Cambridge programmes and qualifications An introduction for parents

Cambridge International Examinations Prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning Part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge Over 10 000 Cambridge schools in more than 160 countries A not-for-profit organisation Cambridge International Examinations is the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds. Cambridge programmes and qualifications are offered in more than 9000 schools in over 160 countries. Cambridge International Examinations is a not-for-profit organisation and a department of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge International Examinations is approved by Ofqual, the UK government exams regulator.

Cambridge programmes and qualifications Four stages of education from 5 to 19 years Each stage builds on your child’s development Flexible approach Cambridge Primary 5 to 11 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 1 11 to 14 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 2 14 to 16 year olds* Cambridge Advanced 16 to 19 year olds* Cambridge Primary Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge offers education for learners aged 5 to 19. There are four stages: Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary 1, Cambridge Secondary 2 and Cambridge Advanced. Each stage builds on your child’s development in the previous one. The age ranges shown on the diagram are for guidance only. Cambridge is flexible: Schools can offer Cambridge programmes and qualifications for learners at every stage from 5 to 19 years. Or a school can focus on a specific stage – for example, a school can choose to offer only Cambridge Primary or only Cambridge Secondary 2. Cambridge programmes and qualifications are compatible with other curricula, so schools can build a curriculum to suit the needs and abilities of their students. Cambridge offers comprehensive support to schools to help us deliver the best possible education to students. Cambridge Secondary 1 Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge IGCSE® Cambridge O Level Cambridge International AS & A Level Cambridge Pre-U *Age ranges are for guidance only

Benefits for learners Internationally recognised qualifications Excellence in education Learner-centred approach Progressive and flexible Comprehensive support for learners and teachers Benefits for learners Internationally recognised qualifications Cambridge programmes and qualifications are recognised by universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic ability, and are regarded as a passport for progression and success. Excellence in education Cambridge International Examinations supports the University of Cambridge in its mission to deliver excellence in education. As a not-for-profit organisation, Cambridge continually invests in education, research and services for schools. Learner-centred approach The Cambridge approach encourages learner-centred and enquiry-based approaches to learning. Progressive and flexible Cambridge programmes build on learners’ knowledge and skills as they progress through education, preparing them for the next stage of their education. Comprehensive support for learners and teachers Cambridge offers a wide range of support including training for teachers, classroom support and guidance, curriculum resources and community benefits. “I can’t recommend the Cambridge programme highly enough. It got me into Stanford University.” Christopher Hanson, former Cambridge learner, USA

Cambridge learners Cambridge supports schools to develop learners who are: confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn innovative and equipped for new and future challenges engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference Excellence in education is about more than knowledge and skills. Cambridge learners develop through the whole educational experience: the values and ethos of our school combined with Cambridge programmes and qualifications. Cambridge supports schools to develop learners who are: confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn innovative and equipped for new and future challenges engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference. “I found that Cambridge developed a mindset – a desire not only to learn the work, but also to understand and interpret problems.” Warren Little, former Cambridge learner, South Africa, who progressed to the University of Cape Town

Cambridge Primary Cambridge Primary 5 to 11 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 1 11 to 14 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 2 14 to 16 year olds* Cambridge Advanced 16 to 19 year olds* Cambridge Primary Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge Secondary 1 Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge IGCSE® Cambridge O Level Cambridge International AS & A Level Cambridge Pre-U Cambridge Primary is the first stage of Cambridge programmes and qualifications. It is a world-class programme that will start your child on an active and creative educational journey. It is typically for learners aged 5 to 11 years. Let me talk you through it… [move quickly to the next slide] *Age ranges are for guidance only

Cambridge Primary Develops knowledge and skills in English, Mathematics and Science Sets clear learning objectives Excellent preparation for secondary education Taught in over 1000 schools in almost 100 countries Cambridge ICT Starters also available Cambridge Primary: • develops skills and understanding through the primary years in English, mathematics and science sets clear learning objectives in English, mathematics and science for each year of primary education • provides excellent preparation for Cambridge Secondary 1 – and for progression to other educational systems is used in over 650 primary schools around the world and is suitable for learners whose first language is not English is compatible with other curricula, internationally relevant, and sensitive to different needs and cultures. Cambridge ICT Starters is also available within the Cambridge Primary stage. It helps your child develop key skills in a range of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) applications.

Cambridge Primary – optional assessments Two types of optional assessment Cambridge Primary Progression Tests – assessed by school Cambridge Primary Checkpoint – assessed by Cambridge Help teachers monitor your child’s progress Help identify and address strengths and weaknesses Provide international benchmarks Provide detailed reporting of your child’s performance Cambridge Primary includes optional tests to help us assess your child’s development, compare individual learner and class performance, and report progress to you and your child. There are two assessment options: Cambridge Primary Progression Tests and Cambridge Primary Checkpoint. Cambridge Primary Progression Tests: enable learning to be assessed each year provide detailed information about the performance of each learner enable teachers to compare the strengths and weaknesses of individuals and groups are marked by teachers who are given clear guidance, standards and mark schemes. Cambridge Primary Checkpoint: is a test at the end of the final year of Cambridge Primary is available in English, mathematics and science is marked in Cambridge gives your child a certificate of achievement and a diagnostic report of their performance at the end of the Cambridge Primary stage. Both types of assessment help teachers identify and address your child’s strengths and weaknesses. And because Cambridge Primary assessments provide an international benchmark, you can be confident in the feedback you receive on your child’s performance.

Cambridge Secondary 1 Cambridge Primary 5 to 11 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 1 11 to 14 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 2 14 to 16 year olds* Cambridge Advanced 16 to 19 year olds* Cambridge Primary Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge Secondary 1 Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge IGCSE® Cambridge O Level Cambridge International AS & A Level Cambridge Pre-U Cambridge Secondary 1 is the second stage of Cambridge programmes and qualifications. It is typically for learners aged 11 to 14 years. Cambridge Secondary 1 builds on the foundations of Cambridge Primary, although it is not essential to have completed the Cambridge Primary stage before beginning Cambridge Secondary 1. Let me talk you through it… [move quickly to the next slide] *Age ranges are for guidance only

Cambridge Secondary 1 Develops knowledge and skills in English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and Science Sets clear learning objectives Provides excellent preparation for the next stage of education Taught in nearly 2300 schools in more than 200 countries Cambridge ICT Starters also available Cambridge Secondary 1: develops skills and understanding in English, mathematics and science for the first three years of secondary education sets clear learning objectives for the first three years of secondary education in English, mathematics and science provides excellent preparation for Cambridge Secondary 2 and for progression to other educational systems is used in nearly 1000 schools from almost 100 countries worldwide, and is appropriate for learners whose first language is not English; it is compatible with other curricula, internationally relevant and sensitive to different needs and cultures. Cambridge ICT Starters is also available within the Cambridge Secondary 1 stage. It helps your child develop key skills in a range of ICT applications.

Cambridge Secondary 1 – optional assessments Two types of optional assessment: Cambridge Secondary 1 Progression Tests – assessed by school Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint – assessed by Cambridge Help teachers monitor your child’s progress Help identify and address strengths and weaknesses Provide international benchmarks Provide detailed reporting of your child’s performance Cambridge Secondary 1 includes optional tests to help us assess your child’s development, compare individual learner and class performance, and report progress to you and your child. There are two assessment options: Cambridge Secondary 1 Progression Tests and Cambridge Checkpoint. Cambridge Secondary 1 Progression Tests: enable learning to be assessed each year of Cambridge Secondary 1 provide detailed information about the performance of each learner enable teachers to compare the strengths and weaknesses of individuals and groups are marked by teachers who are given clear guidance, standards and mark schemes. Cambridge Checkpoint: is a test at the end of the final year of the Cambridge Secondary 1 stage is available in English, mathematics and science is marked by Cambridge gives your child a certificate of achievement and a diagnostic report of their performance at the end of the Secondary 1 stage provides evidence of your child’s readiness to embark on the next stage of education. Both types of assessment help teachers identify and address your child’s strengths and weaknesses. And because Cambridge Secondary 1 assessments provide an international benchmark, you can be confident in the feedback you receive on your child’s performance.

Cambridge Secondary 2 Cambridge Primary 5 to 11 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 1 11 to 14 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 2 14 to 16 year olds* Cambridge Advanced 16 to 19 year olds* Cambridge Primary Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge Secondary 1 Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge IGCSE® Cambridge O Level Cambridge International AS & A Level Cambridge Pre-U Cambridge Secondary 2 is the third stage of Cambridge programmes and qualifications. It builds on the foundations of Cambridge Secondary 1, although it is not essential to have completed the Cambridge Secondary 1 stage before beginning Cambridge Secondary 2. It is typically for learners aged 14 to 16 years. Cambridge Secondary 2 leads to Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level qualifications. Both these qualifications provide excellent preparation for Cambridge Advanced and for progression to other educational systems. Let me talk you through Cambridge IGCSE/Cambridge O Level [delete slides as required]. *Age ranges are for guidance only

Cambridge IGCSE® The world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to16 year olds Taken by over 340 000 learners in more than 140 countries Over 70 subjects available – can be taken in any combination Builds skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving Cambridge IGCSE: is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds is widely taken by students in private and state schools in the UK. Ofqual, the exams regulator in England, has approved many Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses for teaching in state schools in England as an alternative to UK GCSE. offers a wide choice of subjects – more than 70 subjects are available from Cambridge, and they can be taken in any combination builds skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving; Cambridge IGCSE develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in subject content and in working and communicating in English is compatible with other curricula is an international qualification, but teaching can be put in a local context to make it relevant for your child. 2013 marked the 25th anniversary of Cambridge IGCSE. It is tried, tested and trusted by schools worldwide. ® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations.

Cambridge IGCSE Excellent preparation for advanced study Assessment options for learners of different abilities Internationally recognised qualifications Cambridge IGCSE is accepted as equivalent to GCSE in the UK Excellent preparation for advanced study, including the IB Diploma and other post-16 routes. Assessment: takes place at the end of the course in most subjects there is a choice between core and extended curricula, making Cambridge IGCSE suitable for a wide range of abilities offers a variety of ways for your child to show their knowledge e.g. written, oral, coursework and practical assessment is sensitive to learners whose first language may not be English, throughout the examination process. You child will gain Cambridge IGCSE qualifications that are recognised by universities and higher education institutions around the world. Cambridge IGCSE is equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom. “Cambridge IGCSE provided me with the challenges I needed to prepare myself for the next stage in my life.” Jazlina Sutanto, former Cambridge IGCSE student, Anglo Singapore International School, Thailand

Cambridge O Level Cambridge is the biggest provider of O Level qualifications in the world Taken by over 140 000 learners in 50 countries worldwide Over 40 subjects available – can be taken in any combination Builds skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving Cambridge is the biggest provider of O Level in the world. It is taught in over 1800 schools in 80 countries worldwide. Schools can choose from 40 subjects which can be taken in any combination – so we can offer your child a wide choice of subject areas. It builds skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving. Cambridge O Level develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in subject content and in working and communicating in English. It is compatible with other curricula. It is an international qualification, but teaching can be put in a local context to make it relevant for students.

Cambridge O Level Excellent preparation for advanced study Variety of assessment methods Internationally recognised qualifications Cambridge O Level is accepted as equivalent to GCSE in the UK Cambridge O Level is excellent preparation for advanced study including the IB Diploma and other post-16 routes. Assessment: takes place at the end of the course gives schools different options to suit their learners e.g. written, oral, coursework and practical assessment maximises opportunities for learners to show what they can do, and is sensitive to learners whose first language may not be English, throughout the examination process. Your child will gain Cambridge O Level qualifications that are recognised by universities and higher education institutions around the world. Cambridge O Level is equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom. ‘‘As I applied mainly to UK universities, my Cambridge qualifications were viewed very favourably because UK students take similar qualifications.” Kamal Khan Virk, former Cambridge O Level and Cambridge International AS & A Level student, Pakistan

Cambridge Advanced Cambridge Primary 5 to 11 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 1 11 to 14 year olds* Cambridge Secondary 2 14 to 16 year olds* Cambridge Advanced 16 to 19 year olds* Cambridge Primary Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge Secondary 1 Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint Cambridge ICT Starters Cambridge IGCSE® Cambridge O Level Cambridge International AS & A Level Cambridge Pre-U Cambridge Advanced: is typically for learners aged 16 to 19 years who need advanced study to prepare for university and higher education builds on the foundations of Cambridge Secondary 2, although it is not essential to have completed the Cambridge Secondary 2 stage before beginning Cambridge Advanced leads to Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications and/or the Cambridge Pre-U qualification; Cambridge Pre-U is a new qualification typically for 16 to 19 year olds –Cambridge International Examinations launched Cambridge Pre-U in UK schools in 2008 as an alternative to UK A Level. Let me talk you through Cambridge International AS and A Level [move to next slide]... *Age ranges are for guidance only

Cambridge International AS & A Level Taken by over 160 000 learners in 128 countries Over 55 subjects available Develops deep understanding, independent learning and constructive thinking skills Flexible programmes. Thousands of learners use Cambridge International AS and A Level every year to gain places at leading universities worldwide. It is regarded as a passport to success in education, university and employment. It is taken by over 175 000 students in more than 125 countries every year. Over 55 subjects are available from Cambridge. Your child can specialise in a particular subject area (e.g. sciences) or retain breadth. Cambridge International AS and A Level develops deep understanding of subjects, independent learning and constructive thinking skills. It also develops skills in working and communicating in English. Cambridge International A Levels are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. Flexible programmes: Cambridge International AS Level is typically a one-year course Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level they offer schools flexibility; an opportunity to take Cambridge International AS Level at a mid-point in the learning programme, or to take the complete Cambridge International A Level at the end of the programme.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Internationally recognised qualification Variety of assessment methods Accepted by universities worldwide, including all UK universities Accepted by over 470 US universities including Harvard, Yale, MIT and Stanford A passport to success at university and in employment Learners gain Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications. Assessment: is by a variety of methods, including written, practical and oral tests is designed to maximise the opportunities for learners to demonstrate what they can do is sensitive to learners whose first language may not be English throughout the examination process. Cambridge International AS and A Level is recognised and valued by universities worldwide, including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. They are regarded as a passport to success at university and in employment, opening doors to a wide range of opportunities. “Studying Cambridge International A Levels gave me invaluable preparation for my study at the University of Cambridge.” Xiao Zhang, former Cambridge learner, China

Cambridge Pre-U Prepares learners, typically aged 16 to 19, with the skills and knowledge they need to make a success of their studies at university Available in 25 Principal Subjects Two-year courses with exams at the end One-year Short Courses also available Recognised by many UK universities and all US Ivy League universities Mainly taken by UK schools as an alternative to A Level Cambridge Pre-U: is a new qualification from Cambridge typically for 16 to 19 year olds. We developed it in collaboration with schools and in consultation with universities. First full exam series took place in June 2010. syllabuses focus on equipping learners with skills they need to succeed at university is available in 25 Principal Subjects, taught as two-year courses with the exams at the end is recognised by leading universities in the UK and US; Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects are recognised by UK universities as equivalent to A Level is mainly being taken by UK state and independent schools as an alternative to UK A Level; Some schools outside the UK offer Cambridge Pre-U, but they need approval from Cambridge International Examinations before starting teaching.

Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) Develops critical thinking and research skills First year: Global Perspectives – students research and explore a wide range of global topics Second year: Research Report – students prepare an extended project, digging deeply into one topic Being taught in schools around the world to broaden students’ learning Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR): is recognised by UK universities as equivalent to A Level has been praised by universities in the UK and US for developing students’ independent thinking and research skills is available to schools worldwide; it fits into the Cambridge Global Perspectives suite: Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives, Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives, and Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research. Assessment of Global Perspectives consists of a written examination, portfolio and presentation at the end of year 1. Assessment of the Research Report consists of a 5000-word report, assessed by Cambridge at the end of year 2. “I found Cambridge Pre-U GPR interesting, challenging and incredibly valuable for my university study.” Jacqueline Agate, former student at Central Sussex College, UK, who progressed to study English Literature at Leeds University

University recognition database Find out which universities recognise Cambridge qualifications at: www.cie.org.uk/recognitionsearch You can search by country and by qualification Cambridge has a team of staff dedicated to extending university recognition of Cambridge qualifications Cambridge has a recognition database on its website listing all the universities and higher education institutions that recognise their qualifications. It is easy to search the database to find university entry criteria.

Example of a recognition database search Here is an example of a search on the recognition database.

Global learning community Subject-specific online discussion forums for teachers Teacher professional development courses Social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube Events for teachers and learners. Cambridge is the world’s largest international learning community with more than 10000 schools in over 160 countries. Being part of the community brings benefits for learners and teachers, and ways to share ideas. It helps develop a global outlook in learners and raise standards in education by sharing expertise. Online discussion forums are a way for schools to get in touch with each other – for teachers to share knowledge or arrange inter-school projects. Cambridge organises student competitions to give learners a chance to test their skills against learners worldwide. The community helps Cambridge schools to offer a global learning experience. Helps Cambridge schools to offer a global learning experience

Learn more! For more information, visit www.cie.org.uk or contact your school