Cambridge Training for BES School Teachers and Administrators
The training courses below are optional except for the Introductory training for administrators and teachers. Courses are
available for all subjects in the Lower Division (Cambridge IGCSE) and Upper Division (Cambridge AS and A Level).
The schedule below (Year 1, Year 2, Year 3) will provide a robust support package for the Cambridge program. However, the
training may be undertaken at different stages if the school considers it appropriate.
Introductory training for administrators and teachers
Half day on site Cambridge Orientation Workshop
1.5 hour session with the designated school
examinations officer
 discussion of Cambridge regulations
 overview of the Handbook, Admin Guide and CIE
Direct (secure website)
 review of the school secure storage area
1.5 hour session with teachers
 overview of the Cambridge Teacher Support website
1 hour session with the school administrator/s
 implementation plans
 Q & A session
Year 1 Teacher training
$750/school
Stage 1 Introductory self-study subject-specific
courses: on-line training course accessible for a 6
month period requiring c. 15 hours to complete.
Recommend completion within 6 weeks . Courses
are self-paced and subject-specific.
Stage 1/2
 face-to-face training workshop, 3 days, subject –
specific

Accreditation for coursework teachers via
Distance Learning, completed over a few days
using Distance Training Packs or Coursework /
Speaking Test Training Handbooks (see page 8).
Accreditation provides assurance that teachers
understand how to manage and assess
coursework
$50/teacher
$500/teacher
registration fees
and lunch
inclusive
$31 per
subject
handbook or
pack, which
can be
shared at a
school.
Additional
$31 per
teacher
sending CIE
completed
training
materials.
Year 2 Teacher training
Stage 2
 Tutor-led on-line training course over 6 weeks
covering subject-specific formative assessment

face-to-face training workshop, 1 day, on subjectspecific ‘Best Classroom Practices’
Year 3 Teacher training
Stage 2
$200/teacher  face-to-face training workshop, 2 days, subject –
specific
$125/teacher  face-to-face training workshop, 1 day, on subjectregistration fees
specific ‘Best Classroom Practices’
and lunch
inclusive
Face-to-face workshops typically include 20-30 teachers and will be held at accessible locations across the US. Face-to-face
courses may not be available, or may be arranged at higher cost, if there are fewer than 15 teachers for a subject.
Descriptions of Training available
Face to Face training workshops"
A. led by Cambridge examiners, these three day workshops will provide



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Overview of syllabus, question papers and mark schemes
Activities relating to the marking of question papers and assessment standards
Course delivery strategies
ICT and curriculum resources
B. "Best Classroom Practices" one day workshops, led by experienced Cambridge teachers, aims



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To familiarize teachers with the curriculum and Scheme of Assessment for the subject they will teach
To share various teaching practices which may be adopted
To enable the teachers to look at all facets of the curriculum from the view of skill development and assessment
To review last year’s exam
$350/teacher
$125/teacher
registration fees
and lunch
inclusive (both)
Online training and support
Three types of online training and support are currently available to CIE Schools:
A. Stage 1 Introductory self-study subject-specific courses
These courses provide essential information for teachers who are new to the CIE syllabus, and include activities that prepare them
for delivering the course and preparing students for the examination.
These courses will introduce teachers to the syllabuses and will focus on:
- Aims and assessment
- Using CIE resources
- Syllabus Content
- Standards and Marking
These courses:
- Are available on-demand, are self-paced.
- Have no deadlines for completing each task.
- Require completion of assignments before proceeding to next module.
- Have no tutor.
- Encourage teachers to use the discussion forum to exchange ideas within a community of peers.
The courses, prepared by experienced examiners and trainers, will involve:
- A user-friendly e-learning environment
- Learning objectives specific to Cambridge syllabuses
- Portfolio of evidence
- Certificate of participation
- Access to the courses will last for 6 months from the course start date. Participants are expected to complete all tasks within the
course by the end of this period in order to be eligible for a certificate of completion.
Registration: Cost is c. $50.00
11 February 2011 is the registration closing date for 7 March - 2 September 2011 Courses.
13 May 2011 is the registration closing date for 6 June - 2 December 2011 Courses.
Subjects available:
IGCSE Level: Biology (0610), Business Studies (0450), Chemistry (0620), English as a Second Language (0510), Eng. 1st Lang.
(0500), History (0470), Literature in English (0486), Mathematics (0580) and Physics (0625).
AS/ A Level: Applied ICT (9713), Business Studies (9707), Chemistry (9701), Economics (9708), Literature in English (9695),
Mathematics (9709) and Physics (9702).
B. Stage 1 Tutor-led Online training course - Subject Specific
(Lower Division) IGCSE subjects: First Language English (0500), First Language Spanish (0502), History (World) (0470), Literature
in English (0468), Mathematics (0580), Physics (0625) AND
(Upper Division) AS/A Level subjects: Biology (9700), Chemistry (9701), Economics (9708), Geography (9696)
These courses are led by a Cambridge examiner. They focus on classroom practice. Participants follow a three-activity program over
six weeks and can interact and share resources with teachers from other Cambridge schools.
Participants are provided with:
-
Guidance from an experience Cambridge consultant (e-tutor).
A structured program to develop classroom teaching using the CIE
syllabus.
Moderation and feedback on activities by the Cambridge e-tutor via email
exchanges.
The opportunity to share resources with other teachers through an email
discussion group.
Stimulus materials to support each activity on a course website.
Participants are asked to produce three short written assignments (approx
500 words each), these are based on the evaluation of classroom practice.
The e-tutor will provide constructive feedback and input throughout the
course. The sharing of teaching resources is also encouraged via the course
discussion group.
The courses are self-paced. Participants can access the course materials in
their own time to suit their lifestyles but do need to be:
·
·
teaching their own classes for the duration of the course
able to meet the two week deadlines for written assignments.
It is anticipated that the courses will require approximately 15 hours of
participant time over the six week course, with much of the time directly
relating to classroom teaching.
To participate in a course, participants will need:
·
·
·
the relevant syllabus booklet
a personal email account and reliable internet access
to be able to access websites and receive and send email attachments
No advanced computing skills are necessary to participate in this course.
Courses cost c. $200 per teacher and the course fee will be invoiced to the Centre’s
account. Please note that recommendation that teachers attend a "face to face"
or introductory level on-line training event in their subject BEFORE taking an online tutor led training course.
C. Tutor-led course for Assessment for Learning
Real learning takes place when teachers try out new skills in the classroom, so CIE has devised a range of online tutor-led courses
where teachers can do just that.
The course aims
The aim of the course is partly to inform you about Assessment for Learning (which research has shown to be the single most
powerful way of improving standards in classrooms) but its most important aim is to help you to find the time to reflect on teaching
and learning in your own classroom, and to help you help your learners to improve.
Structure of the course:
The course consists of three units, each lasting two weeks and with an assignment at the end of each unit:

Unit 1: Why do we do assessments in the classroom
Learning objectives and assessment focus
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
Unit 2: Creating assessment tasks:
Marking and feedback
Unit 3: Using questions and discussion to promote learning
Gathering and evaluating evidence for learning in the classroom
You will be asked to carry out and submit one assignment in each unit by undertaking activities in the classroom. An important
component of this course is the use of the discussion forums. Teachers taking part in the course will benefit from sharing ideas,
problems and good practice with colleagues around the world who are teaching at other CIE Centers.
Course duration:
Each course runs for seven weeks (first week is introduction) and is led by an experienced CIE Examiner. Participants are expected
to complete all tasks within the course and take part in the discussion forum to be eligible for a certificate.
No advanced computing skills are necessary to participate in this course.
Courses cost c. $200 per teacher and the course fee will be invoiced to the Centre’s
account.
D. Tutor-led course for Teaching and Assessing Skills in Science
Appropriate for experienced Science teachers (IGCSE or AS / A level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Co-ordinated Science)
Course Content
Real learning takes place when teachers try out new skills in the classroom, so CIE has devised a range of online tutor-led courses
where teachers can do just that.
The course aims

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
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
practice teaching and assessing practical skills in the classroom
reflect on teaching and assessing practical skills in the classroom
share ideas and good practice with other teachers of science
Our objectives are to improve your confidence with teaching and assessing practical skills, learn and try out new and different
techniques, and provide some guidance on planning your practical investigations.
The course is divided into 3 units
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
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Unit 1 - How to plan a practical lesson
Unit 2 - Teaching students how to handle data and evaluate results
Unit 3 - How to assess practical skills
You will be asked to carry out and submit one assignment in each unit by undertaking activities in the classroom. An important
component of this course is the use of the discussion forums. Teachers taking part in the course will benefit from sharing ideas,
problems and good practice with colleagues around the world who are teaching at other CIE Centers.
Course duration:
Each course runs for seven weeks (first week is introduction) and is led by an experienced CIE Examiner. Participants are expected
to complete all tasks within the course and take part in the discussion forum to be eligible for a certificate.
No advanced computing skills are necessary to participate in this course.
Courses cost c. $200 per teacher and the course fee will be invoiced to the School's
account.
E. Tutor -led course for using the Web for Learning
This course is for experienced teachers who have been teaching for more than one year. It will focus on using the Web for learning in
the classroom and will give you an opportunity to discuss and share ideas with other teachers.
The course aims
The aim of the course is to give you first-hand experience of what the web can offer in terms of exciting learning tools when applied
to project based learning. You will develop and gain insight into the webs relationship with:
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

critical thinking
problem solving and
communication through cooperation and reflection
Structure of the course:
The course consists of three units which build up into one complete project and presentation
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Introduction to the Virtual Learning Environment and the course.
Topic & focus
Online collaboration with a partner to map out a common project topic area
Gather & Publish
Experiment with web based tools and techniques to research, organize and critically evaluate
What works
Present and evaluate your project through presentation online using tools of choice
An important component of this course is the use of the discussion forums. Teachers taking part in the course will benefit from
sharing ideas, problems and good practice with colleagues around the world who are teaching at other CIE Centers.
Course duration:
Each course runs for seven weeks (first week is introduction) and is led by an experienced CIE Examiner. Participants are expected
to complete all tasks within the course and take part in the discussion forum to be eligible for a certificate.
No advanced computing skills are necessary to participate in this course.
Courses cost c. $200 per teacher and the course fee will be invoiced to the Centre’s
account.
F. Online seminars
'Ask the Examiner'
CIE offers online ‘Ask the Examiner’ sessions free of charge for teachers at Cambridge International Centers in select subjects.
The aim of ‘Ask the Examiner’ is to help teachers prepare their candidates for future examinations by raising their awareness of the
main assessment issues in the past examination session.
Participants will review the content of the Principal Examiner’s report and post questions to the conference discussion forum. It’s an
excellent opportunity to discuss assessment issues with colleagues around the world and the Examiner.
Places will be allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis..
Coursework training resources
A. IGCSE: Cambridge Professional Development for Teachers
Price: $20.00 maximum per copy
These books are written for teachers delivering IGCSE/O Level courses in the subject. They
provide clear, practical and up-to-date guidance on teaching and assessing skills in a range of
core subject areas for IGCSE and O Level. Content includes ideas and strategies for effective
classroom practice, setting coursework, assessing students' work and the integration of
different skills. Written by experienced teachers and CIE trainers. Additional books will be
published later in the year and will also be available for sale from CIE.
It is recommended that these books be read prior to using the Distance Training Pack or
Coursework Training Handbook for the subject.
Title ISBN
Teaching and Assessing Skills in Accounting 0521543673
Teaching and Assessing Skills in Business Studies 0521543665
Teaching and Assessing Skills in Computer Studies 0521753600
Teaching and Assessing Skills in English as a Second Language 0521753562
Teaching and Assessing Skills in First Language English 0521753554
Teaching and Assessing Skills in Geography 0521753570
Teaching and Assessing Skills in Mathematics 0521753619
Teaching and Assessing Practical Skills in Science 0521753597
B. IGCSE: Distance Training Packs
Price: $31.00 per copy
These packs are to be used by teachers requiring accreditation for marking coursework or for
teachers assessing students' speaking skills. Each pack includes a distance training manual,
syllabus, (and tapes/CDs where necessary), standards booklet (where available) and mark
sheets. It is necessary for each Centre to purchase only one pack and then any number of
teachers can work through the pack, photocopying the relevant sheets.
An additional charge of £20 is payable for each assessment returned to CIE. If further
assessments / speaking tests are requested by the Subject Coursework/Speaking Test
Consultant, an additional charge of £20 is payable for each assessment. This charge includes
the services of the Subject Coursework/Speaking Test Consultant, who will examine the
marks that the trainees give for the unmarked exemplar coursework/speaking tests they have
conducted with their candidates, write to discuss marking problems if necessary, and
recommend the issue of a certificate stating that the teacher may now assess the students’
coursework for IGCSE.
It is recommended that these packs be used with the accompanying Cambridge Professional
Development for Teachers book for the subject, if available (see above)
Each individual teacher must send in a separate assessment.
. No.
IGCSE: Distance Training Packs Subjects available:
Agriculture 0600
Child Development 0637
Chinese (Mandarin) – Foreign Language 0547
Design and Technology 0445
Development Studies 0453
Economics 0455
English – Second Language 0510
French – Foreign Language 0520
German – Foreign Language 0525
History 0470
Literature – English 0486
Mathematics 0581
Spanish – Foreign Language 0530
C. IGCSE: Coursework Training Handbooks
Price: $31.00 per copy
The distance training packs are being replaced gradually by the new Coursework Training
Handbook. As with the packs, Centers need buy one copy only of the Handbook, which can
then be used by any number of teachers. However, the new Handbooks provide more
information on administering coursework in the Centre. It is assumed that the Centre will
already have copies of the relevant syllabus and standards booklet (where available) or will
download them from the CIE website. These items will not be sent out with the Handbook.
A charge of $31 is payable for each assessment returned to UCLES. If further assessments /
speaking tests are requested by the Subject Coursework/Speaking Test Consultant, an
additional charge of $31 is payable for each assessment. This charge includes the services of
the Subject Coursework/Speaking Test Consultant who will examine the marks that the
trainees give for the unmarked exemplar coursework/speaking tests they have conducted with
their candidates, write to discuss marking problems if necessary, and recommend the issue of
a certificate stating that the teacher may now assess the students’ coursework for IGCSE.
It is recommended that these Handbooks be used with the accompanying Cambridge
Professional Development for Teachers book for the subject, if available (see below).
Each individual teacher must send in a separate assessment.
IGCSE: Coursework Training Handbooks Subjects available/ Ref. No.
Arabic – Foreign Language Available CTHIGFLA0401
Art and Design (0400) Combined with Standards and published on CD-ROM
CD04000401
Business Studies (0450) CTHIGBUSI0301
Computer Studies (0420) CTHIGCOMP0302
English – First Language (0500) CCTHIGFLE0401
Environmental Management (0680) CTHIGENVI0301
Food and Nutrition (0648) CTHIGFAN0401
Geography (0460) CTHIGGEOG0301
Music (0410) CTHIGMUS0401
Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Science – Co-ordinated and Combined (0610, 0620, 0625, 0652, 0653,
0654) CTHIGSCIE0302