Choosing the Right Board for Your A-levels and IGCSEs: A Personal Experience

My Journey

My next of kin and I took our IGCSEs in Biology, Mathematics, and French back in May/June last year. Our parents decided to opt for the Edexcel board for these subjects due to its perceived ease of examination. Subsequently, we shifted to the Cambridge board for Physics IGCSE. This choice was made by my father, who wanted us to sit the examination earlier. The Cambridge board was chosen for the November sitting, allowing us to manage our time more effectively. In January, we also prepared for and sat the Accounting IGCSE, for which we chose Edexcel.

In June, I took my Biology and Physics A-level examinations and received A grades in both. Similarly, my brother Danyal, who took the Physics A-level, also scored an A. For the upcoming June sitting, both Danyal and I will be sitting for Edexcel Mathematics and Further Mathematics A-levels. I am also pleased to share that my younger sister Sabeen, aged 9, will be taking her Maths A-Level alongside Danyal.

It's important to note that most students do not have the privilege of making a choice in this matter. In fact, when I was in school, all our exams were rigorously governed by a singular board. However, this is indeed a rare scenario now.

The Role of Teachers and School Administration

Teachers and school administrators play a pivotal role in guiding students through the decision-making process. They carefully consider various factors such as the syllabus, marking systems, teacher strengths, and students' typical profiles when making these crucial decisions. The aim is to select the exam board that is best suited for their students' overall performance and academic goals.

For international students, the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) syllabuses are often the preferred choice. This is because they are less dependent on a deep understanding of everyday life in the UK, making them accessible to a broader range of students.

It is also worth mentioning that for A-level and GCSE syllabuses in all subjects, the requirements are standardized. They are divided into nearly identical content areas and topics, as well as maintaining a comparable level of difficulty. Therefore, ultimately, it may not make much of a difference which specific exam board a student chooses.

In conclusion, selecting the appropriate exam board is a significant decision that can greatly impact a student's academic journey. Whether you are at school, college, or an international student, it is crucial to align your choices with the guidance provided by educators. Understanding the various factors and the standardized nature of different boards can help in making an informed choice that best suits your educational path.