GCE O Levels is set by Cambridge International Exams. It is mainly for the UK and the exams come with some assessed coursework and science practicals.

IGCSE is set by Edexcel and the exams are localized for international students where English is not their first language. There’s no assessed coursework and science practicals.
Malaysian students sit for the IGCSE, and you can register as a private student or sign up in a tuition centre that offers the subjects and then sit for the exams at the centre.

Both Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel International Examinations offer different qualifications to students such as IGCSE, GCE O Level, AS level and A Level. The specifications of syllabuses might differ but both of them are recognized by colleges, universities and employers all around the world. The standards and marking for IGCSE O level are the same as GCE O Level and it is internationally recognised as the equivalent of the UK GCE O level

For info on IGCSE visit http://www.edexcel.com
For info on Cambridgde GCSE visit http://www.cie.org.uk

The science subjects do not have practical exams.

Since your son is now in Form 2, there will be time for him to build up the foundational subjects of Math and English, and if there’s a will there’s a way!

Asking for your personal opinion on the matter.

Do you think it is necessary to engage for a private tutor for certain subjects eg. Mathematics
Can someone actually do well by just reading the reference books ?
All tests are in theory for subjects like biology and chemistry ?

I am unsure whether my son can cope and it is very expensive.
We as parents are willing to work hard for the money but we are also concern if we pull him out of the national school there is no turning back, if he can’t cope .

Here are the answers to your questions:

What is the entry requirement to sit for the ICGSE ?
A: There are no age or entry requirement. As long as your son is prepared for it and pays the exam fees.

Can the subjects ‘s exam be taken at different sittings ?
A: Yes, but I think that colleges will look at 5 credits from one sitting for entrance qualifications. Extra subjects can be taken at different sittings to add to your minimum of 5 credits.

If fail one or two subjects, what then ?
A: Yes, can re-sit.

For more info, please visit the Cambridge International Exams website here.

Regards,
Sook Ching

I am thinking of homeschooling my son. He is presently in form 2 studying in the national school.

What is the entry requirement to sit for the ICGSE ?
Can the subjects ‘s exam be taken at different sittings ?
If one or two of the subjects failed, what then ?