Cambridge IGCSE is the qualification your child works toward in Years 10 and 11 — and the books they study with during those two years make a real difference to their results. This guide explains exactly how the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) curriculum works, what subjects your child studies, how they are graded, and which textbooks UAE schools use.
Key Takeaways
- Cambridge IGCSE is a two-year programme for students aged 14–16, covering over 70 subjects across five subject groups.
- Students in UAE schools typically study between five and ten subjects, with Arabic and Islamic Studies required under KHDA guidelines for eligible students.
- Most subjects offer Core and Extended tracks, meaning the curriculum adjusts to your child's level.
- Grades run from A* (highest) to G, with exams taken at the end of the two-year course in May/June or October/November.
- All Cambridge University Press and Hodder Education IGCSE textbooks listed in this guide are available at The Book Souq with delivery across the UAE and GCC.
What Is the Cambridge IGCSE?
Cambridge IGCSE is the world's most popular international qualification for students aged 14 to 16. It attracts over 900,000 subject entries every year from 140 countries, and it is the qualification that sits at the heart of the British curriculum stream followed by most international schools in the UAE.
It is developed and awarded by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), which is part of the University of Cambridge. CAIE designs syllabuses, publishes official textbooks through Cambridge University Press, and sets and marks the final exams.
The programme runs for two years — typically Grades 9 and 10 in UAE schools. At the end of those two years, students sit external exams that are marked by CAIE. The grades they receive are recognised by universities and schools worldwide.
How the Cambridge IGCSE Fits Into the Cambridge Pathway
Cambridge IGCSE does not stand alone. It sits in the middle of a structured progression that runs from age 5 all the way to 19.
- Cambridge Primary (ages 5–11): English, Mathematics, Science, ICT and Cambridge Global Perspectives
- Cambridge Lower Secondary (ages 11–14): The same core subjects, extended and deepened
- Cambridge Upper Secondary / IGCSE (ages 14–16): 70+ subjects across five groups
- Cambridge Advanced / A Level (ages 16–19): Cambridge International AS and A Level, leading to university entry
IGCSE results are the platform for A Level subject choices. A student who performs well in IGCSE Chemistry, for example, is prepared to take Cambridge A Level Chemistry in Years 12 and 13. For UAE families considering university abroad — in the UK, US, Canada or elsewhere — strong IGCSE grades are often part of the admissions picture.
The Cambridge IGCSE Subject Groups
Students at the IGCSE level choose subjects from five broad groups. UAE schools typically require students to take at least one subject from each group, though the exact combination varies by school.
Group 1: Languages
This group covers first and second language options. In the UAE, schools typically require:
- Cambridge IGCSE First Language English — for students whose primary language of instruction is English
- Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language — for students who use English as an additional language
- Arabic — required for all students in Dubai under KHDA guidelines
The official coursebook for English as a Second Language is the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language Coursebook 6th Edition (ISBN: 9781009031943), published by Cambridge University Press. For First Language English, the matching text is the Cambridge IGCSE First Language English Coursebook 6th Edition (ISBN: 9781009528795).
Group 2: Humanities and Social Sciences
This group includes History, Geography, Economics, Business Studies and Sociology. These subjects develop analytical writing, source evaluation and essay skills that transfer directly to A Level study.
Popular choices in UAE schools include Economics and Business Studies. The official Cambridge University Press coursebooks are:
- Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Economics Coursebook 3rd Edition — ISBN: 9781009814577
- Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Business Coursebook 4th Edition — ISBN: 9781009813501
- Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Sociology Coursebook 2nd Edition — ISBN: 9781009282963
Group 3: Sciences
Science at IGCSE is taken as separate subjects or as a combined option. The three separate sciences — Biology, Chemistry and Physics — are the most common choice in UAE schools aiming for strong A Level preparation.
Each science subject has a matching Cambridge University Press coursebook and workbook. The workbook is worth buying alongside the coursebook: it contains exam-style questions chapter by chapter, which is how students practise applying what they have read.
Core science titles available at The Book Souq's IGCSE and O Level collection include:
- Cambridge IGCSE Physics Coursebook 3rd Edition — ISBN: 9781108888073
- Cambridge IGCSE Physics Workbook 3rd Edition — ISBN: 9781108744515
- Cambridge IGCSE Biology Workbook 4th Edition — ISBN: 9781108947480
- Cambridge IGCSE Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences Coursebook 2nd Edition — ISBN: 9781009311281
For Chemistry, Hodder Education publishes a widely used alternative: the Hodder Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 4th Edition (ISBN: 9781398310506).
Group 4: Mathematics
Mathematics is compulsory at IGCSE level. Students choose between:
- Mathematics (Core and Extended) — the standard IGCSE Maths syllabus (syllabus code 0580)
- Additional Mathematics — a more advanced option, recommended for students targeting Maths, Physics or Engineering at A Level
The Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Core and Extended Coursebook 3rd Edition (ISBN: 9781009297912) covers both the Core and Extended tracks in a single volume. For students who need more practice, the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Extended Practice Book 3rd Edition (ISBN: 9781009297974) provides additional exam-style questions.
Students taking Additional Mathematics should look at the Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Additional Mathematics Coursebook 3rd Edition (ISBN: 9781009341837).
Group 5: Creative, Technical and Vocational
This group includes Computer Science, ICT, Art and Design, Music and Physical Education. Computer Science is increasingly popular in UAE schools as students look toward technology-related university courses.
The Cambridge IGCSE ICT Coursebook 3rd Edition (ISBN: 9781108901093) covers the ICT syllabus in full. For Computer Science, the Hodder Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Computer Science 2nd Edition (ISBN: 9781398318281) is widely used in UAE schools.
Core and Extended: What the Difference Means for Your Child
Many IGCSE subjects — Mathematics and the three sciences in particular — offer two curriculum tracks.
Core covers the fundamental content of the syllabus. It is designed to be accessible and leads to grades C through G. Students who are solid but not aiming for top grades often study the Core curriculum.
Extended covers everything in Core plus additional, more challenging content. It leads to grades A* through E. Students aiming for A Level sciences, mathematics or engineering should take the Extended track.
The decision is made subject by subject, not as a whole-curriculum choice. A student might study Extended Maths and Core Geography in the same year. Schools usually advise on this, but the choice has a direct effect on which syllabus the textbook needs to cover — always check the edition before ordering.
How Cambridge IGCSE Is Assessed
Exams are taken at the end of the two-year programme, not at the end of each year. In the UAE, most students sit the May/June exam session in Year 11. The October/November session is also available, which some students use for retakes.
Assessment is not limited to written exams. Depending on the subject, grades can include:
- Written exams — the primary assessment in most subjects
- Oral assessments — used in language subjects
- Coursework — used in subjects like Art and Design
- Practical and lab assessments — used in the sciences
The Grading Scale
Cambridge IGCSE uses an A to G grading scale*, with A* being the highest grade. Some updated syllabus variants use a 9 to 1 scale (where 9 is the highest), similar to the UK GCSE system. Your child's school will clarify which scale applies to each subject.
For university entry in the UK, a grade C or above is typically the minimum for most requirements. For competitive courses and top universities, grades A and A* carry the most weight.
Cambridge IGCSE in the UAE: What Parents Need to Know
The British curriculum is one of the most widely followed in the UAE. Most British-curriculum schools use Cambridge IGCSE, though some use Pearson Edexcel as an alternative.
KHDA Requirements
In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) sets additional requirements for all schools:
- Arabic is compulsory for all students.
- Islamic Studies is required for Muslim students.
These requirements sit alongside the standard IGCSE subject choices. A typical Year 10 student in a Dubai school might be studying eight or nine subjects in total — six to seven IGCSE subjects, plus Arabic and Islamic Studies.
When to Buy Textbooks
Most UAE schools issue a booklist in August or September, ahead of the academic year starting in September. IGCSE textbooks for Year 10 are needed from the first week of school. Year 11 students often use the same books and add revision guides and practice books as they approach exam season.
New editions sell out ahead of exam season. Ordering early — ideally in August — avoids the delays that come with high demand in September and October.
Cambridge vs Hodder: Which Publisher Should You Choose?
Both Cambridge University Press and Hodder Education publish official endorsed materials for Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses. The right choice depends on the school.
Cambridge University Press textbooks follow the syllabus structure closely. They tend to be thorough and methodical, making them strong for students who read carefully and work through exercises chapter by chapter.
Hodder Education textbooks are often seen as slightly more accessible in tone. Some schools and teachers prefer them for students who benefit from a more direct writing style.
Ask the school which publisher they follow before ordering — most schools specify a preferred text. If the school has no preference, both publishers produce endorsed materials that cover the full syllabus.
Subject Guide at a Glance
| Subject | Recommended Coursebook | ISBN | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| English as a Second Language | Cambridge IGCSE ESL Coursebook 6th Ed | 9781009031943 | Cambridge University Press |
| First Language English | Cambridge IGCSE FLE Coursebook 6th Ed | 9781009528795 | Cambridge University Press |
| Mathematics (Core and Extended) | Cambridge IGCSE Maths Core and Extended Coursebook 3rd Ed | 9781009297912 | Cambridge University Press |
| Additional Mathematics | Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Additional Maths Coursebook 3rd Ed | 9781009341837 | Cambridge University Press |
| Physics | Cambridge IGCSE Physics Coursebook 3rd Ed | 9781108888073 | Cambridge University Press |
| Chemistry | Hodder Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 4th Ed | 9781398310506 | Hodder Education |
| Biology | Cambridge IGCSE Biology Workbook 4th Ed | 9781108947480 | Cambridge University Press |
| Economics | Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Economics Coursebook 3rd Ed | 9781009814577 | Cambridge University Press |
| Business Studies | Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Business Coursebook 4th Ed | 9781009813501 | Cambridge University Press |
| Computer Science | Hodder Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Computer Science 2nd Ed | 9781398318281 | Hodder Education |
| ICT | Cambridge IGCSE ICT Coursebook 3rd Ed | 9781108901093 | Cambridge University Press |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Subjects Does a Student Take at Cambridge IGCSE?
Most UAE schools require students to take between five and ten subjects. The school determines the subject combinations available and which are compulsory. Most students end up with seven or eight subjects in total, including Arabic and any locally required additions.
Can My Child Change From Core to Extended Mid-Course?
This depends on the school and the subject teacher's assessment. In most cases, the switch is possible in the first term of Year 10. After that, changing tracks becomes harder because the content and textbooks differ. If your child is on the Core track and performing well, raise the conversation with the subject teacher early.
Are IGCSE Grades Accepted by UAE Universities?
Yes. UAE universities, including those in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, accept Cambridge IGCSE results as part of their admissions requirements. Most require grades A* to C in relevant subjects. For students planning to study at UK, US or Canadian universities, IGCSE grades combined with A Level results form the standard application package.
What Is the Difference Between Cambridge IGCSE and O Level?
Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level are both Cambridge Upper Secondary qualifications for the same age group. O Level is available in a smaller range of subjects and is more commonly found in South Asian school systems. In the UAE, the large majority of British-curriculum schools use IGCSE. Both qualifications are accepted by universities, and some Cambridge textbooks cover both syllabuses in a single volume.
When Should We Order IGCSE Textbooks?
School booklists are usually issued in August. Ordering in August means books arrive before term starts in September. Stock on current editions — especially the sciences and mathematics — runs low quickly once the school year begins. If your child needs a specific edition or ISBN, ordering as soon as the booklist arrives is the most reliable approach.
All the Cambridge IGCSE textbooks listed in this guide are available at The Book Souq, with fast delivery across the UAE and GCC. If a title is not listed, use the request a book page or contact the team on WhatsApp at +971-52-866-1514.