Boom Tutorไทย
Home

IGCSE in Thailand: what it is and how to choose subjects

A short guide for students and parents: what IGCSE is, who sets the exams and how the subjects are grouped, with the subjects Boom Tutor teaches marked.

What IGCSE is

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education: the international version of the British secondary qualification, usually taken in Year 10–11 and the route into A-Level or the IB Diploma.

Who sets the exams

Two main boards: Cambridge (Cambridge IGCSE) and Pearson Edexcel (International GCSE). Science and maths content is very similar; the paper formats differ. Your school chooses the board.

You choose your subjects

Cambridge offers more than 70 subjects. Students take only those that fit their study plan and the degree they are aiming for; how many depends on the school.

Exam series and grades

The main series are May/June and October/November. Most subjects are graded A*–G (some offer 9–1). Science and maths papers come in Core and Extended tiers, and only Extended reaches A*.

The 6 IGCSE subject groups

Example subjects in each group (numbers are Cambridge syllabus codes).

  1. 1Languages

    Reading, writing and communication, in English and other languages.

    • English as a First Language0500
    • English as a Second Language0510Planned
    • Literature in English0475
    • Chinese · French · Spanish · Thai ฯลฯ

  2. 2Humanities & Social Sciences

    Analysis, argument and understanding society and the world.

    • Geography0460
    • History0470
    • Global Perspectives0457

  3. 3Sciences

    The base for science, engineering and medicine, and the subjects where seeing it matters most.

    • Physics0625Taught at Boom Tutor
    • Chemistry0620Taught at Boom Tutor
    • Biology0610
    • Combined Science0653
    • Co-ordinated Sciences0654
    • Environmental Management0680

  4. 4Mathematics

    Taken by almost every student, and the toolkit for physics and chemistry.

    • Mathematics0580Planned
    • Additional Mathematics0606Planned
    • International Mathematics0607

  5. 5Business & Accounting

    For students heading towards management, economics or business.

    • Business Studies0450
    • Accounting0452
    • Economics0455

  6. 6Creative, Technical & Vocational

    Chosen by strength and interest, from art and music to computing.

    • Computer Science0478
    • Information & Communication Technology0417
    • Design & Technology0445
    • Art & Design0400
    • Music0410

After IGCSE

Most students continue to A-Level (Year 12–13) or the IB Diploma, where physics, chemistry and maths remain the core of the science track. Solid IGCSE foundations make a big difference.

See chemistry courses for every curriculum