Cambridge IGCSE 

TASIS Portugal offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) as part of its high school academic programme for students in Grades 9 and 10. The IGCSE provides a rigorous and internationally recognized foundation that prepares students for advanced study, including the IB Diploma Programme, and for future success in a global academic environment.

TASIS Portugal’s IGCSE vision

At TASIS Portugal, the IGCSE programme is designed to challenge, empower, and engage students while supporting their academic and personal development. We place a strong emphasis on motivation, well-being, and intellectual curiosity, ensuring that students are fully supported throughout the IGCSE years.

While each IGCSE course culminates in external assessment, our focus extends beyond examination performance. We prepare students with the mindset and skills required for further academic study, encouraging independence, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. The IGCSE is viewed not as a defining endpoint, but as an important stage in each student’s broader educational journey.

Academic enrichment classes and a wide range of elective options continue throughout the IGCSE years, providing both academic reinforcement and creative outlets. Students also develop essential skills in research, public speaking, leadership, the arts, service learning, and competitive sports, contributing to a balanced and holistic educational experience.

What is the IGCSE?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is a globally recognized qualification for students aged 14 to 16. Developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education, the IGCSE has become one of the world’s most widely respected international secondary school qualifications.

IGCSEs are trusted by universities for their academic rigor and external assessment standards, by educators for their structured and time-tested preparation for further study, and by families for their international perspective across a wide range of subject areas. The curriculum builds strong subject knowledge, analytical thinking, and study skills that support success in post-secondary education.

Structure and Assessment of the IGCSE Programme

At TASIS Portugal, the IGCSE programme typically begins in Grade 9 and concludes in the spring of Grade 10. Students complete a series of externally assessed examinations, with some courses also including substantial coursework components that contribute meaningfully to final grades.

Students are required to take core subjects, including mathematics, English, sciences, and history. From there, they tailor their academic pathway by selecting from a broad range of IGCSE options and TASIS Portugal course offerings, allowing for both depth and breadth in their studies.

This balanced assessment model ensures that examinations are only one component of student evaluation, alongside coursework and internally assessed academic work.

Guidance and Academic Planning

The IGCSE programme may be familiar to some families and new to others. TASIS Portugal provides clear guidance and academic advising throughout the IGCSE years to support informed decision-making and smooth academic progression.

Students and families are supported through careful planning, regular communication, and structured guidance as students prepare for the transition to the IB Diploma Programme or other advanced academic pathways. Throughout this period, our faculty and advisors work closely with students to ensure a well-organized, supportive, and enriching educational experience.

Download the IGCSE Parent Guide

We strive to ensure all students are fully motivated and cared for during the IGCSE process. Although each course ends in a summative exam, we prepare students with the mindset of further academic study. Our focus is a curriculum that challenges, empowers, and engages our students.

Academic enrichment classes continue through high school, as do a range of elective options to boost and support academic achievement while providing creative outlets. Additionally, students learn and practice research skills, public speaking, leadership, arts, service, and competitive sports. The IGCSE should not define our students as individuals, nor does it define us as a school. Instead, it is another opportunity to develop our students’ push for discovery and excellence.

Students are introduced to the IGCSE in the fall of their 8th Grade year, followed by an options fair for students and parents to take the next step toward choosing their courses for 9th Grade. We strive to help students and parents arrive at informed and confident choices. Click on the booklet below for more information about IGCSE course choices and requirements.

Required IGCSE subjects:

• English Language/English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science (biology, chemistry, physics)
• History

Options Block 1: (one choice)

• Portuguese First Language IGCSE
• Portuguese Second Language, Camões Júnior
• Portuguese Beginner
• Spanish Second Language IGCSE
• French Second Language IGCSE

Options Blocks 2 and 3: (two choices)

• Art & Design IGCSE
• Music IGCSE
• Drama IGCSE
• Computer Science IGCSE
• Enterprise IGCSE or Business Studies IGCSE
• Geography IGCSE
• Spanish Second Language IGCSE
• French Second Language IGCSE

Elective Block: (one choice per year)

• Spanish First Language IGCSE
• French First Language IGCSE
• STEAM/Engineering/Design Lab TASIS
• Learning Support TASIS
• Fitness and Health TASIS
• Classical Studies TASIS
• Music TASIS

Bespoke TASIS Portugal Requirements

• Academic Research and Essay Writing (embedded in your English and history lessons)
• TASIS Speaks (embedded in your English lessons)
• TASIS Competitive Sports (After School Program)
• Academic Enrichment
• Advisory and Social-Emotional Learning
   

Read the Student Support Policy

Why don’t TASIS and TASIS England follow the IGCSE as closely as TASIS Portugal?

TASIS Portugal must abide by the Portuguese Ministry of Education’s requirements, which stipulates students must undergo formal assessments to graduate from 10th Grade. The two options available to TASIS Portugal are either the IGCSE or MYP programs.

TASIS England and TASIS have no such restrictions and can design their curriculums and offer a greater variety of choices. This said, they both offer the IGCSE and value its inclusion in their frameworks.

I don’t want my child to have the pressure of formal exams in 10th Grade. Can they opt out?

TASIS Portugal is very aware of the pressures such a thorough examinations process can have on senior school students. To that end, the school has designed a program where extracurricular activities and a love for learning remain nurtured. Consequently, exam practice and exam teaching will not be a fundamental component of lesson planning. Instead, we will offer a rich and diverse curriculum using the IGCSE framework.

Students cannot opt-out of the IGCSE examinations. However, there is scope to reduce the number taken. The minimum requirements include at least a Grade C in six IGCSE courses.

TASIS Portugal will do all we can to ensure students feel supported and confident in their abilities going into these examinations. We understand that a student’s results do not define them. However, we will build towards the May 2024 examinations, building their character, organization, and knowledge.

The IGCSEs don’t hold great significance for American colleges. Is there still the need to do them if college is our aim?

Absolutely. The knowledge and experiences gained, plus the successes and mistakes felt, will help build your child into a college-ready student. Furthermore, the IGCSEs will help students define the direction they wish to take for higher education. The IGCSEs are known by every established college and university globally, even if they are not required for entry. Having such a well-founded and defined curriculum on their record will undoubtedly do our students no harm in the application process for North America.

How will TASIS Portugal ensure my child’s curriculum does not become overly exam oriented?

High-quality instruction will be a significant factor throughout hiring, training, choosing materials, and lesson planning. While results matter, we focus on the connection between student outcomes, instruction, practice, and reflection.

Was the MYP an option over IGCSEs?

Given the clearly defined Core Knowledge and Singapore Math content in PK-Grade 8, we believe the IGCSE provides the best bridge towards graduation, with a rigorous and challenging preparatory curriculum.

What if my child underachieves in their IGCSEs? Will their options be limited, and place at school be at risk? 

We at TASIS Portugal are fully aware that IGCSE results do not define a student. Children can struggle with the exam process for multiple reasons. We will thoroughly prepare students for the challenge. If a student does not meet expectations, students, parents, and teachers will discuss and review the situation. There are also options for examination re-writes. In any case, students who complete the TASIS Graduation Diploma will qualify for study at universities worldwide.

TASIS Portugal does not offer the IGCSE in PE. What sporting opportunities are there for my child?

TASIS Portugal chose not to offer the IGCSE in PE after close inspection of what it offers students. However, we strongly feel the various after-school activities, competitive sports options, and optional "fitness and health" sessions we provide ensure our students’ bodies and minds are being sufficiently developed.