Can I Take All My IGCSE Edexcel Sciences and Then Do My Other GCSE’s With AQA?
Yes, you absolutely can take all your IGCSE Edexcel sciences and then do your other GCSE’s with AQA! There is no limitation on which examination boards you can choose for your studies. Whatever board you choose, they are all approved by Ofqual to ensure that they meet the necessary standards.
Understanding Exam Boards: IGCSE and GCSE
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are both widely recognized qualifications in the United Kingdom and many other countries. While IGCSE is more commonly known outside the UK, GCSE is the standard exam in the UK.
It's worth noting that although you can take different subjects under different boards, your overall qualifications are still recognized. For instance, if you take your sciences with Edexcel and your other subjects with AQA, your qualifications will be seen as a comprehensive approach to education, and universities and employers will appreciate the breadth of your knowledge and experience.
A Historical Context of Examination Boards
Let's take a look back at how examination boards have evolved over the years. Way back in the days of O-levels (O-level stands for Ordinary Level), which was 43 years ago when GCSE didn't even exist, each school and teacher had their own preferences for the examination board they used. Some schools chose the AEB (now part of AQA), while others selected the University of London (now part of Edexcel).
It’s actually quite normal for schools to mix and match examination boards. Teachers often opt for the board that best suits the topics they wish to teach. For example, at my school, the chemistry teacher preferred the London syllabus, so we followed it for our A-levels. Another instance is when your school might choose Edexcel for science subjects and AQA for other subjects.
Flexibility in Education and the Choice of Exam Boards
The flexibility in choosing different examination boards allows you to tailor your education to your strengths and interests. Many students and schools take advantage of this freedom to create a well-rounded educational experience.
Universities and employers are generally more interested in the skills and knowledge you have gained rather than the specific examination board you have studied with. Therefore, you can be confident that your hard-earned qualifications will be recognized and valued, no matter which board you have chosen.
What Does This Mean for Your Future?
Taking all your IGCSE Edexcel sciences and then doing your other GCSE’s with AQA does not put you at a disadvantage. In fact, it can be a positive choice. By using the Edexcel board for your sciences, you might gain a deep understanding and strong foundation in these subjects. This knowledge can be invaluable as you progress to A-levels and beyond.
On the other hand, using AQA for your other GCSE’s can provide you with a variety of perspectives on different subjects. This combination can enhance your overall educational experience and showcase your versatility to universities and employers.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, you can take all your IGCSE Edexcel sciences and then do your other GCSE’s with AQA. This decision is based on your preferences and educational needs. The most important thing is to ensure that you are pursuing a solid and comprehensive education. As long as the qualifications meet the necessary standards, your choices will be respected and valued by universities and employers.
Embrace the flexibility of the education system and make the best choices for your future.