What IGCSEs Do I Need to Be a Teacher?

Teaching can be very rewarding. Those who choose to be teachers have the opportunity to shape students’ lives by providing an educational foundation to help them reach their career and life goals. IGCSEs can be helpful for those wanting to become a teacher, but they are not a primary requirement.

You will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject and a teaching certificate to be qualified to teach. IGCEs can play a role in helping you prepare, and some teacher training programmes require a minimum of IGCSE English and Maths for entry. Some require IGCSE Science courses for primary teachers. 

Essential IGCSEs for Teachers

Obtaining a grade 4/C or better in IGCSE English and maths is often a requirement for admission into teacher training programmes. For those who plan on teaching at the primary levels, IGCSE Science at a grade C/4 is typically required. Also, if you have a specific subject you want to teach, such as geography or English, choose the relevant IGCSE subjects.

IGCSE English Language and Literature

Teaching requires that you learn how to communicate orally and in writing on a daily basis. IGCSE English Language and IGCSE English Literature are both excellent choices for aspiring teachers. These two help provide you with the literacy skills needed to operate in a classroom. 

IGCSE English Literature promotes active learning and develops critical thinking skills. Teachers will need to be able to analyse, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts. These skills will be applied in different academic and professional settings, as well as for student instruction.

IGCSE Maths

Teachers need stellar maths even if they specialise in non-mathematical subjects. IGCSE Maths equips teachers with the skills needed to teach basic numeracy skills to students. It will also prepare teachers for aspects of the profession that require data entry and analysis skills. 

IGCSE Science (Primary Teachers)

For those who want to specialise in teaching at the primary levels, IGCSE Science will be required. This course brings core science subjects together, including biology, chemistry, and physics. These basics cover science topics needed to instruct science on a primary level.

Optional IGCSEs for Teachers

IGCSE History

Teachers benefit from taking IGCSE History as it helps build a solid understanding of the past, develops analytical skills, and fosters historical inquiry. The subject provides the knowledge and skills needed for future studies and helps to promote appreciation for history and how it has helped shape the present and influences the future.

IGCSE Geography

IGCSE Geography helps teachers develop skills in using and understanding geographical information, understanding how processes influence environments, and analysing how environments influence societies. This information is helpful when instructing students and helping them understand location on a local, regional, and global scale. It’s also useful for helping describe the characteristics and processes of contrasting environments. 

Requirements for Top Universities

Most universities do not have specific IGCSE requirements for admission. However, they are often considered alongside other qualifications. Having a strong IGCSE record is usually viewed as a positive indicator of a student’s academic commitment and abilities.

University of Oxford IGCSE Requirements 

The University of Oxford doesn’t have specific IGCSE requirements for entry into its undergraduate programmes. The university considers IGCSE scores as an indicator of a student’s academic capabilities and work ethic. However, the focus is on A-level results and equivalent qualifications. They do assess applicants based on predicted grades, interviews, and entrance exam scores.

Harvard University IGCSE Requirements

Acceptance into the teaching programme at Harvard University does not require specific IGCSE subjects. The university does focus on a student’s overall academic performance and other factors. However, to be admitted into Harvard Graduate School of Education, which is their teacher-focused program, applicants will need to demonstrate that they have prepared well for their academic endeavours. 

University of Toronto IGCSE Requirements 

To apply for the Bachelor of Education programme at the University of Toronto, applicants will need five different IGCSE/GCSE/Ordinary level academic subjects as well as three A-Level subjects. IGCSE English is required for admission into all programs.

How to Choose Your IGCSE Subjects for Teaching

University Requirements

When choosing IGCSE subjects in preparation for a teaching career, make sure to cover the requirements of the university you hope to attend. While most schools require IGCSE English and Maths, some schools may have specific requirements for entry into their programmes. Make sure your choices cover these requirements.

Career Development

Pick IGCSE subjects based on the grade level you plan on teaching. Preparation may be quite different for different grade levels. For example, primary teachers need to be able to teach across educational basics like maths, English, and science. Upper-level teachers should focus on IGCSE subjects that are representative of the subject they will be teaching, such as maths or specific sciences.

Personal Preferences

Since there are no specific, stringent requirements, make your selections based on your preferences and topics you’ll enjoy studying. Most topics provide teachers with transferable and applicable skills for their careers in their classrooms.

What Happens If I Don’t Choose These Subjects?

The primary requirements for most colleges and universities are IGCSE maths and English. After taking those two courses, you can take almost anything without going wrong. If you are uncomfortable with basic maths and English, you may want to consider pursuing a career other than teaching. Beyond those two requirements, you can take what you enjoy and subjects that will be beneficial to your own academic growth.

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