Why Choose IGCSE in Kenya?

How do you pick the right school? It’s not something you want to do with your eyes closed. You need all the information you can get so you can consider everything and make the best decision possible. One of those big considerations for students in Kenya will be whether to attend a local school or an IGCSE school. 

Why IGCSE? What’s the big deal about the IGCSE curriculum? Does it make sense to study IGCSE in Kenya? If you’ve been thinking about IGCSE as an option, it’s time to dive in and see what makes it stand out and who is likely to thrive under the IGCSE curriculum in Kenya. 

What is IGCSE Kenya? 

IGCSE is the International General Certificate of Secondary Education. While it originated in the UK, IGCSE is a secondary education curriculum used by students around the world. 

About the IGCSE Curriculum in Kenya

The IGCSE curriculum is managed by 2 international organizations: Cambridge and Edexcel. Cambridge IGCSE is managed by Cambridge University through the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) while Edexcel is managed by Pearson, a highly respected educational publisher. Both curriculums share similar fundamentals, but they approach education differently.

The Cambridge system places a greater emphasis on conceptual understanding and features a wider range of subjects, including a lot more language courses. Edexcel’s IGCSE curriculum has a stronger focus on practical learning and application of knowledge, letting students jump into vocational studies more easily. 

Read more about the differences between Cambridge and Edexcel in Kenya.

IGCSE Requirements

While there are no international standards for entering the IGCSE curriculum, Kenyan schools may have their own requirements for students. Some schools may require certain grade levels for new students or may have an admissions test. 

The courses required and number of IGCSE subjects required for each student will also vary from school to school. IGCSE curriculums require you to take a minimum of 3-5 required core subjects, but schools may also have their own requirements on top of these curriculum-specific requirements. 

The best way to know what an IGCSE school requires of its students is to contact the school directly. 

Understanding the IGCSE Syllabus

Kenya has 2 main education systems: CBC and IGCSE. The competency-based curriculum (CBC) is Kenya’s recently updated education system that’s replacing the older 8-4-4 system. 

IGCSE curriculums are mainly used by international schools. They follow a strict exam-based system where students take a series of exams and practicals issued by the international board in their area. Exams are done at set times throughout the year and results are provided to all students simultaneously. 

Depending on the subjects, most IGCSE curriculums also include practicals. This can mean lab work, essay writing, research projects, and other hands-on work. 

Not sure how to pick the right subjects? Read our helpful guide for students.

Advantages of IGCSE

What makes IGCSE a great curriculum? Here are some of the top reasons people choose IGCSE. 

Applying for International Universities 

IGCSE is an internationally known and recognized system. Most universities around the world accept IGCSE results from applicants. Those that don’t should still allow for simple translation of your results into their local systems. 

If you aspire to get into a prestigious university abroad, IGCSE is a great curriculum. Do well in your IGCSEs and you’re more likely to get accepted into a school of your choice, no matter where it’s located.

Wide Range of Courses 

One of the distinct advantages of the IGCSE curriculum is the wide variety of subjects offered. Students can choose between a large number of different courses that fit well into their future ambitions rather than being restricted to specific combinations. 

Cambridge IGCSE schools in Kenya have more options than Edexcel schools, but both have a good variety of useful, practical courses for students. Most schools require students to take a few core subjects, then give students the choice of what other subjects they want to do on top of those. This flexibility is great for students who want to either pursue a very specific career path or who want to keep their options open. 

Mix of Academics + Soft Skills 

The modern career landscape demands a lot from us. It’s not always enough to do well academically, which is why curriculums like IGCSE also add soft skills education into the mix. Subjects that students take are not just academic and theory-based but also require practical application and original work. 

When students are taking IGCSE subjects, they have to learn things like critical thinking, analytical skills, public speaking, debate, and so much more. These types of soft skills are essential to students in every phase of their future studies and careers, preparing them well for a successful future. 

Competing with Yourself, Not Your Classmates 

Many schools in Kenya promote competition between classmates by keeping a ranking system to show a student’s position in the class. This is meant to foster competition between students in order to have them work harder for a higher placement. However, the opposite can often happen, where students feel less motivated to work hard if they are not able to place highly.

Instead of ranking students against each other, IGCSE focuses on having students compete against themselves, pushing them to improve their scores over time. There are a number of practice tests and exams leading up to the finals, where students have the chance to monitor their progress and get better over time. 

Because students aren’t usually taking all the same subjects as their peers, there’s less incentive for direct comparisons and ranking systems. Competing against yourself is a better incentive for many students, as there’s less external pressure to perform and more of a focus on growing internal motivation. 

Focus on Practicality & Understanding 

While Kenyan education tends to focus on rote memorization, IGCSE in Kenya is more focused on students understanding the topics and being able to apply them in real-world situations. Practicality and conceptual understanding at big parts of IGCSE exams. 

International Reputation

Not only is the IGCSE globally recognized, it also holds a great reputation in much of the world. This reputation has been earned over decades of careful management of the curriculum, helping it to maintain its place as one of the best international curriculums in the world. 

Disadvantages of IGCSE 

No schooling system is perfect, and there are some distinct disadvantages of the IGCSE curriculum in Kenya. Here’s an overview of the main issues. 

Cost of Education 

IGCSE schools in Kenya tend to cost more than local schools. The high cost of Cambridge schools is one of the biggest drawbacks for most people considering these schools. 

There’s a lot of variation in the pricing for IGCSE schools. However, most schools will be noticeably more expensive than local schools.

Access to Resources 

Some IGCSE subjects require access to very specific resources in order to do the work. These resources can be difficult to find and expensive to acquire. 

One of the most difficult resources is the human element in education: finding good IGCSE instructors for the courses you’re taking. There are only so many qualified teachers and tutors available, and it may be difficult to find them in your local area. Online tutoring helps to fill this gap, but if you need someone in your local area for in-person instruction it can be hard to get the help you need. 

Difficulty Transitioning Schools

If you have to switch from an IGCSE school back to a local CBC school, the transition will never be smooth. The two systems have a very different focus that’s difficult to align directly. It takes a lot of work to adapt from one curriculum to another, which may set you back in your education journey. 

Going from a local school to an IGCSE international school can be easier for many people, but even this transition can be hard, depending on when you enter the IGCSE system. Since the two systems are so different, it’s better to transition as early in your education as possible. 

Local University Admissions 

While IGCSEs are able to be translated to reflect local university requirements, it adds extra steps where you may not expect them. Even if you study your IGCSEs in Kenya, you may not be able to apply directly to a Kenyan university without first having your results translated to their local equivalent. 

Global Education Focus 

The global focus of the IGCSE curriculum is something many people seek out, but it does mean you may miss out on a valuable local education. When you keep a global focus in your education, there may be local history and context you don’t get, making you aware of your own country and your roots. Especially if you plan to live and work in Kenya, this gap can be a disadvantage to you. 

Who Is IGCSE Good for? 

While IGCSE is a great choice for some, it’s not the best option for everyone. Here are some examples of people who would likely do well in an IGCSE school in Kenya: 

1. Students who want to study abroad for university 

IGCSE is an internationally recognized curriculum with a good reputation. If you want to get into an international university, having good IGCSE results will make it much easier than having only your Kenyan school certificates. 

2. Those who thrive in structured education environments 

In IGCSE courses you can’t afford to slack off. You must learn good study habits, stay disciplined, and keep yourself on track with your revision or else you risk failing exams. Everything you need to know is available to you, but it’s up to you to make sure you put in the work. Learning these habits early on will help you tremendously in your higher education as well as in your eventual career. 

Related: 10 Tips for Effective Studying for Your IGCSE Exams

3. Students who want a more holistic curriculum 

Because many Kenyan schools focus mostly on memorization, IGCSE is a good option for students who want to get more practical experience with subjects. This curriculum is excellent at teaching application and reasoning in every subject rather than sticking to memorizing facts and theories. 

IGCSE Schools in Kenya 

There are around 86 schools in Kenya who use the Cambridge IGCSE system, as well as others who offer Edexcel IGCSEs. Some schools offer both Cambridge and Edexcel subjects. These schools are located all around the country, from Nairobi to Kiambu, Eldoret, Malindi, and Kisii. 

Many IGCSE schools also accept private candidates, meaning you can study on your own and register to take exams through the school when you’re ready. Homeschooling for IGCSEs is a cheaper option, but it will require more individual effort. This is a great option for motivated students who can stay disciplined and keep up with a study syllabus without external support from a school. 

Kenya has a variety of great schools, including Christian or Islamic IGCSE schools. Finding the right school is just a matter of understanding your priorities and searching for a school that aligns with those. 

Conclusion

Why IGCSE? Because it’s a well-respected international curriculum that does a great job at preparing students for higher education and life after that. Students will be equipped with highly valuable soft skills along with academic knowledge. 

Not everyone thrives under the IGCSE system, but it’s worth considering if you’re a motivated student looking for a globally recognized education.