The Future of IGCSEs at BISH

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the program made up of the freshmen and sophomore years of the high school education at the British International School of Houston. This program consists of a two-year, content heavy curriculum that assesses the academic progress of every student at the end of their course. 

Last year, due to COVID, students at BISH and all over the world, had gotten graded internally based on their predicted grades and mocks instead of sitting the external exams. This year, however, teachers are expecting that the IGCSE class of 2021 will be sitting their external examinations at the end of the year. With that in mind, students are continuing to work hard and persevere through these arduous times. 

“COVID has posed many challenges this year, impacting our learning in multiple ways,” said Christina M., a current IGCSE student. “For example, in geography, we are not required to do coursework and are able to complete an extra exam instead. Despite the uncertainties of whether the exams will go forth, I feel confident that with hard work and the support of my teachers I will perform to the best of my abilities.” 

With mock exams rapidly approaching, the year 11 class of 2021 used winter holidays to prepare for these exams. Prepping coursework for art and design, watching plays for drama and figuring out those infuriating circle theorems is what most days consist of.

While there have been a few changes to our school curriculum, like not being able to complete certain fieldwork and experiments, the students are taking it in their stride to adapt and continue studying. 

Because of COVID concerns, the mock exams have been postponed by a week, creating an air of uncertainty as to what will happen with end of year examinations. 

On January 4th, students all over the world heard of the cancellation of the GCSE’s, the sister curriculum used the United Kingdom. This led to increased questions and worry over what the future of our academic year will look like. Will the IGCSE’s follow suit and cancel end of year exams? Will this increase pressure on our mocks? 

While no one is certain of anything at this point, the year 11 students at BISH are continuing to revise and study so they can show their capabilities when their exams arrive. And while this time of year may cause unease and worry to arise, students are embracing the uncertainty and overcoming any obstacles that come their way.