Understanding the Grading Systems: A Comparison of IGCSE and SPM in 9 Points

Grading Scale

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education uses a grading system with the initial scale from A* to G, with A* standing for excellent achievement. In 2017, in response to the United Kingdom General Certificate of Secondary Education changes, it has introduced a numeric scale from 9 to 1, where 9 represents A*+, the top score of exceptional performance. This use of a dual system is useful for universities to maximize their ability to differentiate between students with outstanding performance, as is seen in the cases of top universities, including Cambridge or Harvard. Thus, an individual who has scored a 9 or an 8 is likely to have a good chance in these applications. Such a precise system is particularly useful for decision-making in relation to the most demanding courses, and it helps institutions to see if students can handle the proficiencies required at higher levels.

The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia has chosen the scale from A+ to G, with A+ being the highest score. This simplified manner of grading allows other institutions and students to clearly see that an A+ implies the student has an excellent understanding and knowledge of the subject. Furthermore, this neat grading of levels indicates to the admissions offices of local universities and scholarship providers that this specific student is among the top performers. The main advantage, therefore, that the SPM grading system offers to its users is the fact that it is simpler for educators and students to understand the standards of achievement in various disciplines.

The students would benefit from either system, although I would argue that SPM’s is more favorable due to its ability to rid the students of constantly weighing the usage of the second scale. I believe that the IGCSE grading system in this case may prove to be a bit more helpful for teachers and examiners who can benefit from seeing student performance in more detail, which is particularly important for less defined subjects in which it can be difficult to pinpoint the skills and understanding that set students apart. Nevertheless, in my opinion, the IGCSE system can be somewhat more difficult due to its obligatory dual system in which educators and students have to understand and function with two scales of performance.

Assessment Methods

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education provides a wide range of assessment methods to evaluate student’s knowledge and skills. IGCSE introduces written examinations, oral tests, coursework, and practical assessment to satisfy different types of learning. For instance, in Art & Design class, students are assessed on how well they can create a portfolio, not just the final piece. Thus, multiple assessment methods are provided to ensure an overall evaluation of one’s abilities, not just off-paper skills. It is especially beneficial for students who have a hands-on approach to performing tasks: these students can show their verbal expression skills that cannot be accessed through examination in another form.

The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia certificate relies mainly on such examination methods to evaluate students. Written examinations are currently the only method for formative and summative assessment in the SPM curriculum. These exams are stated throughout the country, serve to measure the general education of the students, and their overall knowledge in a wide array of subjects. Moreover, examination in this certificate takes a more narrow focus, aimed at testing some specific information or skill. The SPM Math examination, for instance, includes a mix of multiple choice, short answer, and long questions for a full problem to be solved. It measures how well can a student logically solve problems of applied mathematics by using formulas or equations. Thus, the focus on written examinations in SPM helps students with good memorization and cognitive application skills. It also ensures equal conditions for all the students: examinations are standardized, accessible to all, and thus maintaining equally high educational quality.

Flexibility in Subject Choice

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is a recognized world qualification based on study personally tailored for the requirements of pupils. Apart from core subjects: English, a foreign language, Mathematics and Science, the IGCSE provides more than 70 subjects to choose from. A vocational pathway requires subjects that match the ideal profession. Majoring in graphic designing, I would choose: core Art & Design, in order to develop graphic designing, I would then take Computer Science; as a career in designing necessarily includes entrepreneurial skills, Business studies would be my last major. CS and B studies, in addition assure of the knowledge of the updated software and hardware to use in Graphic Designing. As a result of IGCSE’s flexibility for such career guided programs, a student can achievement success due the interests put in learning. SPM: Standard Curriculum with Mandatory Focus

On the other hand, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia allows students with less choice focused on the mandatory subjects to be studied. In the first tier, students are required to major English and Malay languages, Mathematics and History. In the second tier, pupils are required to choose two subjects out of 30 subjects provided by Sijil Pelajaran. Owing to the concern of global unity and understanding one culture, Malaysian based each year subject examination is specifically for the Interstate pupil and East Malaysian are flown every year to Peninsular Malaysia to sit for their examination. The choice simplification and having core mandatory subjects examination is easier to administer and assess. Making Decision for the Future

Thus, students with ideal profession path to follow require the choice of International General Certificate of Secondary Education. However, students still undecided need Sijil Pelajaran’s generalized knowledge to keep doors of any profession open.

Exam Sessions

IGCSE: Biannual Examination Window

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education holds its examinations in June and November, giving students two opportunities each year to sit for the exam. This schedule minimizes the pressure and anxiety experienced by students while preparing for multiple exams. If students are not ready to sit for a particular subject in June, they can easily defer the test to another session. Moreover, students who wish to improve on a subject that they sat for previously can do so after a short duration. For instance, a student who sits for the IGCSE exam in June and scores a low grade in Mathematics can revise later in November. As a result, academics achieve better results and become more eligible to join highly reputable universities and colleges.

SPM: Annual Examination Window

The education system in Malaysia holds its examinations in November each year. The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination is conducted at the same time and all students must be ready for the examination . They subject themselves to massive preparation in the last months before the exams, with academics given intense training to prepare for the examination concurrently. Although less frequent, the annual examination is very crucial and decides all students’ fate. Their performance in the examination will be used to determine which course they will study and where they are going to study at the tertiary level.

In IGCSE, examinations are held twice a year, which means that students can easily manage their loads by distributing their study periods. They can easily avoid exam pressure. On the other hand, SPM students have to remain anxious until the examination period is fast approaching. Those who have problems reading on their own have to resort to the extra tuition classes to effect the revision early enough.

Curriculum Focus

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is designed to be global, with an internationally relevant curriculum allowing graduates to receive education and pursue further studies anywhere in the world. The IGCSE curriculum is diverse and broad and includes a substantial number of subjects from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and mathematics. The diversity of elective subjects is particularly noteworthy, as it allows students to choose unique subject combinations like Environmental Management and World Literature . These can be chosen in addition to mandatory subjects, such as Math, Science, English allowing students to complete an education focusing on the subjects relevant to their future career. In broad terms, the curriculum caters to the needs and interests of those who intend to receive higher education, work, or volunteer in settings outside of Malaysia.

The SPM, in turn, is structured, and the curriculum is more specifically tailored to the needs of the nation and its citizens. With geographical and cultural characteristics in mind, this program includes mandatory subjects, such as Malay Language, English, Mathematics, and History . This well-established curriculum helps make sure that all school students receive an education necessary to become Malaysian citizens with a strong national identity and sense of civic duty. The SPM is structured in a manner necessary for producing well-educated working population able to contribute to the further socio-economic development of the country. Essentially, the SPM allows students to graduates to be more prepared to attend a local university or join the workforce in Malaysia equipped with the required academic and civic knowledge.

Students considering which curriculum to choose should understand the impact each of the options might have on their higher education and career options. IGCSE students might have a better educational background for further studies in international universities, leading them to international careers. SPM graduates, in turn, may have better chances of entering a Malaysian institution of higher education or obtaining gainful employment in Malaysia.

Recognition

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education enjoys international recognition, making it the qualification of choice for students planning on attending higher education or finding employment abroad. Universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia all recognize IGCSE as proof of academic competency. Moreover, many top-tier universities prefer considering students with a background in IGCSE curriculums as it ensures their readiness for undergraduate education’s demands. For example, a candidate for the University of Oxford with IGCSE qualifications has the advantage of applying with a recognized curriculum. In many courses at the University of Oxford, students are expected to have strong foundational knowledge, which the depth and breadth of the IGCSE are considered suitable for. Meanwhile, the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia has high value but is localized to the national context. The SPM is the primary consideration for admission into Malaysian public universities and technical schools. Employers in Malaysia also value the SPM, as the curriculum focuses on the country’s central competencies and national education objectives . For example, industry sectors that value SPM qualifications are those where the major languages of operation are predominantly Bahasa Malaysia, and the major operations are centered in Malaysia. The regional context can be taken further for industries where local language proficiency in Malay or understanding of efforts within the country is mandatory. Ultimately, students must recognize that unless far-flung career or education plans predominate the trajectory of their lives, the reception of their qualifications will have strategic importance in planning their future.

Retake Opportunities

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education provides students with a unique opportunity to retake the exam during the two annual examination sessions. For example, two opportunities allow students to concentrate on enhancing their grades within a six-month period. If a student wants to gain an E on their Chemistry IGCSE, he can overcome unexpected obstacles by enrolling in next year’s performance in the next half of the academic year.

The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia educational system provides students with a unique opportunity to take the exam only in March. The inability to pass the exam during the autumn session may serve as a delay in receiving the target assignment. For example, a student who wants to join one of the university programs should increase their math score in order to apply for an engineering department. Since this assignment cannot be immediately available in November, the student will have to wait until the following November to benefit from the necessary education . Holding a degree can also have a positive impact on the student’s ability to remain in the faculty of his choice.

Students have to work hard to maximize their potential and not to achieve their academic goals. Integrated student performance for IGCSE students will most likely have no impact on their academic records from a financial standpoint. Since students know what the impact on their university-mandated assignment will be, they are more focused. As a result, this determination may have a positive effect on higher enrollment in higher education programs.

Prospective SPM students may require more careful preparation for the first session if they know that the opposing school will be exposed for a year. In late autumn and early winter, students learn they will have to redouble their revision time throughout the academic year.

Minimum Passing Grades

IGCSE minimum passing grade: C or equivalent

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education or IGCSE follows a grading scale from A* to G, with A* being the highest and G being the lowest. Normally, a grade of C or above for IGCSE subjects is usually considered a pass since most students plan to further their education with their results. A grade of C or above in IGCSE English or Mathematics is often sufficient for most universities and colleges around the world as proof of adequate skills and knowledge for higher education. This gives the students some leeway in the required and acceptable minimum passing grade, such that students who perform at an average or middle pass level are not barred from pursuing their academic or vocational goals. However, this criterion does not lean towards a simple pass but encourages students to maximise their efforts in pursuit of higher excellence. With a higher grade it follows naturally, the more universities will be available to choose from and various scholarships available to apply for .

SPM minimum passing grade: C for local Malaysian core subjects

The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia or SPM standards are much clearer when it comes to the passing grades, since a grade of C is the minimum requirement for SPM core subjects considered compulsory for local Malaysian students such as Bahasa Melayu, Sejarah or History . The distinction in these case with core subjects is that no student would be permitted to graduate from high school unless they pass these subjects. For example, if a student fails these subjects, then technically the Ministry of Education’s Malaysian Examination Syndicate would be unable to grant them any certification to prove that they have graduated high school. What this system demonstrates is that the national education curriculum is designed to emphasise the importance of core subjects that every student should understand to a passing grade before they can make it to a higher standard of education.

Grading Criteria

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is created in a way that allows grading knowledge of different kinds. The IGCSE English Literature exam aims to evaluate students’ ability to analyze the given texts, build a coherent chain of reasoning, and relate reading to the context of different cultures. At the same time, the examination system is based not only on the final exams, in the end, but also on coursework submitted throughout the whole academic year; this allows addressing different types of scores and students’ abilities more or less equally.

The Science and Mathematics grades are based on a similar approach; beside the theoretical part, students need to be able to apply the knowledge into practice, which is very important at further education and education for practice. Thus, no student is only testing for his or her memorizing skills, every subject implies a practice application of the knowledge, as well. The similar approach of mandatory practice in future has been taken by the differing of SPM grading system. The related examination approach is extremely conservative, the examinations held are “written standardized tests” based solely on students’ ability to recall and apply knowledge. For instance, the SPM History exam is based on structured essay questions and objective tests overviewing the Malaysian history; knowledge of such data of purely factual importance is the necessary requirement.

Conservative attitude is also manifested in the general, very intensive approach with almost no place for non-standard, restricted situations and students’ original solutions. The mentality of restricted systems, part of which are future education and career, is evident. However, what is also evident is the possess to prepare the students for the most unchanging, firm life fundamentals.

The students should know these criteria in order to organize their time and Encarta accordingly. The IGCSE students would generalize their knowledge, looking for practical thinking application and maybe getting involved to some practical applications . The SPM participants, on the opposite, would have been working with the previous years’ repetitions and some peculiarities of examination structure to outcome the highest results.