The British VS. American System…, which qualifies students better for the high education stage?

IGCSE or American Diploma! What a reiterated query among hundreds of students and parents!

Of course, seeking the best educational system is a necessity for students to become qualified enough for the high education stage, which is a brand new step in life and is highly decisive in drawing the future. That is the reason why we will try here to relieve common confusion and explain the difference between the two major international education systems in Egypt, which are the British (IG) and American Diplomas.

The British system (IGCSE)

IGCSE is an acronym that stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education in the UK. The British government provides students with GCSEs that include subjects related to their country, such as British history. Moreover, in order to cater to international students, the IGCSE was developed.

In The British system, you are free to pick the subjects that suit your interests and comply with your perspectives during your years of high school. Also, the chance is available to allocate those selective subjects among the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

In addition, the key feature of The British system is the right to undertake the same subject many times due to a student’s wish to improve his/her grades is granted. That facilitates the educational process and alleviates stress among students and parents.

What are the approved IGCSE subjects in Egypt?

First, during the 10th grade, Egyptian students take the O-levels subjects (minimum 8 subjects). And they can choose from more than 40 subjects in any combination. Usually, students decide to study 5 subjects such as math, English, biology, etc. and delay the rest for the upcoming year.

During the 11th and 12th grades, they proceed to their O-Levels and AS-level courses according to their own preferences of universities they aspire to join later. For example, if a student plans to join the medical field, he or she will choose science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics. That helps students focus on their needs and skills specifically.

What adds a feature here is A-level or Advanced level subjects. These courses complement AS levels, but go more into depth and detail, providing students with a better chance to be ready for university life.

IGCSE Exams are held by three main boards; Cambridge, Edexcel, and Oxford universities twice a year, in June and November. Results are issued in August and January.

Internationally, the exams are accepted by all universities, which can help students hunt their places for high education either at home or abroad.

American Education system

The key features of The American Education system are diversity and flexibility in terms of the subjects. Also focusing mainly on fun education through activities and applicable knowledge that keep students away from memorization.

It is well-known in The American Educational system that students always engage in their curriculums over their 12 years of education from Kindergarten until high school stage. This is certainly thanks to creative educational methods that promote students’ critical thinking skills such as projects and presentations.

The same as mentioned before in IGCSE, The American system also enables students to improve their grades all year long. As the academic year consists of 4 quarters. So, if one achieved low grades in the first term, for example, he still has a chance to do better during upcoming terms and so on.

What is (SAT) Exam?

Besides the tests and quizzes performed by the American sections at schools all year long, the students sit for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) which is an exam approved by all universities during admission. It is a Standardized test designed to evaluate basic skills in critical reading, math, and writing.

There are three main sections on the SAT, each with its own subsection. The three major sections will be graded on a scale of 200-800. The final score will be the sum of all sections, a number between 400 and 1600. In addition, there are Up to six attempts are permitted for students to improve their grades on the SAT.

Each university has a minimum SAT score along with high school transcripts that students must submit.

It is no doubt that all parents wishing to send their children to the best schools and Universities available. Therefore, they try hard to choose the best educational system for them. However, the point should always depends on children’s own goals and preferences that wind them up safely at a good university at the end – whether in Egypt or abroad.

References

1- Cambridge Pathway

https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/

2- American, IGCSE and IB Systems in Egypt

https://www.egyptianeducation.com/american-igcse-ib

3- Comparison of the British and American education systems

https://www.ourkids.net/pl-en/comparison-of-british-and-american-education-system.php

4- The British vs. American Education Systems: Reference to IGCSE vs. SAT Exams

https://www.tutopiya.com/blog/british-vs-american-education-systems-with-reference-to-igcse-and-sat/