How it works
You can begin our IGCSE English- First Language course whenever you want, and you’ll study fully online from wherever you are. It’s designed to give learners a strong grounding in the subject, plus the practical skills you need for further study or a future career where English matters.
Each part of the course is made up of structured online learning time. On top of that, you’ll also get access to optional extras like recommended practice tasks, reading materials, digital resources, and self-check activities.
When it’s time to get your IGCSE, you’ll complete written exams at an approved exam centre. If you’d like to understand how exam centres work and how to find one, you can learn more here .
To successfully finish the course, you’ll be supported with 1-2-1 tutor sessions and all the resources you need. After passing, you’ll receive your IGCSE English- First Language qualification, which helps you move on to A Levels, higher education, English-related careers, or a Level 3 qualification through Online Business School.
Throughout the programme, you’ll also have access to helpful support tools, including webinars, online community spaces for learning with others, and additional materials to keep you on track.
Click here to view a Sample Certificate
Sitting the Exam
To sit an IGCSE exam, the first step is to find an exam centre in your country that allows private candidates. Once you’ve located a suitable one, you’ll register with them and pay any required fees.
Before exam day, double-check that your statement of entry is correct. Make sure you bring valid identification to every exam. If anything changes or you have questions, stay in touch with the centre or the exam provider, especially if you think you may need special access arrangements.
After the exams, let your exam centre or exam provider know if you’re requesting special consideration. You’ll then collect your results and certificates. If you feel there’s an issue and you want to explore options like a review of marking or an appeal, you can request this through the centre or exam provider.
Online Business School will guide you through the whole IGCSE exam journey. We’ll help you find an approved exam centre, support you with registration, and make sure you understand what’s required and what deadlines you must meet.
We’ll also help with exam preparation advice, check your statement of entry, and clarify anything about identification and access arrangements.
After your exams, we’ll walk you through requesting special considerations, collecting results and certificates, and how to request reviews or appeals. Basically, our support is there at each stage so you’re not left guessing.
Am I eligible for this programme?
Most people complete the IGCES around ages 14 to 16, but the course is open to anyone who is over 14. You don’t need any previous qualifications either, so if you’re ready to start, you can.
Career Progression
After you complete this course, you’ll leave with the core foundations and essential knowledge you need to progress to A levels or a Level 3 qualification with Online Business School.
Subject Content
Below is an overview of the key skills you’ll cover as part of the syllabus.
Reading
Show you understand written texts, including the meaning behind words, phrases, and how they’re used
Summarise information and apply it to a specific situation • Develop, analyse and evaluate facts, ideas and opinions
Understand how writers create impact and influence their readers
Choose the right information for a clear purpose
Recognise and respond to language techniques, figurative language and imagery.
When building reading skills, you’ll work with a mix of genres and text types from the twentieth and/or twenty-first centuries. This includes literature, fiction, non-fiction, and a range of writing styles such as discursive essays, reviews, and articles.
Your learning will focus on how writers use language and style, and how they create effects that shape the reader’s response.
You’ll also look at how “influence” can involve facts, different ideas, viewpoints, opinions, and bias.
Writing
Share what you think, feel and imagine
Organise and present facts, ideas and opinions in a clear way
Use a variety of vocabulary that fits the context
Use different sentence structures effectively
Show that you understand audience, purpose and form
Work with accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
As you grow as a writer, you’ll be introduced to a range of writing techniques. You’ll practise creating and composing texts for different purposes and in different formats, like descriptive, narrative, discursive, argumentative and persuasive writing. You’ll also study these text types in particular: letter, report, article, journal, speech, interview and summary.
Speaking and Listening
Talk about your experiences and reflect on them, sharing what you think, feel and imagine
Organise and share facts, ideas and opinions clearly • Understand and communicate complex ideas
Communicate with clarity, keep your focus, and match your purpose
Adapt your communication to the situation
Take part in conversations in a suitable and confident way
