Cambridge IGCSE Course Outline

The Cambridge IGCSE course is suited to children aged 14 to 16 and is an ideal progression from the Lower Secondary qualification. It offers a robust, broad-ranging course and is the most popular international qualification in the world, with over 800,000 registrations annually in 140 countries. 

During this 2-year course in Forms 9 and 10 at LIS, Secondary learners have the opportunity to study 8 subjects, which include the following as core compulsory subjects: a first language, a second language, Mathematics, and a Science and Physical Education subject. Each subject option requires 130 hours of formal tuition over 2 years, as specified by the Cambridge Assessment body for International Education.

At our school, students receive the individualised support they need to secure top results in the IGCSE exams and key learning strategies. 

IGCSE Assessment

Cambridge IGCSE assessment takes place at the end of the course and can include written, oral, coursework and practical assessment. This broadens opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning, particularly when their first language is not English. In many subjects there is a choice between core and extended curricula, making Cambridge IGCSE suitable for a wide range of abilities.

Mock Exams

Throughout the two years of the IGCSE programme, students will undergo Mock Exams. This type of assessment will include all the elements of written examinations in all subjects and will be conducted under exam conditions.

The purpose of these exams is to familiarise students with examination procedures and regulations as well as to help them assess their own knowledge and, as a result, build an effective study plan.

IGCSE Examinations

Cambridge IGCSE examination sessions occur twice a year, in June and November. Results are issued in August and January.

IGCSE subjects will be assessed using the A* to G grade system, with A* being the highest. This system is recommended by Cambridge Assessment International Education and recognised by the Portuguese Ministry of Education with the following conversion table:

Cambridge qualifications are recognised by prestigious international universities as a high-quality secondary school qualification.

In Portugal, the Ministry of Education recognizes the IGCSE program. Students can obtain equivalency to the 10th grade if they achieve a grade of C or higher in at least six subjects.

IGCSE Equivalences

IGCSE

Form 9 - 10

by Cambridge Assessment International Education

  • Art & Design

    Biology

    Chemistry

    Computer Science *

    Drama *

    Economics

    First Language English

    English as a Second Language

    French

    Geography

    Global Perspectives

    History

    Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

    Mathematics

    First Language Portuguese

    Portuguese as a Second Language

    Physics

    Spanish

    Physical Education (no IGCSE exam)

    *Available if more than 7 students

  • Form 9:

    Biology

    Economics

    English

    Global Perspectives

    Mathematics

    Physical Education (no IGCSE exam)

    Portuguese

    Foreign Language: French, Spanish, Portuguese Second Language, English Second Language

    Form 10:

    Form 10 is a continuation of the IGCSE subjects started in Form 9. The exception is that 1 optional subject is dropped.

  • Form 9 and 10:

    Chemistry

    Geography

    Art & Design

    Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

    Physics

    History

    Drama *

    Computer Science *

    *Available if more than 7 students

  • As a Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Center, LIS offers the possibility to write examinations in all subjects in two distinct sessions: October/November and May/June.

    For more information regarding dates and times of examinations please check the CIE website.