UK Qualifications
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International GCSE support with board-accurate marking.
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About IGCSE
The IGCSE (International GCSE) is the world's most widely taken international qualification for 14–16 year olds, offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge IGCSE) and Pearson Edexcel (Edexcel International GCSE). It is recognised for university entry and progression to A Level, IB Diploma or AP by universities globally, including the entire UK Russell Group, Ivy League and top Australian and Canadian universities. IGCSEs differ from UK GCSEs in that they are graded either A*–G or 9–1 depending on the specification, and many subjects retain a coursework or oral component that the reformed English GCSEs dropped. Jarvis AI supports IGCSE students in over 70 subjects across both Cambridge and Edexcel with syllabus-accurate tutoring, past-paper practice from 2015 onwards, and mark-scheme-driven feedback.
Subjects & topics covered
Mathematics
- Number
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Statistics & probability
- Sets & functions
Additional Mathematics
- Functions
- Quadratic functions
- Indices & surds
- Coordinate geometry
- Trigonometry
- Differentiation & integration
Physics
- Mechanics & motion
- Electricity & circuits
- Waves & optics
- Thermal physics
- Fields (gravitational, electric, magnetic)
- Nuclear & particle physics
- Practical skills & data analysis
Chemistry
- Atomic structure & bonding
- Amount of substance & stoichiometry
- Energetics & thermodynamics
- Kinetics & equilibria
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic & periodicity
- Analytical techniques
Biology
- Cell biology
- Biological molecules
- Genetics & inheritance
- Evolution & ecology
- Human physiology
- Plants & photosynthesis
- Practical skills
English (First Language)
- Reading comprehension
- Directed writing
- Composition
- Summary writing
English (Second Language)
- Reading & writing
- Listening
- Speaking (oral endorsement)
Economics
- Basic economic problem
- Allocation of resources
- Microeconomic decision-makers
- Government & the macroeconomy
- Economic development
- International trade
Everything you need to prepare for IGCSE
AI Tutor
Step-by-step, curriculum-aware explanations for every topic.
Past Papers
Authentic past papers with board-accurate solutions.
Mock Exams
Timed, exam-style mocks that mirror the real thing.
Mark Schemes
Marking that follows the official command words and rubric.
Study Planner
Personalised revision schedule counting down to your exam.
Flashcards
Smart spaced-repetition flashcards for every subject.
Exam structure
Cambridge IGCSE has 2–3 papers per subject with a mix of multiple-choice, structured and extended-response questions. Papers are tiered as Core (grades C–G / 4–1) and Extended (A*–E / 9–3) for maths and sciences. Coursework (0.5–20%) is offered as an alternative to a paper in some subjects. Edexcel IGCSE is fully linear and typically has 1–2 papers of 1h 30m to 2h 30m each.
Grading & scoring
IGCSEs are graded either A*–G (with a U) or 9–1 depending on the specification and board. A* is the highest under the letter grading system and 9 under the numeric system. Grade boundaries are set annually and published by both boards.
Exam strategy & time management
- 1Read the command word first — 'state', 'explain', 'evaluate' and 'discuss' each demand a different depth.
- 2Use ~1 minute per mark as a pacing baseline and mark questions to return to rather than stalling.
- 3Show every step in maths and physics — mark schemes award method (M1/M2) marks even when the final answer is wrong.
- 4Quote data, dates or equations directly from the question to trigger 'application' marking points.
- 5Leave 5–10 minutes at the end to check units, significant figures and unanswered parts.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Ignoring the command word and writing a generic answer.
- ✕Losing marks by omitting units, direction or significant-figure rounding.
- ✕Confusing 'describe' (what happens) with 'explain' (why it happens).
- ✕Skipping working in calculation questions and losing method marks.
- ✕Running out of time on 6-mark extended questions at the end of the paper.
IGCSE FAQ
Cambridge or Edexcel IGCSE — which is harder?
Both are equally recognised. Cambridge tends to have longer, more descriptive questions; Edexcel is closer in style to UK GCSE. Jarvis supports both with board-specific past papers.
Are IGCSEs accepted by UK universities?
Yes — every UK university accepts IGCSEs as equivalent to GCSEs for admission.
Do IGCSEs have coursework?
Cambridge offers coursework as an alternative to a paper in several subjects (like English, Art and PE). Edexcel IGCSEs are almost entirely exam-based.
What's the difference between Core and Extended?
Core papers cap at grade C/4 while Extended papers reach A*/9. Most Jarvis students on higher-tier target the Extended tier.
Does Jarvis support IGCSE past papers?
Yes — Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE past papers from 2015 onwards, with mark schemes and examiner reports.
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