British Curriculum Subjects and Assessments Explained

 

British curriculum subjects and assessments are one of the most recommended study programs. The program is not just efficient but equally popular and suggestive amongst the best universities on a global platform.

To give you a brief on the British curriculum, it is mainly Cambridge and IGCSE that students can opt to study. Both forms are quite famous for their selective subjects and teaching style and are available in many online schools.

In this blog, we will explain to the readers the subjects, stages, assessment,s and grading in the British curriculum. Eventually, all the information helps students get an idea of what it is like to study the British curriculum, the subjects, grades, assessment, and more.

British Curriculum– From Primary to Secondary Stages

The British curriculum works in multiple stages, ranging from Primary to Secondary. In these two stages, there are four key levels that students have to pass and move on. These include:

  • Primary Years (Stage 1 & 2)

Starting with the Primary years of learning, this one focuses on foundational learning programs, literacy and numeracy.

  • Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Once students surpass the primary stage, they go on to the lower secondary stage, where they are introduced to the various subject streams.

  • Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)

In the upper secondary level, students are prepared for IGCSE and O-Level, preparing them for universities and higher education.

  • Sixth Form (Key Stage 5)

Continuing with university-level education is the sixth form, where students are trained for A-Levels and university readiness.

Overall, for all four stages, the online British curriculum delivers each one with precise effectiveness.

Understanding The Subject Streams in the British Curriculum

Now that you already have a brief idea about the British curriculum and how it functions, it's time to focus on the subject streams that this program offers. Understanding the subjects beforehand will help you get a gist of how the program would favor your growth.

Core Subjects - Starting with the British curriculum subjects (primary core), you would have to study English, Mathematics and Science.

Language - In the British curriculum, studying a language is mandatory. You've got the options for multiple foreign languages, and you can choose one that best matches your interests and goals.

Humanities - Next up, you must pick and study subjects that include the humanities. These are precisely history, geography, and social studies.

Creative & Technical Subjects - In the creative and technical realm, students would be required to study subjects like Arts, ICT Design & Technology.

Electives - Lastly, elective subjects are also a part of the course such as Business Studies, Environmental Science, etc.

Note: Amidst all these subject and course criteria, students must choose subjects that align with their future career paths.

IGCSE Assessment Guide and Exam Formats

At this point, when you know about the subjects and study format, the next thing you must be wondering about is the assessment guide and formats. You'll get the answer in this section of the blog. Keep reading.

  • How assessments are conducted:

The assessments basically divide into two sub-categories - coursework and exams. It means you would have to work on projects, study your curriculum well and then appear for tests too.

IGCSE vs O-Level: Key Differences

In the British curriculum, parents and students often come across both IGCSE and O-Level. While both of them might appear to be the same, there are notable differences you must know. Read below to know:


IGCSE

O-Level

Curriculum Design

IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) gives students a wider and more flexible curriculum made for learners around the world.

O-Level (Ordinary Level) is based on the UK education system and is slightly more traditional in structure.


Assessment Style

IGCSE uses a variety of assessment methods, written exams, coursework, and practical tests.


O-Level mainly relies on final written exams, with less focus on continuous assessment.

Subject Range

IGCSE offers over 70 subjects with multiple language options, including coursework-based choices.

O-Level has fewer subject options and focuses more on academic core areas.

Grading System

IGCSE uses a 9 - 1 or A*- G grading scale (depending on the exam board).

O-Level typically follows the A*- E grading system.

Global Recognition

IGCSE is widely recognized worldwide and tailored for international education systems.

O-Level is recognized but considered more aligned to traditional UK education pathways.

  • Online British school exams:

When you are studying through the online and digital medium, you must obey the proctored systems and adhere to the digital submissions of the required coursework.

  • Example of assessment styles:

Assessments, particularly, are framed in the form of MCQs, essays and practicals for students to get the best of theoretical and practical knowledge.

How the British Curriculum Adapts to Online Learning

Taking up the British curriculum for online learning is the smartest and most efficient way to leverage the efficiency of the program while avoiding the hindrances that physical presence might bring.

But the most important question here is how the British curriculum adapts to online learning. Here's how:

  • The live and recorded classes bring in the learning atmosphere while making it flexible for students

  • Online assessment and exam integrity tools further support the curriculum for progress tracking.

  • Cambridge board subject e-books and learning platforms are other forms of digital resources that students use to study online

  • Parents and teachers' involvement further makes studying remotely easy and progressive.

The Grading System Explained

It’s now time to understand how the grading system works for the British curriculum. There are ideally two systems - numeric and alphabetic, based on which students are evaluated.

Here’s a key differentiation chart that will help you understand better:


Numeric Grading

Alphabetic Grading

Grading Scale

On the scale of 9-1

From A-G, example - Students receive grades like A*, A, B, C, etc.

Grade as per performance

Grade 9 is the highest , while grade 1 is the lowest.


A* was the highest grade, showing exceptional performance.

Curriculum

Now adopted in many IGCSE and British curriculum schools, including online programs.

This system was widely used in O-Level and older IGCSE exams.

Note : University acceptance criteria & global recognition highly depends on the grades students secure in assessments. Hence, when pursuing the curriculum, students must aim for better grades.

Final Thoughts

The British curriculum is one of the oldest and recognized names that comes with a global reputation. When students study well and secure good grades, enrolling in international universities gets so much easier than ever.

The subject range is quite diverse, allowing students to pick and choose what best fits their interests. One of the best parts about this curriculum is that you can pursue it online, avoiding the hassle of travel, time, and additional cost.

One of the online schools where you can study the British curriculum is Sunbeam World School. With 50+ years of educational legacy, multiple curriculums and global teachers, students get to enroll with the best team that helps them secure their future career goals. 




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

British Curriculum Key Stages vs Local School Grades

Top 10 Collaborative Learning Strategies for Students