November 2022

Widening reading is a type of personal exploration that you can do to improve your understanding of certain subjects. It can also help you demonstrate your passion for the subjects you’re studying. You can do different kinds of wider reading to make it easier for you to keep motivated. Having a good understanding of your chosen subjects will allow you to start your university career in a stronger position.

Are you struggling to start reading beyond what your teacher has told you? This post will help you understand what wider reading is and how it can help with your A Level and university applications.

What Is Wider Reading?

The concept of wider reading is not limited to just reading. It also covers other activities such as competitions and documentaries. For students who can make time for these activities, there’s no better way to learn about a wide range of concepts and better prepare for further studies than wider reading.

Through wider reading, you can explore topics you’re passionate about. This practice can help you demonstrate your passion for the subject and show off your knowledge in an interview. It can also help you prepare for university.

A study conducted by the Institute of Education revealed that children who regularly read scored higher on their spelling, vocabulary, and math tests. This doesn’t mean that students taking A Levels must integrate wider reading during their revisions; the practice instead helps empower students to gain a better understanding of the course concepts.

Through weekly enrichment seminars, you can improve your knowledge about a particular subject and demonstrate your passion for it in an interview. This practice can help you stand out from the crowd and impress the admissions tutors.

Wider Reading For A-Levels

 

Widening reading is often referred to as a “super curriculum learning” technique by schools and universities. It allows students to acquire a higher level of knowledge than they would through conventional classroom teaching.

Examinations require that candidates show evidence of wider reading in order to reach top marks. For instance, in the A Level Biology exam, the marking criteria state that the answer shows that students can “read beyond the requirements.”

If you’re already interested in a particular subject, you might be able to easily acquire additional marks through wider reading.

You’ll be able to incorporate relevant concepts into your answers if you practice, and this will help you stand out from the crowd. For example, in a Geography essay, you can use case studies to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies following natural disasters.

With wider reading, you’ll be able to understand the specification better, which can help you confidently answer questions.

Wider Reading For University Applications

By participating in wider reading, you can have a firm grasp of core concepts taught in A Levels and show your passion for studying your course. This practice can help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate how well you can work independently.

Your Personal Statement should also explain why you’re a good fit for the course you’re applying to. It’s important to note that wider reading should be included in your statement, as well as in the admissions criteria for the degree you’re applying to. For instance, at Cambridge Medical School, the Key Criteria state that applicants should have a sound understanding of ethical, legal, and community issues.

In admissions tests, wider reading can also be used to show off your knowledge. For instance, in the Cambridge Law Test, candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of current affairs.

Your interviewer might ask you to share something interesting that you’ve recently read. This can be a crucial part of a successful interview, as it lets you show off your passion for the subject.

Your interviewer will also judge you on the basis of your various skills with regard to effectively thinking critically and solving difficult questions. With wider reading, you’ll be able to practice these skills.

Wider reading can also help you develop other skills that you’ll need to succeed in university, such as academic research. Wider reading enrichment supervisions are designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of a particular subject. These sessions can be included in your Personal Statement and in interviews.

What Counts As Wider Reading?

 

Contrary to popular belief, wider reading encompasses far more avenues than just books. If you’re not a fan of reading, you can still go beyond your A Level requirements by taking other subjects.

We encourage you to take up the following wider reading types for an enhanced learning experience:

Books

Books contain a wide variety of information and can help you develop a deeper understanding of a particular subject or field you wish to pursue in the future. You can easily find a thorough explanation of any topic through this medium of information. Many universities also provide book recommendations to university applicants to stand out!

Websites

Apart from learning more about the current developments in your field of interest, you’ll be able to keep up with the latest news about your subject by signing up for newsletters from Royal Society, Academy, and Association websites.

Publications

You’ll likely spend a lot of time at university reviewing publications, and it’s important to start understanding how to evaluate and structure them. Having a good understanding of these can help improve your A Level essay answers. Remember to consider the year and authors of the key publications to ensure you’re getting up-to-date information.

Online Courses

Online courses are becoming more popular, and universities such as Reading University have started offering free online studies and courses. These can cover a wide variety of subjects.

News

One of the best sources for current affairs is news. You should regularly check the news to keep up with the latest developments in your field of study. Having a good understanding of current events can also help you during interviews.

Lectures

During interviews, you can also talk about relevant lectures and sample sessions. These can provide you with a deeper understanding of the university’s teaching methods.

Competitions

The Big Bang Competition, the Maths Challenge, and various debating competitions are all great ways to show commitment to your subject. These events can also help develop various skills that you’ll need to succeed in university.

You should also avoid getting too narrow or running out of steam by reading outside of your chosen subject. This can help you improve your time management and organisation skills. At university, you’ll need to have these abilities in order to effectively plan your time around lectures, labs, and leisure time.

How To Start

Authors and producers want you to watch and read their work, which is why finding content is not that difficult. Just type in a Google search.

Ask your teachers, librarians, and other experts for advice on how to widen your reading. They will most likely be able to help you find content that interests you.

To help you improve your reading skills, universities have websites that provide a variety of subject resources. Oxford University’s website and Reading University’s site have helpful guides.

If you struggle to find motivation when it comes to wider reading, try setting goals. For instance, you can complete two sections of an online course in one week. Having dedicated time to reading can also help keep you motivated.

Cambridge Home School Online Provides The Tools You Need For Wider Reading and Ace Your A Levels

Wider reading can be very difficult for students to include in their daily schedule and hosts a far greater challenge for students to juggle with their studies. However, the benefits of this practice can be very beneficial to those who want to improve their academic performance and stand out during applications. It allows them to develop their analytical skills and knowledge of intricate details in a text. Cambridge Home School Online’s A Levels program is designed to help students succeed in their further studies and give them a platform to receive exceptional education while helping them balance extracurricular activities.

The online programs offered by Cambridge Home School Online feature various tools that help students analyse and understand literature. It also allows them to improve their understanding of the English Language and learn how to conduct research and analysis. Through our A Levels program, students can improve their academic performance and develop their skills through modern resources.

What Sets Us Apart

Cambridge Home School Online’s A Levels program is designed to help children develop their critical thinking and knowledge of literature. This ensures that they can critically evaluate and explain the text.

To ensure that your child is not overburdened, Cambridge Home School Online utilises various methods to instil a passion for wider reading. We understand that it can be challenging to analyse and understand the works of great authors, and we aim to teach students at their own pace. In addition to audio-visual lectures, our A Level programs also feature case studies and mock exams that help students develop their understanding of the material.

Through our A Levels program, students will be able to develop their skills in effective literary analysis. They will also be able to improve their communication abilities through presentations. In addition, they will be able to access a wide variety of texts that they can read for leisure or information.

The goal of our Online A Level program is to help children develop their confidence in their ability to analyse and understand literature. By the end of the course, they will be able to confidently and accurately interpret the text for various purposes and sources.

Why Cambridge Home School Online is Best for Your Child

Pastoral Support

Many conventional schools encourage overwork among their students, which can result in them feeling exhausted and stressed as they go back home. Cambridge Home School Online takes the time to ensure that our pupils are not overworked and that their stress levels are minimised. This helps us instil passion in our students.

One of the advantages of Cambridge Home School Online’s A Levels program is that it allows students to take advantage of various activities and leisure time. This allows them to spend more time with their families instead of wasting time commuting to and from school.

It is important for students to maintain their academic success and motivation. Cambridge Home School Online has student counsellors available to help them if they are struggling with their studies or if they are experiencing other issues.

Academic Growth

Today, students need to have the necessary skills and knowledge to compete at a global level and secure admission into some of the world’s best universities. Cambridge Home School Online’s A Levels program can help them achieve this.

We at Cambridge Home School Online firmly believe that students need to have the necessary tools and resources to improve their academic success.

Our faculty consists of highly experienced MA/MSc/PhD-certified specialists who utilise an individual approach to learning. They are able to assess their students’ strengths and teach them accordingly.

This ensures that our teachers are able to develop effective teaching techniques and strategies that will help improve the academic performance of their students. Our track record shows that we are committed to academic excellence. In June of 2021, over 86% of our students were able to secure As and A*s in their target subjects. Also, all of our students who applied to various universities received offers.

Cambridge Home School Online believes that equipping students with the necessary resources and tools to excel is very important for academic success. Apart from textbooks, our pupils have access to a wide range of educational resources, such as study guides, past papers, and videos. By giving our students the necessary resources and tools, we can help them perform at their best and incorporate wider reading during their studies.

We also give our pupils a platform to develop their personal skills and talents through various competitions and activities. In addition to honing their academic skills, our pupils participate in various events such as chess tournaments and the Spelling Bee. These programs are designed to help our pupils become well-rounded individuals.

International Students

 

The rise of globalisation has led to an increase in the number of students who are able to pursue educational opportunities outside of their home country. Online schools have been able to capitalise on this opportunity and provide a variety of educational services to students from different backgrounds.

Through the interactions between students from different backgrounds, they can develop a deeper understanding of the customs and norms of other people. This allows them to be more resilient and capable of facing any challenges that they may encounter as they get older.

Through the use of online school education, Cambridge Home School Online has been able to expand its student body to include a wide range of students from different backgrounds. This allows us to provide a platform for our pupils to interact with people from different cultures.

Cambridge Home School Online provides online homeschooling for Primary Prep, Lower School, Upper School, and Sixth Form students, allowing them to study from experienced teachers based in the UK from the comfort of their homes.

For more information on our A Level online classes, contact us today!

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FAQ

What is wider reading and how can it benefit students?

Wider reading extends beyond textbooks, encompassing various resources such as books, documentaries, and competitions, to deepen subject understanding and demonstrate a student’s passion, benefiting both A Level performance and university applications.

How does wider reading contribute to success in A Level exams?

Engagement in wider reading allows A Level students to integrate a broader range of knowledge and examples into their exam answers, which can lead to higher scores as they demonstrate understanding beyond the core curriculum.

Can wider reading enhance a university application?

Wider reading showcases a candidate’s commitment and depth of knowledge in their chosen subject area, potentially strengthening their personal statement and interviews for university applications.

What types of resources are considered part of wider reading?

Wider reading includes a variety of materials such as books, academic publications, online courses, news articles, lectures, and participation in subject-related competitions.

How does Cambridge Home School Online support students in wider reading?

Cambridge Home School Online facilitates wider reading through access to a diverse range of educational resources, including enrichment seminars, and the guidance of MA/MSc/PhD-qualified teachers, helping students to excel academically and develop holistically.

IGCSE is an excellent opportunity for international students looking to attain British education. Whether international or local, British education has helped millions of students receive the qualifications they need to study at the university of their dreams. While many local boards provide an inspired curriculum in terms of content, the IGCSEs are also curated to include subjects specific to the country students are from.

For students who are considering other curriculums than their home country, the IGCSE curriculum is an outstanding option to consider.

There is a lot of smoke surrounding the IGCSE program. From the accessibility of the program to the number of affiliated schools, interest in British education has been growing. As a parent, you’re likely confused about how to ensure your child’s education opens doors for them from the world’s best universities.

We’re here to try to help you navigate through the various aspects of the program. Cambridge Home School Online provides versatile British online education for students in Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, IGCSEs, and A Levels.

Here’s everything you need to know about why students should study Cambridge IGCSEs.

What Are The Salient Features of IGCSE?

 

 

The grades given by Cambridge International are based on an eight-point scale. Those enrolled in the extended program are expected to reach between A*-E.

The IGCSE is ideal for children who are homeschooled and are looking to study higher education abroad. It features various subjects designed to accommodate students’ varying intellectual abilities. The curriculum of the IGCSE is also flexible.

According to Cambridge International, students have the option of choosing up to 70 subjects for their IGCSE. There are over 190 schools in India that are currently offering this curriculum. Students can choose up to 14 subjects for the extended program.

To learn more about the subjects Cambridge Home School Online offers at the IGCSE level, click here.

1. Global Acceptance

If you’re a third culture individual or an international student, you might have lived in different countries. Doing the IGCSE can help you determine where you want to study next and ensure you’re eligible to study in any country you want.

Various countries worldwide officially recognise the IGCSEs, and they can be used as your passport to access the best universities and colleges after you graduate. Most of the world’s best universities highly regard the qualifications. If you’re interested in discovering more about where the degree is recognised, you can check out Cambridge International’s Recognition Search.

The curriculum by the IGCSE board is designed to provide a consistent and comprehensive education across different countries. It’s also one of the most widely recognised qualifications in the world. If you’re planning on studying abroad, the curriculum of the IGCSE may be just the qualification you need. It can help determine if you can get into the right schools and colleges in other countries.

2. Easier to Navigate Advanced Studies

 

 

Since the IGCSE is a two-year program, many students may wonder what happens if they end up moving before they finish their degree. This is a common scenario for many students worldwide. Fortunately, many schools offer the IGCSE in various countries, and the curriculum can help you seamlessly transition if you progress halfway through your degree.

Students who travel often can also opt for online homeschooling to ensure their education isn’t affected.

3. Wide Range of Courses and Opportunities

The IGCSE may be the answer if you’re looking for something different during your school years. There are a wide variety of courses that you can choose from, such as Art & Design, Computer Science, and Psychology. These courses can help you identify areas of interest you’re passionate about.

The IGCSE board has a wide variety of subjects to choose from. The five main subject groups are Languages, Humanities, Science, Mathematics, Creative And Vocational, And The Arts.

Pursue Language And Cultural Courses

The IGCSE also offers various second and first languages and cultural studies. This allows you to study and immerse yourself in new cultures. Even if your school doesn’t provide the language that you’re interested in, you can still hire a private tutor to help you learn the language.

Gain Skills Beyond Books

The IGCSE aims to create engaged, responsible, and confident learners. In addition, the examinations and syllabuses are designed to help you develop various skills and connect with the real world. For instance, science subjects focus on appreciating the limitations and influence of scientific study. Many courses also encourage students to improve their communication, analytical, and logic skills.

Caters To Students’ Strengths

 

 

The IGCSE curriculum allows students to explore their subjects at various difficulty levels. For some of these, the program offers an Extended and Core curriculum. The latter is for those capable of challenging themselves in a more rigorous setting. The Core curriculum is typically the preferred choice for most students, focusing on the standard subjects.

Encourages Critical Thinking

The IGCSE curriculum encourages students to think critically about the various topics they’re learning. It also helps them develop their inferential and analytical skills. These principles are aligned with the global learning standards.

The IGCSE curriculum helps students develop their adaptive skills and make the transition to higher education easier. This is beneficial for those who are planning on finishing their IGCSE O Level.

Develop Useful Skills

In addition to social studies and finance, the IGCSE curriculum also provides students with various subjects related to the computer science industry. These subjects are already being incorporated into various high school curriculums worldwide to give students an early start in this field.

Assessment of The IGCSE Curriculum

The IGCSE curriculum has various assessments designed to help students improve their knowledge and skills. These allow them to explore their unique abilities and learning styles.

Excellent Curriculum for Universities

The IGCSE curriculum also helps students develop independent and critical thinking skills. This is very important for them as they enter university and higher education. Students need to be responsible and disciplined to succeed in this field. This is why they must be exposed to these traits as early as possible.

A Practical Approach to Learning

 

 

The IGCSE curriculum aims to provide students with a practical approach to learning, which includes developing their communication, analytical, and cognitive skills. This is done through various learning methods and assessments.

The various exam questions that the IGCSE gives help students identify their weaknesses and strengths. This type of assessment is also beneficial for those who can meet the academic needs of both the ablest and those who are more likely to find it challenging.

Through this process, students can identify their strengths and weaknesses and determine if they are interested in pursuing their chosen subjects. This helps them realise their academic goals and make informed decisions regarding their studies.

The IGCSE curriculum is widely recognised and is a great choice for international students planning to study overseas after completing the program. Many universities and colleges in other countries also accept this type of education.

How Cambridge Home School Online has helped Thousands Receive Quality British IGCSE Online Education

 

 

The success of international students in the IGCSE examinations is very important to them as they enter university and higher education. During these two years, they must perform exceptionally well to succeed. The standalone qualifications offered by the IGCSE are highly regarded and are a passport to higher education.

Those who perform well in the IGCSE examinations and are accepted into some of the world’s most prestigious universities, such as Harvard, Cambridge, Yale, Stanford, Duke, Oxford, and Princeton, will likely receive a scholarship.

Cambridge Home School Online provides a well-rounded and independent IGCSE curriculum to prepare students for success. We believe that many national curricula found worldwide in various countries don’t provide enough opportunities for students to develop their skills and knowledge. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, we help them develop a deeper understanding of their subjects.

In our Upper School, students can choose a wide range of subjects. However, they should note that A Levels require passing grades in all subjects, including those taken at the IGCSE. For instance, if you want to study psychology, biology, and mathematics in university, you must study these subjects at the IGCSE.

Students can only study certain A level subjects if they have already taken the IGCSE examinations. We recommend that students avoid choosing a few IGCSE subjects as this can prevent them from succeeding in A Levels.

Although you have the option to change your mind about what subjects you want to study in university, this doesn’t mean that you can do so at the A Level junction. By choosing a wide variety of IGCSEs, you’ll be able to afford the best possible opportunities for your future studies.

Cambridge Home School Online is a leading online school that provides comprehensive courses for the IGCSE examinations. We aim to help students improve their skills and knowledge to achieve the best possible grades. Our team of MA/MSc/PhD qualified teachers are trained to make the most of the online setting to ensure that students are provided with quality education.

The goal of Cambridge Home School Online is to provide a well-rounded and independent curriculum that’s designed to prepare students for success. It allows them to be in their own home and have the flexibility to study at their own pace. No matter your level, everyone’s learning experience matters at the school.

Cambridge Home School Online’s Upper School students typically receive higher grades than their peers from other schools. This is because our teachers are highly qualified and have the necessary skills to help them improve their performance. In addition, we keep the school’s classroom size low, which allows for more interactive and engaging lessons.

We also have a large archive of videos and educational resources, such as study guides, presentations, and past papers. These tools allow students to complete their homework and improve their performance. At Cambridge Home School Online, we aim to help students become leaders, confident individuals, and capable of succeeding in their studies. Our students consistently impress our teachers and continue to receive high grades.

Get Started with Online IGCSEs Today!

Since 2002, Cambridge Home School has provided high-quality education to students from various countries, such as the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. Our teachers are highly qualified and have the necessary skills to help them improve their performance.

The use of state-of-the-art technology and a small classroom size help us improve the learning outcomes of our students. We also create a safe and bullying-free environment and provide one-on-one attention to every student. In addition, we have a vast library of educational resources that can help students catch up after school and improve their performance.

Cambridge Home School’s reviews reflect our track record of providing high-quality education. Through the help of our parents, who are also highly involved in the school’s operations, we have been able to help our students become successful and confident individuals.

Cambridge Home School aims to provide our students with the necessary academic growth to achieve the best possible grades. This is done by developing a strong foundation on the necessary skills and knowledge. In addition to being equipped with the necessary tools, our teachers regularly address our students’ academic weaknesses.

Our students enjoy a world-class education, and they can network with highly motivated individuals and gain admission to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, such as Oxford and Cambridge. We work hard to ensure that they have the best possible futures.

Due to the limited number of places in our school, we urge parents to start registering their children at the earliest possible time. We’ll be able to answer any questions you might have and provide you with more information about online school education. We’ll also help you make an informed decision regarding the right choice for your child.

Cambridge Home School Online provides quality British education for students in Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, IGCSEs, and A Levels, allowing students the ability to study from the best teachers in the world based in the UK, and emphasising individualised attention to learning and retaining information.

Through our faculty, comprising of MA/PhD/MSc certified teachers, we work on teaching students a modern curriculum while ensuring a healthy school-life balance.

Parents and students are encouraged to Contact Cambridge Home School Online to learn more.

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FAQ

What is the IGCSE and how does it benefit international students?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a globally recognized British educational qualification that offers a diverse curriculum, accommodating students’ varying intellectual levels and subject interests, which is particularly advantageous for international students seeking higher education abroad.

How does the IGCSE programme facilitate students moving between countries?

The IGCSE programme’s consistent curriculum across different countries allows for a seamless transition for students who move before completing the course, with many international schools offering IGCSE making it easier to navigate advanced studies.

What variety of subjects does the IGCSE offer?

IGCSE provides a broad spectrum of over 70 subjects, including languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and arts, enabling students to pursue areas of interest and prepare for various career paths.

How are IGCSE students assessed?

IGCSE assessments are designed to evaluate a range of student abilities and learning styles, with some subjects offering Core and Extended curriculum options to cater to different student strengths.

How does Cambridge Home School Online support IGCSE students?

Cambridge Home School Online offers a comprehensive IGCSE curriculum with experienced MA/MSc/PhD qualified teachers, utilizing modern educational resources and technology to facilitate a balanced school-life and prepare students for university and beyond.

The Critical Transition to Upper School (IGCSEs)

The leap from lower to upper school, especially to the IGCSEs, marks a crucial phase in a student’s academic journey. This stage lays the groundwork for success in A Levels and, ultimately, in gaining admission to top-tier universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League institutions.

Deciding Between Online and Conventional Schooling

Parents and students at this juncture must deliberate over the most suitable educational approach. The choice between online and conventional schooling can significantly influence academic outcomes and holistic development.

The Advantages of Online Upper School Learning

Flexibility: A Key Differentiator

Online schooling, such as Cambridge Home School Online, offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to balance academic pursuits with extracurricular activities. This approach fosters comprehensive development, encompassing academic, personal, social, and extracurricular growth.

Rest and Academic Performance

The elimination of commuting and a more structured day in online schooling contribute to better rest and mental well-being, directly impacting academic performance.

Qualified Support in Online Schools

Established online institutions like Cambridge Home School Online differ significantly from hastily assembled ‘pandemic schools’. Our experienced educators and resources ensure a quality educational experience.

Personalised Revision Strategies

Online education allows for customised revision plans tailored to each student’s unique strengths and weaknesses, enhancing learning outcomes.

Low Student-Teacher Ratio

Smaller class sizes in online settings, as seen at Cambridge Home School Online, ensure personalised attention and support, a stark contrast to the often overcrowded conventional classrooms.

Gaining a Global Perspective

Online schooling can incorporate global elements like guest lectures and cultural exchanges, preparing students for an increasingly cosmopolitan world.

Making the Switch to Cambridge Home School Online

Cambridge Home School Online offers a comprehensive curriculum for upper school students, aiming to maximise their potential and prepare them for future academic challenges.

Exploring the Benefits of CHS Online

At CHS Online, we focus on creating an engaging, balanced, and enriching educational environment. Our approach is designed to support students in achieving top IGCSE and A Level grades, setting them up for success in prestigious universities.

Why Choose CHS Online?

• Experienced Educators: Our MA/MSc/PhD qualified teachers offer individualised guidance.
• Innovative Learning Resources: Access to a comprehensive eLibrary and interactive learning tools.
• Personal Growth: Emphasis on social, personal, and extracurricular development alongside academic excellence.

Conclusion: Embracing Online Education for Upper School Success

The transition to online upper school learning, particularly with an institution like Cambridge Home School Online, can be transformative. It provides a more rounded, flexible, and supportive educational experience that prepares students not only for academic excellence but also for personal growth and global citizenship.

Admissions, Term Dates, Fees, Scholarships & Bursaries, and Reviews are essential considerations for those exploring CHS Online. For more information and to begin the enrolment process, please visit our website.

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FAQ

What is the significance of the transition from lower to upper school (IGCSEs)?

The transition to IGCSEs is pivotal as it prepares students for A Levels and lays the foundation for academic success, which is crucial for securing admission to top universities.

How does the flexibility of online learning impact IGCSE students?

Online learning offers IGCSE students the flexibility to balance their academic workload with personal interests and extracurricular activities, contributing to overall well-being and potentially leading to better academic performance.

What unique advantages does online learning offer to IGCSE students?

Online IGCSE students benefit from personalized attention due to low student-teacher ratios, access to a wealth of resources for independent learning, and the ability to attend school from any location, facilitating travel and cultural exposure.

How does Cambridge Home School Online enhance the IGCSE learning experience?

Cambridge Home School Online enhances IGCSE learning with an interdisciplinary curriculum, experienced MA/MSc/PhD qualified teachers, and a comprehensive eLibrary, all aimed at securing top grades and developing key skills.

What resources are available to students considering switching to Cambridge Home School Online for IGCSEs?

Cambridge Home School Online provides various resources to prospective students, including detailed admission processes, term dates, application forms, open morning sessions, information on scholarships, bursaries, grades, fees, and online reviews.