Cambridge (IGCSE)
Grades IX to XII
LEARNING – PROGRESSIVE
AND UNHINDERED
Overview
Be a part of one of the best IGCSE schools in Chennai
Cambridge (IGCSE) for Grades IX to X | AS Level – Grade XI (Board Exam) | Grade XII (A Level)
The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (Cambridge-IGCSE) is one of the world’s most recognised qualifications and is highly regarded among Cambridge residential schools in Chennai. The Cambridge curriculum is renowned for developing essential educational skills, including the recall of knowledge, oral communication, problem-solving abilities, initiative, teamwork, and investigative skills. VIS aspires to be among the top Cambridge schools in Chennai, offering a wide selection of subjects within the Cambridge curriculum.
After completing IGCSE (Grades 9 & 10), students progress to AS Level in Grade 11, where they take the Cambridge Board examination. Looking ahead, VIS will soon offer Grade 12 (A Level), further expanding the pathway for advanced Cambridge education.
Students are encouraged to study a broad range of subjects to gain diverse experiences. The curriculum is delivered through an application-based assessment approach, in accordance with Cambridge guidelines. Assessment structures vary by subject and may include coursework, practical activities, oral and listening tests, projects, and written examinations. Give your child the gift of a seamless global education by choosing VIS—consistently recognised among the best Cambridge boarding and residential schools in Chennai.

- Teaching & Learning at VIS
- Subjects Offered
- Examination
- Learning Outcome
- Resources
- Certification
- Teaching & Learning Programme
- Holistic Development
Teaching & Learning at VIS
The Academic Manifesto
Academics at VIS aim to lay a robust foundation for students on which to build their future. To this end, VIS endeavours to provide a holistic approach to teaching and learning. The Cambridge curriculum offers opportunities for both facilitators and learners to develop critical thinking, social, research, and communication skills.
As one of the best Cambridge boarding schools in Chennai, VIS encourages dialogue at all levels between teachers and students, between teachers, and among students to foster more transparent communication and develop life skills. Teachers employ a variety of teaching strategies, including individual learning activities, group work, and whole-class instruction. With this holistic approach, we have established our position as one of the top and best Cambridge schools in Chennai.
VIS Expects The Young Learners To
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Have the freedom to question
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Analyse and evaluate problems and ideas
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Work collaboratively
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Manage time and tasks effectively
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Develop research skills
Subjects Cambridge IGCSE (Grades 9 to 12)
- FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH ( COMPULSORY)
- MATHEMATICS (COMPULSORY)
- PHYSICS
- CHEMISTRY
- BIOLOGY
- BUSINESS STUDIES / COMPUTER SCIENCE
- ECONOMICS / GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
- LANGUAGES- TAMIL / HINDI / FRENCH / GERMAN / SPANISH
GROUP 1 (LANGUAGES) -Two from this group English and one other Language at VIS
- First Language: English
- Second Language: Tamil/Hindi
- Foreign Language: French, German, Spanish
GROUP 2 (HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES) -One subject from this group
- Economics
- Global Perspectives
- History
GROUP 3 (SCIENCES) – All three Sciences are encouraged at VIS
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
GROUP 4 (MATHEMATICS) – Mathematics is compulsory at VIS
- Mathematics
GROUP 5 (CREATIVE, TECHNICAL & VOCATIONAL) -One from this group
- Art & Design
- Business Studies
- Computer Studies
Please note:
- A Minimum of 5 subjects (English + 4) pass is required to move to Grade 11 of any
board. - Selecting the subjects will lead the students to study Grades 11 and 12 of their
choice and interest/ability - Keeping in view the requirements, students will be asked to take the following subjects:
(i) First Language English
(ii) One other Language (Hindi/French/Spanish/German)
(iii) Physics
(iv) Chemistry
(v) Biology
(vi) Mathematics
(vii) Computer Studies/Business Studies/Art & Design
(viii) Economics/Global Perspectives/Art & Design - Passing in 5 subjects is mandatory to get admission to Grade 11. Therefore students
will be asked to appear for a minimum of 6 subjects - Students with higher ability may wish to qualify for the International Certificate of
Education (ICE). This will be issued along with the IGCSE certificate if the student appears
in 7 subjects (Two subjects from Group 1, at least one subject from each
of the groups 2 to 5). In all, they need to take 7 subjects.
Subjects Offered for AS and A Level 2025-2027
ENGLISH ( COMPULSORY)
ELECTIVES:
- MATHEMATICS
- PHYSICS
- CHEMISTRY
- BIOLOGY
- BUSINESS
- COMPUTER SCIENCE
- ECONOMICS
- GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES AND RESEARCH
- BIOLOGY
- ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
- PSYCHOLOGY
- ACCOUNTING
- LAW
- ART & DESIGN
Subjects Groups | Group- 1 Science & Mathematics | Group- 2 Commerce | Group- 3 Humanities |
Compulsory | English | English | English |
Core 1 | Mathematics | Business Studies | History |
Core 1 | Physics | Accounting | Economics |
Core 1 | Chemistry | Economics | Geography |
Elective SELECT ANYONE | *Biology/Environmental Management(EVM) *Computer Science *Psychology * Global Perspectives & Research (GPR) | *Mathematics *Computer Science * Global Perspectives & Research (GPR) *Law | *Computer Science *Art & Design * Global Perspectives & Research (GPR) *Law |
Examination
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The IGCSE examination is conducted at the end of Grade X and may include written, oral, coursework, and practical assessments.
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Exams are conducted in the Feb/March and May/June series based on the availability of subjects.
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Students will take the Cambridge examination through VIS, which is an authorised Cambridge Examination Centre.
Learning Outcome
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The IGCSE qualification provides a foundation for higher-level courses, such as the AS Level, the Advanced International Certificate of Education, the North American Advanced Placement programme, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
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IGCSE certification holds a global reputation and is widely accepted for admission by universities and colleges worldwide. If you are looking for the best IGCSE boarding or residential schools in Tamil Nadu, you will find excellent options at VIS, which prepares students for global academic success.
Resources
VIS provides a wide range of learning resources. The spacious library features a comprehensive collection of reference materials, fiction for all age groups, magazines, encyclopedias, and journals. The online library, multimedia, and audio-visual resource centres further enhance access.
Beyond curriculum requirements, the science laboratories are equipped with the latest technology and advanced instruments for experimentation and research.
Classrooms, learning spaces, the library, and computer centres boast high-speed, modern computers, projectors, and printers. The campus offers high-speed broadband Wi-Fi and landline connections, enabling seamless access to online resources, textbooks, and project-based learning materials. Students can conveniently access these resources as needed, making VIS one of the top Cambridge schools in Tamil Nadu.
The School Provides Learning Resources in Multiple Forms
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The School Provides Learning Resources in Multiple Forms. The spacious library is equipped with a good collection of reference materials, fiction for different age groups, magazines, encyclopaedias and journals etc. The online library, Multimedia and Audio & Video Resource centres are available.
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Besides the curriculum requirements, the Science Laboratories are equipped with the latest technology and advanced instruments available for experimentation and research purposes.
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The classrooms, learning spaces, library and computer centres are equipped with high-speed latest technology computers, projectors and printers. The entire campus is provided with high-speed broadband Wi-Fi and landline connections to access the online resources, textbooks and resources relevant for open-ended research and Project-based learning. The students can have access to the resources as per the academic requirements, making it one of the Best Cambridge Schools in Tamilnadu.
Teaching-learning Strategies
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VIS offers a learner-centered approach supported with research-based, inter-disciplinary and Project-based learning models. Ample opportunities are provided for the learners in the Self Organized Learning Environment (SOLE) to set the objectives and organise their learning.
If you're searching for the Best Cambridge Schools in Tamilnadu or Best Cambridge Residential Schools in Tamilnadu, VIS stands out with its advanced resources and innovative teaching-learning strategies.
Certification
Students taking one or more subjects in any session of the IGCSE examination will receive the IGCSE certificate for those subjects, provided they meet the pass criteria. This process ensures that VIS students meet the standards of the best IGCSE residential schools in Chennai.
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VIS recommends that students take any two languages offered in Group I.
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Students are advised to select at least one subject from each of Groups II, III, IV, and V.
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Students intending to pursue Mathematics and the Science stream at the senior school level (Grade 11) must take Mathematics from Group IV and all three sciences from Group III.
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Students will be encouraged to take at least seven subjects for the IGCSE Examination, in line with our high academic standards and in keeping with top Cambridge and IGCSE schools in Tamil Nadu.
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A minimum of 5 ‘C’ grades in IGCSE subjects is required for admission to Grade 11 in any reputable senior school curriculum, as practised by the leading IGCSE boarding schools in Chennai.
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A student who appears for the IGCSE examination is eligible to receive the International Certificate of Education (ICE), provided the criteria set by Cambridge are met.
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To receive the ICE, students must enter and sit for at least seven subjects—two from Group 1 and at least one each from Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5. This further reinforces VIS’s reputation as a top IGCSE residential school in Chennai.
Teaching-Learning Strategies
VIS employs a learner-centred approach, supported by research-based, interdisciplinary, and project-based learning models. Learners benefit from the Self-Organised Learning Environment (SOLE), where they can set objectives and direct their own learning.
If you are searching for the best Cambridge schools or residential Cambridge schools in Tamil Nadu, VIS distinguishes itself through advanced resources and innovative teaching and learning strategies.
Teaching & Learning Programme is supported with:
- International Pedagogy
- Interdisciplinary and learner-centered approach
- Inquiry and Project-based Learning (PBL) model
- Self Organised Learning Environment (SOLE)
- Student-led and teacher-supported approach
VIS Holistic Development Curriculum
In addition to the board-specific curriculum, and to address 21st-century learner needs, VIS offers a holistic development curriculum that maintains a rigorous yet balanced approach across:
- Academic domain
- Social domain
- Emotional domain
- Physical domain
This unique programme reinforces VIS as one of the best IGCSE residential and Cambridge schools in Chennai, offering students an outstanding environment for growth and learning.
Holistic Development Curriculum includes
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Academic and co-curricular balance
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Robotics
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Performing arts
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Design and technology
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Community outreach and social service programs
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Life Skills, Grooming & Leadership
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Financial Literacy & Enterprise
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Career Counseling, College readiness & Placement
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Communication skills
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Field trips and interactive experiences
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Co-curricular and sports activities
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Emphasis is placed on the process
This comprehensive approach makes VIS one of the top IGCSE schools in Chennai and a recognised institution among the top IGCSE schools in Tamil Nadu, ensuring students gain the skills and knowledge for a prosperous future.