Cambridge Secondary Curriculum
What is British Curriculum
The Cambridge International Curriculum was introduced by Cambridge Assessment International Education, a globally recognised provider of international qualifications. This curriculum shapes an individual’s education from age 5 to 19 and allows them to focus on subjects based on their strengths and interests. Cambridge International is part of the world-renowned University of Cambridge. Over 10,000 schools in 160 countries offer Cambridge programmes and qualifications.
What are the benefits of the Cambridge or International British Curriculum?
- Flexible schedule and self-paced learning: Students who enroll in the International British Curriculum are able to work through the course content at their own pace. This means that they can dictate their learning pathway based on their unique circumstances, abilities and schedules.
- International accreditation: The International British Curriculum is accepted at universities around the world. Learners who complete their A Levels and AS Levels are equipped with all the necessary educational tools to excel in a tertiary learning environment.
- Access to exam centers around the world: Students who register for the International British curriculum are able to sit to write their exams at one of the many Cambridge accredited exam centers around the world.
- An education solution when immigrating or travelling: The self-paced learning style and flexibility of the International British Curriculum means students can move countries during a school year. With many families looking to explore international learning and travel opportunities, the British Curriculum offers an education solution that promotes freedom and flexibility whilst maintaining a syllabus and assessment objectives that are standardised worldwide.
Stages of British Curriculum
| STAGES | AGE | COMMONLY KNOWN AS: |
| KG 1-3 | 2-5 Years old | KINDERGARTEN/PRE PRIMARY |
| GRADE 1-6 | 5-11 Years old | PRIMARY SCHOOL |
| YEAR 7-9 | 11-14 Years old | LOWER SECONDARY |
| YEAR 10-11 | 14-16 Years old | UPPER SECONDARY/IGCSE |
| YEAR 12-13 | 16-19 Years old | ADVANCED LEVEL |
Cambridge Lower Secondary (YEAR/GRADE 7-9)
Cambridge Lower Secondary is typically for learners aged 11 to 14 years. It builds on the foundations of Cambridge Primary, although it is not essential to have completed that stage before beginning Cambridge Lower Secondary.
The programme develops learners’ skills and understanding in ten subjects including English, Mathematics and Science. It provides you with a flexible framework which you can use to develop a curriculum that is tailored to your needs. Cambridge Lower Secondary provides excellent preparation for Cambridge Upper Secondary and other educational systems.
Cambridge Upper Secondary (YEAR/GRADE 10-11) 14 to 16 years old* Also Known as Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international curriculum for 14-16 year olds, leading to globally recognized and valued Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. It is part of the Cambridge Secondary 2 stage
Schools worldwide have helped develop Cambridge IGCSE, which provides excellent preparation for the Cambridge Advanced stage including Cambridge International AS and A Levels and Cambridge Pre-U, as well as other progression routes. It incorporates the best in international education for learners at this level. It develops in line with changing needs, and is regularly updated and extended. Cambridge IGCSE teachers can draw on excellent resources, training and advice from subject experts.
Cambridge IGCSE encourages learner-centred and enquiry-based approaches to learning. It develops learners’ skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving, giving learners excellent preparation for the next stage in their education. Schools can build a core curriculum, extend it to suit their learners and introduce cross-curricular perspectives. Clearly defined learning outcomes and content, mean Cambridge IGCSE is compatible with other curricula and is internationally relevant and sensitive to different needs and cultures.
Schools can offer any combination of subjects. Each subject is certificated separately. Over 70 subjects are available, including more than 30 language courses, offering a variety of routes for learners of different abilities. Cambridge IGCSE develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in:
- Subject content
- Applying knowledge and understanding to familiar and new situations
- Intellectual enquiry
- Flexibility and responsiveness to change
- Working and communicating in English
- Influencing outcomes
- Cultural awareness
Cambridge IGCSE is recognised as a reliable record of attainment by universities and employers around the world. Many universities worldwide require a combination of A Levels and IGCSEs to meet their entry requirements. In the UK, Cambridge IGCSE is accepted as equivalent to the GCSE.
Cambridge Advanced 16 to 19 years old* Also known as Cambridge AS & A Level
Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level.
The syllabuses develop a deep understanding of subjects and independent thinking skills.
Curriculum
Cambridge International AS & A Level develops learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills in:
- In-depth subject content
- Independent thinking
- Applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations
- Handling and evaluating different types of information source
- Thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments
- Making judgements, recommendations and decisions
- Presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them logically and clearly
Working and communicating in English. CIE offers a choice of 55 subjects and schools can offer them in almost any combination.
Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level.
