Everything you need to know about IGCSE

Hey parents and students, if you are reading this blog post then chances are that as a parent you have enrolled/want to enrol your child into an IGCSE school and you would like to understand the curriculum, or as a student, you want to find out what is different about this curriculum and what advantages it gives to you. Well, in this post we are going to delve into all you need to know about IGCSE.

What is IGCSE?

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is the international equivalent of the General Certificate of Secondary Education that is used by schools in the United Kingdom. This international qualification was adapted by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) in 1985 for students studying outside the UK. It is now a popular international qualification for students aged 14-16.

Almost all the private schools in Botswana offer the IGCSE curriculum. IGCSE offers over 70 subjects, and the syllabus has both international and local elements. Each school offers its own selection of subjects according to the demand for the subject. There has been no school in Botswana that is able to offer all 70 of them, however, each school offers at least 15-20 subjects that students can pick from.

Gaborone International School offers 16 subjects that are offered in specific combinations. A student can only pick 8 subjects out of these 16.

The 16 IGCSE subjects offered at GIS are:

· Mathematics,

· English,

· Biology,

· ICT,

· Computer Science,

· History,

· Physics,

· Business Studies,

· Chemistry,

· Accounting,

· Travel and Tourism,

· Setswana,

· French,

· Literature,

· Geography, and

· Economics.

Schools normally have subjects that are compulsory like Math, English and Biology and the rest can be selected freely. These compulsory subjects give students basic skills that underpin courses that will be taken at the tertiary level. The IGCSE assessment is conducted at the end of the course. Assessments include written oral, coursework, and practical assessment. This way, students are given the chance to exhibit their learning abilities.

Difference Between Core and Extension Curriculum

There is an option between Core and Extension curriculum papers in various subjects to allow students with different learning abilities to pursue a challenging subject. The Core curriculum is within the range of abilities of most students as it provides a comprehensive overview of the subject and is intended for students with grades ranging from C to G.

The Extended curriculum is intended for students who are more academically capable than the vast majority. The grades of these students range from A* to E. Under the guidance of the subject teacher, students choose between core and extended. The IGCSE examinations are held thrice a year in February/March, May/June and October/November. Students sit for examinations in international schools or at private examination centres.

Most schools opt to write exams in October, and this gives students enough time to prepare but exams can be written in February or May depending on the school’s ability. The results for exams written in February are released in May, those written in May are released in August that year and results for exams written in October are released in January the following year. Each subject is graded from A* to G, with A* being the highest grade, however the highest grade for Core curriculum papers is a C.

There are many reasons why your child should study IGCSE.

· Firstly, The IGCSE curriculum is designed to give students a strong foundation in the core subjects essential for higher education and beyond. Rather than simply focusing on theoretical knowledge, the IGCSE curriculum encourages students to think critically, solve problems, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This approach helps students develop a range of skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.

· Secondly, IGCSE is widely recognized as a high-quality qualification that universities and employers around the world accept. This makes it an ideal choice for students who are planning to study abroad or who are interested in pursuing an international career.

· Lastly, IGCSE offers flexibility and choice. The IGCSE curriculum has many subject options that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests and strengths. This makes it ideal for students looking for personalized learning and tailored education.

In a nutshell, the IGCSE curriculum is globally recognized and a great choice for students who are looking to study abroad after IGCSE. Tertiary education as well as colleges overseas mostly accept IGCSE qualifications. That’s it, all you need to know about IGCSE.

GIS is a great choice for students who are interested in an IGCSE school. The school offers a wide range of subjects and has a strong reputation for academic excellence. For more information on why you should choose GIS.

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Ai In Education: Supporting Teachers, Not Replacing Them

June 27, 2025

It is undeniable that AI in education, even though still in relative infancy, has a multiplier effect on student outcomes. An overview of the substantial impact of individualised learning on student performance over the past few years, combined with an insight into daily advances in real life, has the potential to raise concern about the role of human educators in classrooms. Are teachers becoming obsolete? Not quite. While it is true that AI’s role is growing by the day, it is in fact not replacing teachers, but rather changing the role of teachers, an education expert says. “We have, over the past 3 years, seen a 20% improvement in student performance, with AI and individualised learning having become the order of the day,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools. AI in education isn’t a case of students having access to ChatGPT – it is a vastly more considered strategy leveraging proprietary tools and platforms. ADvTECH’s ADvLEARN Intelligent Tutoring System is a prime example, utilising AI to craft individualised learning paths that allow students to advance at their own speed. This system empowers data-guided instruction while fostering independent learning across various subjects. “Adaptive learning technologies leverage data-driven analysis to personalise educational content, pacing, and assessments based on each student's unique needs. These solutions, which include intelligent tutoring systems and learning management platforms, enable educators to tailor instruction efficiently without increasing their workload, when integrated effectively,” says Hugo. “For students, this creates a customised, engaging, and encouraging experience, whether they’re building core skills or exploring complex topics. For educators, it delivers real-time insights to refine teaching approaches, ensuring all students achieve progress.” AI systems are fast moving in the direction of students being able to learn completely independently, which then raises the question – what about the teachers? Will in-person schools still be a thing? Or will future learning consist of young people working alone, in front of their screens? “Adopting best international practices in AI implementation is critical to staying at the forefront of educational excellence. However, the narrative around AI in education must be clear: AI is a powerful tool to support, not replace, teachers,” says Hugo. “The human element in teaching, in particular empathy, creativity, and mentorship, remains irreplaceable, and AI’s role is to enhance these supportive opportunities, ensuring teachers remain central to the learning experience, while time-consuming repetitive tasks become the domain of AI.” The integration of AI into education really is a best-case scenario, allowing overworked teachers to get back to their unique strengths, Hugo says. WHY TEACHERS WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE While AI excels at processing data and delivering personalised content, it lacks the human qualities that ensures an exceptional, holistic education. In the age of AI, the role of teachers will remain important in the following areas: Emotional connection and empathy - Learning is deeply human, driven by relationships. Teachers understand students’ emotional needs, motivate them through challenges, and celebrate their successes. No algorithm can replicate the encouragement of a teacher who notices a student’s potential or the trust built through years of mentorship. Fostering creativity and critical thinking - AI can provide information, but teachers guide students to question, innovate, and think critically. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, skills like ethical reasoning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, nurtured by teachers, are essential. Curricula, like the IEB, IB and Cambridge systems, emphasize these skills, and ADvTECH’s commitment to global standards positions its teachers as key drivers of this development. Cultural and contextual nuance - South Africa’s diverse educational landscape requires teachers who understand local contexts, languages, and cultural dynamics. Teachers bridge the gap between AI and real-life context, ensuring learning is relevant and inclusive. “The fear that AI will replace teachers stems from a misunderstanding of its purpose, combined with the stunning realisation of its ability to improve student outcomes. But AI is not a substitute for human connection. Rather, it is a catalyst for unlocking teacher potential. It empowers teachers to do what they do best: inspire, guide, and transform lives. “Imagine a classroom where AI handles repetitive tasks, provides real-time student insights, and suggests tailored resources, while the teacher focuses on sparking debates, nurturing talents, and building confidence. This is the future that educational institutions must champion - a future where technology supports human excellence, not replaces it.”

Choosing the right career path A guide for students and parents

June 26, 2025

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question filled with imagination, ”Doctor!” “Astronaut!” “Pilot!” But as learners grow, the question demands more than dreams. At GIS, we believe choosing a career should be guided by reflection, purpose, and our values of Generosity, Integrity, Self-Discipline as well as Innovation, Diversity and Excellence! COGNITIVE ABILITY – EXCELLENCE Is your child ready, academically and mentally, for the career they’re considering? Professions such as medicine, engineering or aviation require strong abilities in subjects like Mathematics and Science. Encouraging careers where they can thrive, not just survive, helps them avoid overwhelm and anxiety. INTEREST – INNOVATION Do they enjoy what they want to do, even on a cold morning? Passion fuels perseverance. A budding lawyer should love reading. A future psychologist should be curious about how people think and feel. Interest keeps motivation alive when challenges arise. PERSONALITY – DIVERSITY Not every career suits every personality. Are they introverted or outgoing? If they are not instinctively confrontational and argumentative, is the legal profession the way to go? Shy students might struggle in performance arts, while reserved personalities may not enjoy sales or law. Their personality helps find the right fit, not the hardest fight. VALUES – INTEGRITY & GENEROSITY What truly matters to them—family, status, impact, balance? If its family they value, then they should choose a career that will not keep them away from their family A values-aligned career brings long-term fulfilment, not just success. OUR GIS MESSAGE At GIS, we walk beside each student as they explore their future. A career choice is a journey of discovery, not a rush to the finish line.

Gaborone International School: Leveraging Technology to Drive Collaborative Learning

June 20, 2025

In today’s rapidly advancing digital world, Gaborone International School (GIS) stands at the forefront of innovative education in Botswana. By embracing cutting-edge educational technology, GIS is redefining the traditional classroom and transforming it into a vibrant, collaborative, and interactive learning environment. The integration of digital tools not only enhances academic engagement but also equips students with critical 21st-century skills—collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. A Vision for Future-Ready Learning At GIS, technology is more than just a teaching aid—it’s an essential part of our educational philosophy. We believe that collaborative learning prepares students for the real world by encouraging them to work in teams, share ideas, and solve problems together. Our school has invested in advanced learning technologies including: Guided Readers ADvLEARN Robotics kits Drones Virtual Reality (VR) headsets These tools create immersive and collaborative experiences that drive both academic success and personal growth. Guided Readers: Enhancing Literacy Through Shared Learning Reading is a foundational skill, and GIS promotes it through the use of Guided Readers, a digital platform offering leveled reading resources tailored to individual learners. This interactive tool transforms reading into a collaborative experience, allowing students to: Participate in paired reading sessions Engage in group discussions Conduct peer assessments This social approach to literacy encourages students to listen attentively, express their ideas clearly, and understand different perspectives. Teachers can monitor progress in real-time, offer personalized feedback, and adapt instruction to meet each student’s needs. The result is a classroom where reading is not only accessible and inclusive, but also dynamic and engaging. ADvLEARN and Personalized Collaboration GIS integrates ADvLEARN, an intelligent learning platform that adapts to each student’s academic progress. While the platform is tailored to individual learners, it also supports group learning through shared tasks, feedback loops, and performance tracking. Students collaborate on assignments, explain concepts to peers, and build their understanding through guided interactions—making learning both personalized and participatory. STEM Innovation: Robotics, Drones, and VR Technology-fueled group projects in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at GIS provide powerful platforms for collaboration: Robotics kits inspire teamwork and innovation, as students design, build, and program robots in small teams. Drone programming encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world applications while working together on navigation challenges. VR headsets immerse learners in virtual environments, where exploration and group problem-solving make subjects like history, biology, and geography come alive. These hands-on experiences foster creativity, logical reasoning, and digital literacy—skills essential for future careers in a tech-driven world. Why Collaborative Learning Matters at GIS GIS is committed to holistic education that balances academic achievement with character development. Collaborative learning: Builds self-confidence and leadership Encourages empathy and respect for diverse viewpoints Prepares students for team-oriented workplaces Strengthens communication and interpersonal skills By working together on tech-integrated tasks, students at GIS become not only better learners but also global citizens who are ready to thrive in a connected world. Conclusion: Technology Meets Teamwork at GIS At Gaborone International School, our approach to learning is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and student empowerment. By combining state-of-the-art technology with a strong emphasis on collaboration, GIS offers a dynamic educational experience that develops both minds and character. Through platforms like Guided Readers and ADvLEARN, and interactive tools such as robotics and VR, students at GIS are gaining the skills they need to excel academically and lead confidently in the future. Explore how GIS is shaping future leaders—where technology meets collaboration, and excellence begins.