What's the difference between iGCSE and "traditional" English GCSE - and why would the top sets be doing the not iGCSE option?

[Caff2]

Anyone know? Confused. (my son's not top set, btw!)

Thank you.

[notnowImreading]

It might be that the school is interested in iGCSE but wants to pilot it before rolling out to a larger group of pupils so is trying it out on the top set - small number, very unlikely to flunk out no matter what, not going to damage the school's results either way, can cope with the demands of an exam system where the teacher is learning the course as they go along. It's quite a good idea. The English Language paper appears easier but the Lit paper really looks quite difficult so perhaps that's why the top set have been chosen.

[Caff2]

The top set HAVEN'T been chosen - they are doing the trad GCSE, it's the lower sets that are doing IGCSE.

[TalkinPeace]

notnow
state schools have been using IGCSE for several years - no need for pilots unless the heads are pig headed

all the state schools I've heard of that use them do NOT use them for the top set - they are used to massage the C/D boundary
because a C at IGCSE is significantly easier than a C at GCSE

[Caff2]

Thanks for info - he's predicted a B but I wouldn't have thought that was a certainty unless he decides he might actually like doing some work...

The school have told me that three teachers who just happen to have the lower sets have taught it before hence those sets are doing it, but I think Talkinpeace is in fact right, as presumably there would be no reason those teachers couldn't teach it to the top set if they thought it was not the easier option.

[marcopront]

There are two boards doing IGCSE. Cambridge and Edexcel.
Which board are they using?

[summerends]

Caff this recent thread may interest you.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/2100641-DDs-GSCE-controlled-assessments-in-English-being-scrapped?

[TheWordFactory]

Basically, it's a bit easier to pass an IGCSE than a trad GCSE but it's harder to get an A*. So schools chop and change to play the system. Top setss really ought to be able to do the IGCSEs but teachers won't risk the grades...

[qumquat]

My school puts the c/d borderline kids into igcse as it's easier to pass. Top sets don't need to do the easier exam. Dodgy in the extreme IMHO but that's probably what your ds's school is doing as well.