2. University of Cambridge
International Examinations
The world’s largest provider of
international education programmes
and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds
Over 9000 Cambridge schools in more
than 160 countries
Part of the University of Cambridge and
a not-for-profit organisation
3. Cambridge programmes and qualifications
Cambridge Primary
Cambridge
Primary Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge IGCSE®
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge International
AS and A Level
Cambridge Pre-U
*Age ranges are for guidance only
Cambridge Primary
5-11 years*
Cambridge Secondary 1
11-14 years*
Cambridge Secondary 2
14-16 years*
Cambridge Advanced
16-19 years*
Four stages of education from 5 to 19 years
Each stage builds on your child’s development
Flexible approach
4. Benefits for learners
Internationally recognised qualifications
Excellence in education
Learner-centred approach
Progressive and flexible
Comprehensive support for learners and teachers
“I can’t recommend the Cambridge programme
highly enough. It got me into Stanford University.”
Christopher Hanson, former Cambridge learner, USA
5. 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
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
6. Cambridge Primary
Cambridge Primary
Cambridge
Primary Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge IGCSE®
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge International
AS and A Level
Cambridge Pre-U
Cambridge Secondary 1
11-14 years*
Cambridge Secondary 2
14-16 years*
Cambridge Advanced
16-19 years*
Cambridge Primary
5-11 years*
*Age ranges are for guidance only
7. Cambridge Primary
Develops knowledge and skills in
English, mathematics and science
Sets clear learning objectives
Excellent preparation for secondary
education
Taught in over 550 schools in almost
80 countries
Cambridge ICT Starters also available
8. Cambridge Primary – optional assessments
Two types of optional assessment
1. Cambridge Primary Progression Tests – assessed by school
2. 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
9. Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge Primary
Cambridge
Primary Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge IGCSE®
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge International
AS and A Level
Cambridge Pre-U
Cambridge Primary
5-11 years*
Cambridge Secondary 2
14-16 years*
Cambridge Advanced
16-19 years*
Cambridge Secondary 1
11-14 years*
*Age ranges are for guidance only
10. Cambridge Secondary 1
Develops knowledge and skills in
English, mathematics and science
Sets clear learning objectives
Provides excellent preparation for
the next stage of education
Taught in 965 schools in almost
100 countries
Cambridge ICT Starters also available
11. Cambridge Secondary 1 – optional assessments
Two types of optional assessment:
1. Cambridge Secondary 1 Progression Tests – assessed by school
2. Cambridge 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
12. Cambridge Secondary 2
Cambridge Primary
Cambridge
Primary Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge IGCSE®
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge International
AS and A Level
Cambridge Pre-U
*Age ranges are for guidance only
Cambridge Primary
5-11 years*
Cambridge Secondary 1
11-14 years*
Cambridge Advanced
16-19 years*
Cambridge Secondary 2
14-16 years*
13. Cambridge IGCSE®
The world’s most popular international
qualification for 14 to16 year olds
Taught in over 2600 schools in more
than 140 countries
Offered by over 750 UK schools
Over 70 subjects available – can be
taken in any combination
Builds skills in creative thinking,
enquiry and problem solving
14. 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
“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
15. Cambridge O Level
Cambridge is the biggest provider
of O Level in the world
Taught in over 1800 schools in
80 countries worldwide
Over 40 subjects available – can be
taken in any combination
Builds skills in creative thinking,
enquiry and problem solving
16. 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
‘‘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 and A Level student, Pakistan
17. Cambridge Advanced
Cambridge Primary
Cambridge
Primary Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge IGCSE®
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge International
AS and A Level
Cambridge Pre-U
Cambridge Primary
5-11 years*
Cambridge Secondary 1
11-14 years*
Cambridge Secondary 2
14-16 years*
Cambridge Advanced
16-19 years*
*Age ranges are for guidance only
18. Cambridge International AS and A Level
Taken by over 175 000 learners in
more than 125 countries
Over 55 subjects available
Develops deep understanding,
independent learning and
constructive thinking skills
Flexible programmes
19. Cambridge International AS and A Level
Internationally recognised qualification
Variety of assessment methods
Accepted by universities worldwide, including all UK universities
Accepted by over 450 US universities including Harvard, Yale, MIT
and Stanford
A passport to success at university and in employment
“Studying Cambridge International A Levels
gave me invaluable preparation for my study
at the University of Cambridge.”
Xiao Zhang, former Cambridge learner, China
20. 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 28 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
Currently being taken by UK schools as
an alternative to A Level
21. 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
“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
22. University recognition database
Find out which universities
recognise Cambridge
qualifications at:
www.cie.org.uk/recognition
You can search by country and
by qualification
Cambridge has a team of staff
dedicated to extending
university recognition of
Cambridge qualifications
24. Global learning community
Subject-specific online discussion forums for
teachers
Teacher professional development events
Social networks, such as Cambridge
Facebook page
Events for teachers and learners
Helps Cambridge schools to offer a global learning experience
University of 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. University of Cambridge International Examinations is a not-for-profit organisation and a department of the University of Cambridge. University of Cambridge International Examinations is approved by Ofqual, the UK government exams regulator.
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.
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 University of 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.
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 innovative and equipped for new and future challenges engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.
Cambridge Primary is the first stage of Cambridge programmes and qualifications. It is typically for learners aged 5 to 11 years. Let me talk you through it… [move quickly to the next slide]
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 550 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 ICT applications.
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 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]
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 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 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].
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. ® Cambridge IGCSE is the registered trademark of University of Cambridge International Examinations. Cambridge developed the IGCSE over 20 years ago.
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 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 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.
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 – University of 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]...
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.
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.
Cambridge Pre-U: is a new qualification from Cambridge typically for 16 to 19 year olds syllabuses focus on equipping learners with skills they need to succeed at university is available in 28 Principal Subjects, taught as two-year courses with the exams at the end is already 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 currently being taken by UK schools as an alternative to UK A Level; first examinations took place in June 2010.
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.
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.
Here is an example of a search on the recognition database.
Cambridge is the world ’ s largest international learning community with more than 9000 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.