Which is better? Cambridge or Edexcel for iGCSE?

OP

Well, I'm not much of a dedicated student towards all three sciences. Not particularly good but not failing. I aim to get 51% in sciences because I was forced to take them by my school as it is not an option. If I transfer to another school, I have the option to drop them but I looked at a university like AUM and they required some science grades. So I guess I'm forced anyway by any factor. I plan to be working in the Computer Engineering field and most have nothing and won't affect me.

Reply 3

OP

Maybe but some do say it has its advantages over Edexcel. As I saw earlier, Edexcel is more UK circulated while CiE as you mentioned, is a bit bland. Check my second edit tho!

Reply 4

I can assure you that Edexcel is way easier than Cambridge!!! However, Cambridge will give you more tools than Edexcel to excel in your A-levels! Also Doing Cambridge is far more respected than Cambridge! A lot of teachers struggle with content from Cambridge because it takes a lot from teachers to be able to teach it properly. So they decide to go to Edexcel because is easier.

Reply 5

OP

Are you sure about that? I have teachers who previously taught Cambridge content and when they came to my school they did see Edexcel easier in some aspects & Cambridge easier in others. But indeed, it wasn't hard for them to get used to it. Maybe I don't know, but thanks for your input anyway.

Reply 6

Original post by EWS_1

Are you sure about that? I have teachers who previously taught Cambridge content and when they came to my school they did see Edexcel easier in some aspects & Cambridge easier in others. But indeed, it wasn't hard for them to get used to it. Maybe I don't know, but thanks for your input anyway.

I'm a teacher! I know that teaching Cambridge can be challenging and demands a lot from us. Even the marking is much stricter compared to Edexcel. Many people dislike it because the Cambridge syllabus is considerably larger. It doesn't surprise me when teachers express a preference for Edexcel; it certainly makes their lives easier, and it's advantageous for students and parents to perceive Cambridge as superior. There are aspects where Edexcel students aren't considered in the same light as Cambridge students.
I teach Chemistry and let me tell you, even at AS level, there's a significant emphasis on units 4 and 5... not to mention the practical exam, which is absent in Edexcel! I must admit, the arts is another area they regard favourably.

Reply 7

OP

Original post by Pips_pvp

I'm a teacher! I know that teaching Cambridge can be challenging and demands a lot from us. Even the marking is much stricter compared to Edexcel. Many people dislike it because the Cambridge syllabus is considerably larger. It doesn't surprise me when teachers express a preference for Edexcel; it certainly makes their lives easier, and it's advantageous for students and parents to perceive Cambridge as superior. There are aspects where Edexcel students aren't considered in the same light as Cambridge students.
I teach Chemistry and let me tell you, even at AS level, there's a significant emphasis on units 4 and 5... not to mention the practical exam, which is absent in Edexcel! I must admit, the arts is another area they regard favourably.

To confirm your point, there was a parent conference meeting today and indeed my chemistry teacher highlighted that Edexcel content is stripped down than Cambridge. that's a handy coincidence that both are you are chemistry teachers. He said he usually taught Cambridge but when it was his first time teaching Edexcel, he had to delete bits from his notes not add which was a very great privilege. Thank you for your detailed response!

Reply 8

I understand the point, because someone told him that Edexcel was way better! They are just saving their backs!... but saying that Cambridge is easier than Edexcel is wrong (even in some points) Cambridge is a lot harder than Edexcel a lot of teachers refuse to teach Cambridge because the results of their students are very low! (it speaks more about them than the students)

Reply 9

OP

Original post by Pips_pvp

I understand the point, because someone told him that Edexcel was way better! They are just saving their backs!... but saying that Cambridge is easier than Edexcel is wrong (even in some points) Cambridge is a lot harder than Edexcel a lot of teachers refuse to teach Cambridge because the results of their students are very low! (it speaks more about them than the students)

Ok sciences are sorted. What about ICT & Business and the rest of my collection?

Reply 10

I have a friend who teaches ICT in both IB and Edexcel... when she started to do Cambridge more than half of the class failed and as a result, she lost her job!

Regarding Business.... I always found teachers doing business in Edexcel but economics in Cambridge! I have no idea, to be honest!

Reply 11

OP

Original post by Pips_pvp

I have a friend who teaches ICT in both IB and Edexcel... when she started to do Cambridge more than half of the class failed and as a result, she lost her job!
Regarding Business.... I always found teachers doing business in Edexcel but economics in Cambridge! I have no idea, to be honest!

Ecomoics is American-tilted while BS is more British-orientated. Anyways, ICT is great, I'm doing it this October/November along with English Language A.

However, what about French?
"French (no foundation in Edexcel higher only but in CiE there are both correct me if I'm wrong)"
I've always found it difficult & thought of dropping it but I know the CiE provides a foundation paper. Do you have any information about that?

Reply 12

Coffee_toffee

10

Original post by EWS_1

I'm taking IGCSE abroad and I would like to understand which is easier between Pearson Edexcel & Cambridge in the following subjects.
I still have the opportunity to change, but I decided to go with Edexcel for all my subjects. If I'm going to suffer please tell me now before it's too late.
English Language A
Mathematics (Higher or Foundation)
Biology Single Award
Physics Single Award
Chemistry Single Award
ICT
Business Studies
French (no foundation in Edexcel higher only but in CiE there are both correct me if I'm wrong)
That's it for my IGCSE subject which I will be sitting next year in Year 11 May/June.
Edit: I forgot to mention - we don't have coursework at all.
Edit 2: My initial question was if the mentioned subjects are easier on which board, Edexcel or CiE! I appreciate the additional responses but only have the opportunity to change for a short time.
Best Wishes,
EWS

Edexcel is more concise. Cambridge is a living hell :smile:

Reply 13

OP

Original post by Coffee_toffee

Edexcel is more concise. Cambridge is a living hell :smile:

oh well that concludes my life for igcses. I'm sticking with edexcel.

Reply 14

yellowFrog33

12

CIEs nerdy and demanding
Avoid

Reply 15

Original post by EWS_1

Ecomoics is American-tilted while BS is more British-orientated. Anyways, ICT is great, I'm doing it this October/November along with English Language A.
However, what about French?
"French (no foundation in Edexcel higher only but in CiE there are both correct me if I'm wrong)"
I've always found it difficult & thought of dropping it but I know the CiE provides a foundation paper. Do you have any information about that?

Well, I think universities prefer economics over business! After all, business is a small part of economics!

Regarding French.... hum the only students doing French in my school were native students so that does not count!!! For them it is very easy!

Reply 16

OP

Original post by Pips_pvp

Well, I think universities prefer economics over business! After all, business is a small part of economics!
Regarding French.... hum the only students doing French in my school were native students so that does not count!!! For them it is very easy!

Oh but still it's a certification that needed a a lot of hard work & dedication.

Reply 17

ab1234567899

3

Not sure about anything else but i do CIE Italian and it is insanely easier than my Spanish (AQA). For example, the listening is entirely multiple choice. Assuming French is similar I’d definitely recommend CIE.

Reply 18

OP