek assistance. This nurtures their problem-solving abilities and resilience, invaluable attributes in any domain.