- Learn the key differences between Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel IGCSE qualifications, with expert advice on which exam board is right for you.
Which Exam Board is Right for You? Cambridge IGCSE vs Edexcel GCSE
Cambridge or Edexcel? This is one of the most common questions that students ask themselves when it’s time to discuss pathways to further academic studies.
While both of these are internationally recognized exam boards, there are still ways in which they differ from each other in a spectrum.
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Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) provides qualifications for learners around the world and is accepted by many universities such as Harvard, Yale etc… Cambridge’s scope of work is known for its depth and rigor, with assessment through examinations and coursework. Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding body and is part of Pearson, the world’s leading learning company. Their qualifications are widely recognized and valued by educational establishments, employers, and governments around the world.
One of the key distinctions between the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel is that CIE exams are considered to be of equal difficulty level, while Edexcel exams are more focused on the UK system.
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What Is The Difference Between Edexcel & Cambridge
When it comes to academic qualifications, choosing the right exam board is a crucial decision that can significantly impact a student’s educational journey. Two prominent names that often come up in this discussion are Edexcel and Cambridge.
These internationally renowned exam boards offer a range of qualifications, including GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-Levels, and hold a strong reputation in the field of education. Check out the Difference between Edexcel and Cambridge.
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1. Is the same structure and curriculum followed in both?
No, CIE exams are known for their comprehensive system which covers a wide range of topics, while Edexcel’s qualifications are more tailored to the needs of the individual learner.
While students are able to explore the possibilities of different subjects in both, remember that CIE learner aspects are designed to be more student-friendly- making it easier for non-native English students to take up the exams.
Nonetheless, in Edexcel, your final grading includes marks gained from coursework and assessments while CIE assesses your grading through final exams at the end of the course.
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2. Which is more flexible, Cambridge vs.Edexcel?
CIE allows you to take up exams in two tiers rather than one. Divided into the foundation and the extended levels, this gives you the option of entering either at the foundation or a higher level.
Additionally, course materials for Cambridge subjects are readily available for you to browse online making it less strenuous, unlike Edexcel. In Edexcel, coursework sheets and practice papers are often locked away for students and cannot be accessed online.
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3. Is CIE harder than Edexcel?
You might have heard both ends of opinions on this, but we cannot perceive one to be either “harder” or “easier” than the other. Both Cambridge and Edexcel are highly-regarded high school qualifications that are universally accepted by prestigious universities.
Traditionally, CIE is considered to be harder, the main reason is due to the structured- high-order questions that are presented in your papers. As mentioned earlier, CIE is more based on learned content than practical assessments.
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4. Is the grading system the same in both?
No, the grading systems of CIE and Edexcel are different from each other.
Cambridge IGCSE exams are graded A*–G, while Cambridge O Level is graded A–E. Edexcel exams on the other hand are marked and graded to maintain a balance in deciding where the grade boundaries should fall, in order to ensure that students receive a fair and consistent grade regardless of which awarding organization they take their qualification with or when they complete their course.
The reformed GCSE qualifications will be awarded on a grade scale of 9 (the highest grade) to 1 (the lowest). This new scale will be aligned to key grades on the existing A*–G scale, with grade 4 broadly equivalent to a grade C and grade 5 being broadly equivalent to a grade B
As hard as it may sound to choose between CIE and Edexcel exam boards, having extra hands to help you out in this journey is not a waste at all, we at Tutopiya are always ready to help you perform best at your desired path.
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