Beginner's Guide to CIE Education

1. Introduction

2. About Just International Schools

3. Affiliations

1. University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations: provider of the world’s leading range of certificates for learners of English
2. Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR): one of the UK’s leading providers of qualifications

To deliver Cambridge International Examinations-qualifications and programmes CIE works in partnership with organisations around the world. Below are some of CIE’s International Partners.

ACSNZ is made up of schools affiliated to University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). These schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and/or Cambridge International ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Level qualifications.

ACSNZ provides a network of support for member schools and keeps them informed about developments related to CIE. ACSNZ liaises with academic bodies and institutions on university entrance and related matters. The development and administration of courses specially developed for New Zealand students is also coordinated by ACSNZ. ACSNZ holds a regular conference, along with an annual awards ceremony called Brilliance in New Zealand. ACSNZ also arranges training in conjunction with CIE.

The British Council offers examinations services in around 95 countries and has been working closely with CIE for a number of years. One of the British Council's prime responsibilities is the impartial administration and conduct of Cambridge examinations, ensuring that CIE regulations are upheld and examination integrity is constantly maintained.

The English Speaking Scholastic Association of the River Plate (ESSARP) was founded in 1926. ESSARP is responsible for the administration of all Cambridge examinations in schools in Argentina including Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge AICE and Cambridge ESOL examinations in bilingual schools in Argentina.

iNet (International Networking for Educational Transformation) works with schools and other organisations to transform education through the sharing of best practice and innovation. iNet offers a range of online and face-to-face support - including workshops, study tours, conferences, online forums, publications - to make this possible.

Over 3,000 member schools in more than 20 countries are members of iNet, including most secondary schools in England. iNet has also developed close links with partner organisations and academics in a number of countries.

iNet is an initiative of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT), an independent, not for profit organisation that supports school networks focused on innovation and student achievement. CIE schools can join the iNet network, and CIE and iNet work together on a number of initiatives to benefit CIE schools.

In 2001, CIE began working with the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization, a leading Global Professional Services organisation, who established the Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge Information Technology Training Center (AGCA).

The Center delivers online training courses in IT together with additional learning resources to prepare prospective candidates for the International Diploma in IT Skills, developed by CIE. Those who successfully complete the course are awarded the International Diploma in IT Skills.

The Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization has exclusivity for the International Diploma in IT Skills (Arabic version) and also offers the International Diploma in IT Skills in English on a non-exclusive basis.

Vellum Educational Services provides solutions to bridge the gap between educational programmes and assessment procedures in Greece, Cyprus and the Balkans. The company has been a Cambridge associate partner since 2002. Vellum, in partnership with CIE, offers schools and colleges a complete educational programme focusing on application of knowledge and leading to assessments that certify ICT skills.

There are many CIE Vellum-attached Centres across Greece and Cyprus where Cambridge assessments are taught and exams are entered. In 2003, Cambridge IT Skills and ICT Career Awards – Greek versions – were approved by the Greek Ministry of Labour to certify unemployed ICT trainees, whose training and certification is funded by the European Union Support Framework and the Greek government.

More than the assessment body, parents need to think about which school is better for their child. CIE is the world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 14–19 year olds. However, CIE candidate ages range from age of 5 to over 70 years.

Cambridge International Education for 5–19 year olds is divided up into four stages:

Exhibit 6.1 – CIE subjects & the curriculum                                                                          Source:  CIE Website

The detailed description about the curriculum of Cambridge International Examination at various levels is given in exhibit 6.1 above. Schools can offer the full Cambridge Education for learners aged 5–19 years or choose a stage for the age or level of learners. Each stage builds on learner’s development in the previous stage.

6.1. Cambridge Primary for children between 5-11 years

Cambridge Primary levels has the following two programmes

The Cambridge International Primary Programme, typically for 5–11 year olds, gives schools a curriculum framework to develop Mathematics, English and Science skills and knowledge in young children. Cambridge Primary provides guidance for curriculum development and classroom teaching and learning. It enables teachers to assess children's learning as they progress with two optional assessments: Cambridge Primary progression tests and Cambridge Primary Achievement Tests. CIE has a modular nature of Cambridge Primary, which means that it can either be used as the central teaching curriculum or to complement other curricula.

Curriculum: Similarly, Cambridge Primary can be used for teaching and tracking the core skills in English, Mathematics and Science while another curriculum is used for any other subjects that may be taught. In addition, Cambridge ICT Starters develops key skills in Information and Communication Technology.

Classroom Teachings: First-class teaching and learning resources aid the delivery of Cambridge Primary. These include curriculum frameworks, teaching schemes and recommended textbooks and workbooks, teacher training events and Professional Development Qualifications.

Assessment: Cambridge Primary provides an optional testing structure. Schools must access the students performance either throughout the year or at the end of each year. Thus giving schools the flexibility to access learners in the best way that suits their needs.

6.1.2 About Cambridge ICT Starters:

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is now part of the educational experience of children in most parts of the world. Cambridge ICT Starters is designed to introduce students, within Primary and Lower Secondary Education, to the key ICT applications they need to acquire that literacy and to understand the impact of technology on our daily lives.

Students use ICT to communicate, handle information, model and control. They develop key ICT skills in a range of applications including: word processing, computer graphics, databases, spreadsheets, email, internet, presentations, video/animation and web authoring. Through Cambridge ICT Starters, students learn ICT practical skills; also they learn to consider wider issues such as adapting their work according to the audience and internet safety.

The qualification offers a structured scheme of assessment, operating at three levels:

At each level, a Cambridge ICT Starters Stage 1 or Full Certificate is available. Cambridge ICT Starters programme has been mapped against prescribed ICT standards in a number of countries, so that the skills and knowledge assessed reflect the competencies required internationally.

6.2. Cambridge Secondary 1 for children between 11-14 years

Within Cambridge Secondary 1, schools use the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme to build on the foundations of the Cambridge Primary (it is not essential to have completed Primary before beginning Cambridge Secondary 1). The programme, typically for 11-14 year olds, develops learner’s skills and understanding in Mathematics, English and Science for the first three years of secondary education and provides excellent preparation for Cambridge Secondary 2 and qualifications including Cambridge IGCSE.

Curriculum: Cambridge Secondary 1 sets clear objectives for the first three years of secondary education in English, Mathematics and Science. In addition, Cambridge ICT Starters develop the key skills required in Information and Communication Technology.

Classroom Teachings: A wide range of teaching and learning resources aid the planning and delivery of the programme. These include curriculum frameworks, teaching schemes, recommended textbooks and workbooks, teacher training events and Professional Development Qualifications.

Assessment: Cambridge Secondary 1 provides an optional testing structure to assess children’s learning, compare individuals and classes, and report progress to learners and parents. Schools can also use Cambridge Checkpoint to assess learning at the end of the Cambridge Secondary 1 stage.

6.2.1 About Cambridge Checkpoint:

Cambridge Checkpoint tests are for use at the end of Cambridge Secondary 1. They are marked by CIE and provide schools with an external international benchmark for student performance. Cambridge Checkpoint enables feedback to be provided on a student's strengths and weaknesses in key curriculum areas. Feedback of this kind is an invaluable source of information. Schools and colleges will be able to make strategic decisions, drawing upon a pool of information and specialist reporting tools built into Cambridge Checkpoint. Learners at international schools will have a transferable indication of their academic progress.

Cambridge Checkpoint tests are available in English, Mathematics and Science and can be offered at two sessions during the year. The tests cover all major areas of learning required in the first years of an international secondary education. The diagnostic reports of the Checkpoint come in four forms. The first three - reports to learners, reports on teaching groups, and the report on the school - will be sent within four weeks of the date when scripts are received at CIE. The fourth report - the end-of-session report on the entire cohort of candidates - will be issued after all of the learners' marks have been processed.

The report on a candidate gives:

The report on a teaching group gives:

The report on a school gives:

The end-of-session report gives the results of the whole cohort, from all schools, broken down by age and first language, so that schools may compare their own results with those of similar learners from elsewhere. The report will also give the examiner's comments on the test.

6.2.2 About ICT Starters

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is now part of the educational experience of children in most parts of the world.

The syllabus provides a curriculum framework in which ICT competence can be developed. Modules can be delivered according to the needs of each learning situation and age of the students – across the curriculum or as a separate course of study. Students use ICT to communicate, handle information, model and control. They develop key ICT skills in a range of applications including: word processing, computer graphics, databases, spreadsheets, email, internet, presentations, video/animation and web authoring.

The qualification offers a structured scheme of assessment, operating at three levels (a) Initial Steps, (b) Next Steps & (c) On Track.

6.3. Cambridge Secondary 2 for children between 14-16 years

Cambridge Secondary 2 is typically for learners aged 14-16 years. It builds on the foundations of Cambridge Secondary 1 and also supports schools using learner-centred and enquiry-based approaches to learning. Cambridge Secondary 2 mainly offers two options for Cambridge learners: (1).Cambridge IGCSE and (2). Cambridge O Level - both globally recognised qualifications. Cambridge Secondary 2 provides excellent progression to the next stage of Cambridge International Education i.e. Cambridge Advanced for 16-19 years - as well as for higher education.

Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE is the world's most popular international curriculum for 14-16 year olds with currently more than 70 Cambridge IGCSE subjects available. Similarly, Cambridge O Level is one of the most recognised and respected qualifications with more than 50 Cambridge O Level subjects to choose from.

Classroom Teaching: A wide range of teaching and learning resources are available for Cambridge Secondary 2. They include Cambridge IGCSE resources, syllabuses and past papers and Cambridge O Level resources, syllabuses and past papers, teacher training courses and Professional Development Qualifications. Learners have access to the Cambridge Students website.

Recognition: At the end of Cambridge Secondary 2, learners gain Cambridge IGCSE qualifications or Cambridge O Level qualifications respectively. Both are recognised by universities and employers worldwide as equivalent to the UK General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Assessment takes place at the end of the course.

6.3.1 About IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)

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 A/AS Levels and Cambridge Pre-U, as well as other progression routes.

IGCSE Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE encourages learner-centered 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 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:

Cambridge IGCSE Subjects: The subject options in the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum are given in the exhibit 6.2 below.

Exhibit 6.2 – The Cambridge Secondary IGCSE Subjects                                                              Source: CIE Website

Cambridge IGCSE Assessment: Assessment for Cambridge IGCSE usually takes place at the end of the two-year course and includes written and oral tests, coursework and practical assessment. Schools have the option of assessing learners using only external examinations or, in most subjects, combining examinations with coursework. Coursework is set and marked by the teacher and externally moderated by CIE.

Each learner’s performance is benchmarked using eight internationally recognized grades. There are clear guidelines which explain the standard of achievement for different grades. Cambridge IGCSE examination sessions occur twice a year, in May/June and October/November. Results are issued in August and January.

Recognition for Cambridge IGCSE: Cambridge IGCSE is taken in over 100 countries worldwide and are widely recognised by higher education institutions and employers around the world as evidence of academic ability. Cambridge IGCSE is equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom. In some parts of the world, schools use Cambridge IGCSE as an international alternative to the local government's examination.

Each learner's performance is benchmarked using eight internationally recognized grades (A*-G). In others, they are widely used as a preparation for A Level, AS, International Baccalaureate and US Advanced Placement courses. Grade C in IGCSE English (both First Language and Second Language) satisfies the English proficiency requirements of many universities in the UK and other Anglophone countries.

6.3.2 About Cambridge O Level:

Cambridge O Level, part of the Cambridge Secondary 2 stage, is typically for 14-16 year olds. Cambridge O Level is an internationally recognised qualification equivalent to the UK General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Cambridge O Level provides learners with excellent preparation for academic progression to Cambridge Advanced including Cambridge A/AS Levels and Cambridge Pre-U.

Cambridge O Level curriculum:

The Cambridge O Level curriculum places emphasis on broad and balanced study across a wide range of subjects. The curriculum develops learners' skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving and is structured so that learners attain both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

In some parts of the world, schools use Cambridge O Level as an international alternative to the local government's examination. Universities in many countries, including Canada and the USA, will admit learners on the basis of their Cambridge O Level performances alone.

Cambridge O level Assessment: Cambridge O levels are normally taken after completing the two-year course and a variety of methods written, practical and oral used to access learners.

The learner’s performance is benchmarked using five internationally recognised grades (A-E). Grade A is awarded for the highest level of achievement while grade E indicates a minimum satisfactory performance. CIE runs two sessions for Cambridge O Level – May/June and October/November although some subjects are only available in May/June or October/November.

6.3.3 About Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE)

Cambridge ICE is the group award of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and it requires the study of subjects drawn from the five different IGCSE subject groups. It gives schools an opportunity to benefit from offering a broad and balanced curriculum through the recognition of achievements of students who pass examinations in at least seven subjects, including two languages, and one subject from each of the other subject groups.

Cambridge ICE Curriculum: The Cambridge portfolio of IGCSE qualifications provides a strong foundation for higher level courses such as GCE A and AS Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma as well as excellent preparation for employment. A wide range of IGCSE subjects is available and these are grouped into five curriculum areas, as follows:

Cambridge ICE-counting subjects: Candidates hoping to gain the Cambridge ICE group award must enter and sit for at least seven subjects selected from the five IGCSE curriculum areas. The subjects selected must include two (different) languages from Group I (i.e. only one of First Language English and English as a Second Language may count towards Cambridge ICE) and one subject from each of Groups II, III, IV and V. The seventh subject can be taken from any of the five subject groups.

Cambridge ICE Subjects: The languages and subjects for Cambridge ICE are grouped and shown in exhibits 6.3 and 6.4 respectively

Exhibit 6.3 – Cambridge ICE level Languages                                                                              Source: CIE Website

Exhibit 6.4 – Cambridge ICE Level Subjects                                                                                    Source: CIE Website

¹ These are the subjects available in 2010. Note: Not all subjects are available in both the June and November session.

² Environmental Management can count as either a Group II or a Group III subject for Cambridge ICE.

³ Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) counts as two subjects for Cambridge ICE.

6.4. Cambridge Advanced for children between 16-19 Years

Cambridge advanced, typically is for children between 16-19 years, it helps learners to develop deep understanding and independent learning and critical thinking skills which universities value highly. It builds on the foundations of Cambridge Secondary 2 and leads to entry to universities worldwide. Cambridge Advanced includes Cambridge International A/AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U qualifications; both focus on equipping learners with skills they need to succeed at university, and as such, are recognised by universities and employers worldwide.

Curriculum: As part of the Cambridge Advanced stage, the Cambridge International A/AS Level curriculum offers over 60 subjects for learners to choose from and specialise. For Cambridge Pre-U, learners choose from 26 Principal Subjects, in addition to the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Independent Research Report (GPR).

Classroom Teaching: A wide range of teaching and learning resources are available during the Cambridge Advanced Level. These include Cambridge International A Level resources and Cambridge Pre-U resources such as syllabuses, past papers and mark schemes, subject-specific teacher training events and Professional Development Qualifications. Learners have access to the Cambridge Students website.

Qualifications Acquired: At the end of a two-year course learners gain Cambridge International A/AS Level qualifications or Cambridge Pre-U qualifications. All qualifications are internationally recognised and valued by universities and employers worldwide.

6.4.1 About Cambridge International A and AS Levels

Cambridge International A/AS Levels are internationally benchmarked qualifications providing excellent preparation for university education. They are part of the Cambridge Advanced stage.

Cambridge A and AS Levels are taken in over 125 countries and offer a choice of 60 different subjects. Cambridge International A/AS Level qualifications are widely recognised and valued by universities and employers alike. Some US universities give up to a year's credit as a result. Every year, thousands of Cambridge International A Level students gain places at universities like- including the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Schools and learners find Cambridge International A and AS Levels very flexible. Schools can offer almost any combination of the wide choice of subjects available. Learners have the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them and either follow a broad course of study or specialise in a particular area.

Cambridge International AS Level:

Cambridge International AS Levels have half the content of the corresponding Cambridge International A Level and may be completed in one year. Schools can offer Cambridge International AS Level as a qualification in its own right or as a stage on the way to Cambridge International A Level. Learners can study Cambridge International AS Level alongside other subjects to increase breadth in the curriculum and build further knowledge and understanding to other subjects they are studying at Cambridge International A Level.

Flexibility of A & AS Level: Schools and learners find Cambridge International A and AS Levels very flexible. Schools can offer almost any combination of the wide choice of subjects available. Learners can choose from a range of assessment options shown in exhibit 6.5 below.

Exhibit 6.5 – Cambridge Advanced A & AS Level Assessment Options                                      Source: CIE Website

* The staged assessment route is not possible in all subjects. The outcomes awarded for Cambridge International AS Level language syllabuses cannot be carried forward to Cambridge International A Level.

Cambridge International A & AS Level Assessment: Cambridge International A and AS Level examination sessions occur twice a year**, in June and November, with results issued in August and January respectively.

Cambridge International A and AS Levels use a wide range of assessment processes and techniques to supplement formal written examinations - orals, practicals, projects and coursework of differing types are all used in various subjects where they are the most effective and appropriate means of measuring attainment. Cambridge International A and AS Level syllabuses have been created specifically for an international audience.

** Some subjects are only available in June or November.

Reporting of Achievement: Each subject that a Cambridge international student takes at AS/A Level receives a separately certificated grade. From 2010, the Cambridge International A Level will be reported on a grade scale from A* grade, awarded for the highest level of achievement, to E, indicating the minimum required performance. Cambridge International Centres should note there is no A* grading in the certification of Cambridge International AS Levels, which will continue to run from Grade A to Grade E.

Subjects in Cambridge A & AS Levels: Cambridge offers a range of Cambridge International A and AS Level teaching support and resource materials for each subject. Parents of students may select from the subjects mentioned in exhibit 6.6 below:

Exhibit 6.6 – Subjects in Cambridge A & AS levels                                                                                          Source: CIE Website

Cambridge A & AS level Recognition: Cambridge International A and AS Levels have widespread international recognition as educational qualifications. This recognition is because:

University courses for which there is not strong demand might accept students with grades between A-E, but typical UK university entrance requirements are closer to three passes at grade C for academic courses in established universities. Minimum matriculation requirements are at least two pass grades. Very popular courses will often require higher grades. For example, medical schools in the UK often require grades of AAB and the highly selective universities of Cambridge and Oxford ask for at least AAB.

Cambridge International A Levels are taken throughout the world, sometimes as the national examinations of certain Commonwealth countries (such as Singapore and Mauritius), sometimes within international schools and sometimes in bilingual government schools alongside the national exams.

6.4.2 About Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U is an exciting new post-16 qualification. It prepares students with the skills and knowledge they need to make a success of their subsequent studies at university.

Teachers feel they want to be able to prepare students for higher education more effectively with exciting syllabuses that are stimulating to teach. Universities also want students who are equipped to benefit from a higher education experience, hence this calls for an independent and self-directed style of learning.

This is why Cambridge Pre-U was developed. It offers genuinely interesting syllabuses which students can study in any combination to gain the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, or on an individual subject basis. Cambridge Pre-U addresses the needs of teachers, students and universities by:

Cambridge Pre-Structure

The linear approach of Cambridge Pre-U (with exams taken at the end of the two-year course) provides for coherence and progression, the chance to reclaim teaching and learning time at the end of the first year, and decide the order, pace and depth of teaching and learning most appropriate for students. The exhibit 6.7 shows the pathway for a student taking up the Cambridge Pre-U programme.

Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses can be taken separately and are graded individually. Students may choose to combine them to achieve a full diploma.

Grading: Each Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject is a qualification in its own right and receives its own grade. These grades are reported on a separate certificate to the Diploma itself. The grades, in descending order, are D1 (Distinction 1), D2, D3, M1 (Merit 1), M2, M3, P1 (Pass 1), P2, P3. The Diploma itself is awarded a numerical score based on an aggregation of the results from the individual components

Exhibit 6.7 – Cambridge Advanced Pre-U programme linear approach                                                Source: CIE Website

Candidates qualify for the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma if they pass:

(* up to two A Levels may be substituted)

• Cambridge Pre-U allows students to choose any combination of subjects to suit their interests,enthusiasms and expertise.

• There is no upper limit on the number of Principal Subjects candidates may take. Only three are included in the Diploma award but all subjects receive a separate grade so students will receive credit for the full extent of their academic programmes.

• Other qualifi cations may be credited within the Diploma, where tariff values can establish a clear equivalence. For instance, a candidate may substitute up to two A Levels in place of Principal Subjects.

The Principal Subject courses are two years long and all Principal Subject examinations take place at

the end of the course.

There is freedom to choose subject combinations without constraint. To qualify for the Diploma, students study at least three Principal Cambridge Pre-U subjects from a choice of 26. They also complete an Independent Research Report and a Global Perspectives portfolio. Students may take more than three Principal subjects if they wish.

Common core components: coherence, breadth and depth

GPR as a standalone package

The two ‘core components’ of the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, Global Perspectives and Independent Research, are available as a unified package, and can be certificated as a standalone qualification, separate from the Diploma, and equivalent to a full A Level.

1. Global Perspectives - guarantees breadth of study. It is an opportunity to explore a range of key challenges facing young people, wherever they live or work. Global Perspectives will help to develop critical thinking and research skills that are valued in higher education.

This seminar-based course takes key themes of global relevance that are of interest to young people, and encourages students to explore them in an open, critical, disciplined way. Schools will build their own programme by choosing topics from the different thematic groups.

2. The Independent Research Report gives a student the chance to dig deeper into a particular subject, or to cross boundaries by doing interdisciplinary work, or to make a new departure by investigating a subject not covered by traditional school syllabuses. Global Perspectives and Independent Research are intended to be taught as successive one-year courses, with the Independent Research Report growing out of the skills introduced and developed as part of the Global Perspectives course.

3. Global Perspective: Global Perspectives encourages the ability to follow and deconstruct arguments and assertions, to separate fact from opinion, and to assess and evaluate the truth of claims. This seminar-based course takes key themes of global relevance that are of interest to young people, and encourages students to explore them in an open, critical, disciplined way. Schools will build their own programme by choosing topics from the different thematic groups as shown in exhibit 6.8 below

Exhibit 6.8 – Cambridge Pre-U-Global Perspective themes and topics                                          Source: CIE Website 

Global Perspectives - The critical path: Students are encouraged to explore each chosen topic by following the critical path as shown in exhibit 6.9 below:

Exhibit 6.9 – Cambridge Pre-U – Topics by critical path                                                                 Source: CIE Website 

Assessment Objectives: The assessment objectives of Cambridge Pre-U are given in exhibit 6.10

Exhibit 6.10 – Cambridge Pre-U – Assessment Objectives                                                            Source: CIE Website 

Assessment Process: The assessment process for Cambridge Advanced is shown in exhibit 6.11

Exhibit 6.11 – Cambridge Pre-U – Assessment Process                                                                 Source: CIE Website 

Universities research demonstrates the students ability to engage in independent research to be of great value because it demonstrates skills of collecting, handling and evaluating information of various kinds. Independent Research Report focuses on the ability to design, plan and manage a research project, project, to collect and analyze information, to evaluate and make reasoned judgement’s, and to communicate findings and conclusions.

Candidates submit a single report of 4,500 - 5,000 words. The precise nature and format of the report and the research and reporting conventions adopted, will depend on the subject of the enquiry. The process of the independent research is shown in exhibit 6.12 below

Exhibit 6.12 – Cambridge Pre-U – The independent research process                                           Source: CIE Website

University Recognition: CIE has developed Cambridge Pre-U in consultation with teachers, schools and people in higher education on the individual components. CIE submitted Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses to QCA for accreditation in June 2007 for inclusion in the National Qualifications Framework.

Cambridge Pre-U Subjects: Below is an expandable list of Cambridge Pre-U subjects. Cambridge offers a range of Cambridge Pre-U teaching support and resource materials for each subject. Subject Listing for Cambridge Pre-U is given in exhibit 6.13 below

Exhibit 6.13 – The Subject listing for Cambridge Pre- U                                                             Source: CIE Website

6.4.3 About Cambridge AICE Diploma

First introduced by Cambridge in 1994, Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) provides a high-quality English-medium qualification which prepares young people for honours degree programmes. It is a ‘group’ certificate which requires the study of subjects drawn from three curriculum areas.

The Cambridge AICE curriculum: The subject content of each A Level syllabus has been subdivided into two parts:

This flexible approach enables students to choose between three main options:

An A Level course is probably the most in-depth and thorough preparation for university, medical college or employment that a school can give its students.

Half-credit courses: Half-credit courses in English Language and Literature in English are also available within the AICE programme.

Research project option in the Cambridge AICE Diploma

A research project offers the opportunity for students to demonstrate skills of independent study. Students may substitute the Research Project option for a full-credit course as it is a certificated AS in its own right.

The Research Project option in the AICE Diploma provides students with the opportunity to pursue topics in some depth in subject areas related to their studies. Students taking AS Level Research Projects are required to submit two research projects, in line with the CIE requirements stipulated.

Research project topics may be submitted in a wide range of subjects. However, students are not allowed to submit Research Projects in any subject where they are also submitting coursework for either AS or A level. A research project should be around 3000 words in length and high-scoring students will have shown evidence of study in depth.

Grading and the award of the Diploma: For AS examinations, candidates are graded on an alphabetical scale, A to E, with grade A indicating a top level of performance and grade E indicating a minimum passing grade. For A Level examinations, candidates are graded on an alphabetical scale, A* to E, with grade A* indicating a top level of performance and grade E indicating a minimum passing grade.

Examinations are held in the middle of August for candidates who have taken the examinations in June. The AICE Diploma requires the study of subjects drawn from three curriculum areas. These three broad areas are:

To obtain an AICE Diploma, candidates will be required:

Performance that meets the requirements of the group award will receive the Cambridge AICE Diploma. The statement of results will show the grades achieved by the student in each of the subjects taken in the final session. Candidates who achieve ADIP in one session will receive an ADIP Statement of Results, a GCE Certificate showing the grades achieved in individual subjects (and AICE Half Credit Certificate if applicable) and a separate ADIP Certificate. As GCE AS & A Level subjects are used to calculate the AICE Diploma, the AICE Diploma results will be issued with the GCE results.

Candidates who fail the AICE Diploma will still receive a GCE Certificate reporting their performance in GCE AS & A Level syllabuses (and an AICE Half Credit certificate where applicable). Multi-session candidates, at the end of each session, will receive a GCE or AICE Half Credit Statement of Result and Certificate where applicable and will be certificated for the AICE Diploma at the end of the final session. The full AICE Diploma is awarded on the basis of a points system, as shown in the exhibit 6.14 below:

Exhibit 6.14 – The Cambridge AICE Point System                                                                         Source: CIE Website

Note: The Cambridge AICE Diploma tariff has been calculated to bring it into line with the UK University Admission points score for A Levels and the AS qualification. The full AICE Diploma will be awarded on the basis of the following points system:

The following combinations shown in exhibit 6.15 are therefore all valid:

Exhibit 6.15 – The Grading combinations for Cambridge AICE                                                       Source: CIE Website

Candidates who meet the requirements of the group award will receive a AICE Diploma at one of three levels: Pass, Merit or Distinction on the basis of their overall AICE Diploma score. 140 points will be awarded for an A* but the maximum number of AICE points will be capped at 360.

Candidates who do not meet the requirements of the AICE Diploma will receive a GCE Certificate reporting their performance in GCE AS & A Level syllabuses (and an AICE Half Credit Certificate where applicable).

Subjects in Cambridge AICE Diploma: The subject below will help you to understand the pages that make up the AICE Diploma.

All AICE, AS and A Level qualifications can count towards the AICE Diploma; for a complete list please see the A and AS Level section on University of Cambridge International Examinations website.

The subjects below in exhibit 6.16 will help in understanding the AICE Diploma process. Some popular options are shown below:

Exhibit 6.16 – The subjects in Cambridge International AICE Diploma                                           Source: CIE Website

Apart from the above curriculums mentioned CIE also offers a range of vocational programmes

CIE's vocational qualifications assess the practical application of career-based knowledge across a range of business areas, providing candidates with a valued qualification that demonstrates their ability to both educators and employers. The programmes offered are:

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