IGCSE Tutoring in Ankara and Online
We view programs not in a hierarchy of superiority, but as different paths catering to different needs.
Transition to the International Academic Language
IGCSE is often promoted as a diploma program. This is not accurate; if we must call it a diploma, we could say it is a certificate akin to a pre-diploma. Its true value emerges in conjunction with the advanced programs that follow, such as A Level, IB, or similar curricula.
In our view, its primary function is somewhat different. We often see the IGCSE as a preparatory program where students transition into the international academic language and study methods.
One of the program’s most significant contributions is teaching terminology and notation. Students do not just learn new subjects; they also begin to learn how to think, speak, and write about these subjects in English. Therefore, we believe the greatest strength of IGCSE lies not in its curriculum, but in its ability to prepare the student for the academic environment they will encounter afterward.
Why Do We Value It?
Many students can comfortably use English in daily life. However, academic English is different.
To follow
- a mathematics class,
- a physics class,
- a biology class,
- or an economics class
in English requires different skills. IGCSE makes this transition much more natural for students.
At IB Evi, the mathematics department is led by Hakan Torun, who has been teaching mathematics since 1999. For details on IGCSE Mathematics lessons, see Hakan Torun’s mathematics tutoring page. A free Paper 6 mock exam he wrote for IGCSE International Mathematics (0607) is available on his resources page.
Chemistry lessons at IB Evi are taught by Ertan Altınel, who has been teaching chemistry since 1997. For details on IGCSE Chemistry lessons, see Ertan Altınel’s chemistry tutoring page.
For this reason, we view the program not just as a system for learning subjects, but as an essential preparatory process for academic language development.
Simpler Than It Looks at First Glance
Many parents and students looking at IGCSE curricula for the first time can be surprised. The headers may seem numerous, and the topic lists long. However, the program’s purpose is not to take students to the most complex levels of these topics.
On the contrary, it aims to teach fundamental concepts, essential methods, and core terminology across a wide range of subjects. Therefore, the curriculum, which appears intensive at first glance, actually builds a foundation that prepares the student for subsequent programs.
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Compared to the MEB (Ministry of National Education)
The IGCSE and MEB (Ministry of National Education) systems differ significantly not only in terms of subjects, but also in terms of assessment and evaluation.
In particular, the examination systems are strikingly different.
IGCSE exams largely consist of open-ended questions. Therefore, students are accustomed not just to selecting the correct option, but also to expressing their thoughts.
From a curriculum perspective, an interesting situation emerges. When common subjects are compared, it can be said that the MEB is more challenging in certain areas.
However, the MEB also contains a much greater amount of content. Therefore, directly comparing the two systems often does not yield reliable results.
Why is IGCSE So Important?
Viewed on its own, the IGCSE does not play as decisive a role in university admissions as the IB, A Level, or AP. The reason for this is not that the program is deficient, but rather that its continuation has been designed accordingly.
The IGCSE is primarily prepared for the programs that will follow it. It originally emerged as a transition program designed specifically for the A Level. However, today many IB schools also use the IGCSE to prepare their students for the Diploma Programme.
Our experience indicates that students coming from the IGCSE or a similar preparatory program adapt much more smoothly to IB and A Level processes.
Academic Vocabulary
A student having good proficiency in English is not the same as mastering academic English. This distinction usually becomes apparent when students begin the IB or A Level programs.
Many students who appear to have high language proficiency may struggle when they first encounter academic terminology.
One of the most important contributions of the IGCSE emerges precisely at this point. The program does not merely teach subjects to students; it simultaneously builds an academic vocabulary.
We believe that this contribution is frequently underappreciated.
Are Grades Really This Important?
One of the striking phenomena in the IGCSE is the high proportion of high grades. In many subjects, a significant portion of students can achieve top-tier grades. We attribute this not to the program being easy, but to it serving different purposes.
The primary objective of the IGCSE is not to rank students, but to prepare them for subsequent academic stages. Therefore, grades are particularly important in terms of morale and motivation.
However, the true value of the program often emerges in the skills acquired behind the grades.
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Our IGCSE Approach
We view the IGCSE not as an endpoint, but as a beginning.
It is a robust transition period during which students can prepare for the international academic language, international examination systems, and the more advanced programs they will subsequently encounter.
Therefore, we consider it an extremely valuable investment, especially for students planning to pursue the IB or A Level. It may not be officially mandatory; however, we believe that the pedagogical advantages it provides are significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section contains the questions submitted to us regarding the IGCSE Program and their respective answers.
No, it is not a high school diploma on its own. As stated on the page, the IGCSE is more of a "pre-diploma" or an international certification program. It demonstrates its true academic value and strength when combined with subsequent advanced high school diploma programs such as the IB (International Baccalaureate), A Level, or AP (Advanced Placement).
Being able to speak English comfortably in daily life may not be sufficient on its own for academic success. The IGCSE teaches the unique academic terminology and notation of subjects such as mathematics, physics, biology, or economics. The primary objective of this program is to ensure that students learn to think and write in English and grow accustomed to working with academic language.
The approaches and assessment methods of the two systems are completely different. While the MEB curriculum is heavier in certain areas in terms of topic density and theoretical difficulty, the IGCSE aims to teach core concepts and methods across a broad range of topics rather than delving into overly complex details. Therefore, rather than saying it is "more difficult," it is more accurate to say that it "measures different skills."
The biggest difference lies in the exam format. While the MEB system is mostly focused on multiple-choice (test) formats, IGCSE exams largely consist of open-ended questions. Students are expected not just to find the correct option, but to demonstrate step by step how they solved a problem, express their thoughts, and provide interpretations.
Absolutely not. The fact that the topic headings are numerous and the lists appear long does not mean that the content is excessively deep or insurmountable. The purpose of the IGCSE is not to overwhelm the student, but to build a strong foundation and general knowledge before transitioning to advanced programs (such as the IB or A Level).
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