In years 9 and 10 students embark on a two-year course; the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). We adopt Cambridge Assessment International Education as our examination board, which is the largest and the most established IGCSE provider in the world.

The IGCSE is a subject-specific curriculum where students choose a number of subjects to study in depth over the two-year programme. The wide range of subjects offered are based on the rationale that students should follow a fairly broad and balanced curriculum. This philosophy also ties in with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which students will pursue after the completion of their IGCSE course. 

Each student’s IGCSE selection will comprise a number of Compulsory subjects, and a range of Optional subjects. There is also an extra option available in English Literature; however, this will only be offered to those students who have shown outstanding ability in the subject and a passion for reading.

Compulsory Subjects

Chinese, English, International Mathematics and Global Perspectives will be offered as part of a core programme and are not optional. In addition, students must choose a minimum of at least one Science subject and one from the Individuals & Societies category.

Optional Subjects

The diverse range of Optional Subjects currently available to CKY students are outlined in the table below. Students are automatically entered for their first six preferred options, but can complete fewer subjects upon request. Students must choose at least one Science from Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and at least one subject from Business Studies, Economics, Geography and History. Students may not choose both Art & Design and Art & Design: Textiles.

Our students have achieved outstanding IGCSE results in previous years. CKY students have consistently achieved over 97% A*-C grades with more than 70% A*-A grades. We are delighted that every year our students also receive the prestigious Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards. In the past, our students have received awards in the categories of Top in the World, Top in Hong Kong and First Place Best Across Eight Cambridge IGCSEs for their exceptional performance. These awards spanned across subjects including Additional Mathematics, Business Studies, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Food and Nutrition, Geography, Global Perspectives, Physical Education and Music. More than 75% of our candidates also received Po Leung Kuk scholarships for their outstanding achievements in IGCSE. 

After successfully completing their IGCSEs, students are well equipped to progress to the final stage of their education at CKY; the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).