IGCSE — British School Haileybury Almaty

IGCSEs - The first step toward the world’s best universities

Year 10 to Year 11 is a key stage where pupils are working towards their IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). Pupils follow the core subjects of mathematics, English, two sciences and a modern language. They also get to choose three other subjects.

Not only is it a time to start thinking about the future and what a pupil’s subject choices may mean for further study, but it is also a time where the pupils themselves encounter many changes, be it emotionally or socially.

What is fundamental in a first class school education?

Top quality academic teaching to stretch and extend young people (knowledge and understanding, good depth)
Development of the whole person through broad co-curricular activities (sport, music, drama, debating, leadership, volunteering)
Extending the depth and understanding of a young person through supra-curricular activities (in-depth reading, projects, academically focused extension activities, competitions, societies)
High quality university guidance and support - A global approach

How do IGCSEs work?

2-year course of study ending in terminal examinations.
8 Subjects chosen across the arts and sciences but English and Mathematics are compulsory and English is 2 IGCSEs (Language and Literature).
Some subjects will also include coursework e.g. Art.
Normally 3 examinations per subject but some languages will include oral examinations.
Builds the foundation for more advanced study and specialisation at A level.

How globally recognised are GCSEs?

Taken as the standard in 160 countries

Leads directly to A levels, which are a global gold standard for university entrance

Applying knowledge and understanding to unfamiliar situations

Portable to all university systems in each continent

Widely sought after by pupils across the world

Provides a broad foundation across arts and sciences

Strongly endorsed by employers globally

What IGCSE subjects are available?

English Language or English Literature

Mathematics: Further Mathematics Computer Science

Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Humanities: Geography, History, Psychology, Economics, Business Studies

Languages: Russian

Creatives: Art

Non Examination Subjects: Kazakh, PE

IGCSE 2025-2027 Options

Download Booklet

Preparing University applications

Steve Stockermans, International College Counsellor

We offer a full university counselling service as part of our fees - you do not need to go elsewhere for this.

The team has experienced counsellors for US/UK and other world universities and our success speaks for itself.

What would you like to do?

Reception Junior School Senior School IGCSE A-Level Robotics Digital learning

News

07.09.2026

Knowledge Day at Haileybury Almaty

Knowledge Day marked the start of the academic year at Haileybury Almaty, bringing pupils, families and colleagues back together after the summer break.