International General Certificate in Secondary Education

Hillel Academy is the only school in Jamaica that offers the International  General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a two year programme, beginning at Grade 10 (4th form). It is the only Grade 11 external  examination offered at Hillel.

The Cambridge International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a two-year programme of learning for our 14-16 year olds with identifiable academic courses, a focus on academic inquiry, and subject matter that contributes to developing knowledgeable and culturally aware individuals. Our Coordinator for this programme is Mrs. Lorna Igbe

It is one of the most popular certifications for Secondary school education offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education.

The IGCSE incorporates the best in international education and encourages learner-centered, enquiry based approaches to learning.

By doing the IGCSE students develop the courage to measure themselves by  international standards, and the IGCSE helps to prepare students for the  demanding nature of the IB programme offered in Grades 12 & 13 (6th Form).  The flexibility of choices and levels for students is coupled with the  rigorous standards and trustworthy history of the Cambridge International  Examinations (CIE) board.

Our teachers are trained and qualified at the same levels and standards as  their IGCSE colleagues around the world, and they regularly attend training  workshops, conferences, online training courses, and participate in online  discussion groups for IGSCE instructors.

The IGCSE qualification is carefully designed to engage young learners and provide them solid foundations to achieve high levels of academic and personal attainment and is designed to be accessible to students of a wide range of ability. In Grades 10 and 11 Hillel Academy offers much more than the opportunity to earn high academic grades. Students are also able to become involved in our community service programme, numerous field trips, music and drama events and a wide variety of different sporting events. By the end of Grade 11, the students are well prepared and equipped to move on to the International Baccalaureate (IBDP) programme in Grade 12.

Students at Hillel Academy are required to study in-depth eight (8) subjects over a two year period, beginning in Grade 10. Few students, at this stage, are able to map out their academic future with any degree of certainty. The curriculum, therefore, is designed to provide breadth of opportunity. It ensures that students have studied at least one subject from each of the six (6) groups required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 12 and 13. 

More information about our IGCSE programme can be found in the academic section of our website, at the IGCSE presentation evening (held in March), where you will be able to talk with the subject teachers, and via the CIE website (www.cie.org.uk). You may also contact the IGCSE Coordinator directly by email at the link provided to discuss any queries or questions you may have.

Mrs. Lorna Igbe
IGCSE Coordinator