An Introduction to
Cambridge International Examinations
Board Examination System
Sherry Reach
Regional Manager, Americas
Cambridge Assessment
• A department of the University of Cambridge
• We are Europe’s largest assessment agency
and our tests are underpinned by our
substantial research program
• We are at the heart of a global learning
community including more than 9000 schools
• We work in partnership with educators
worldwide, including 25 national
governments, and the NCEE MOWR project
Where we operate
Over 9,000 schools
in 150 countries
The worlds largest provider
of 14-19 International
Qualifications
Over 2 million entries per
year
Progressive and flexible
Four stages leading from primary through secondary and
pre-university years.
Offer the full Cambridge International Education, or focus on
specific stages.
Compatible with other curricula – schools can build a curriculum
that reflects their own values.
Each stage builds on learners’ development in the previous stage.
Comprehensive support
The learner is at the heart of what we do
Assessment
Promoting good
practice in
teaching and
learning
Teaching
Setting
international
standards in
assessment
Offering choice
within a flexible,
relevant curriculum
framework
Curriculum
Developing successful students
Students build:
• knowledge
• learning skills
• critical thinking
skills
• problem solving
skills
Cambridge students
become independent
learners
Building skills
• Knowledge - of scientific facts, laws, vocabulary,
concepts
• Learning skills - English - articulating ideas
clearly and accurately in writing and speaking
• Critical thinking – Science - interpret
experimental observations and data / Analyze
historical events and themes
• Problem-solving - apply mathematical
knowledge in the context of everyday situations
The subject syllabus is
where it begins...
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Aims
Assessment Objectives
Description of assessment components
Curriculum content
– Including detailed summary of what candidates should
know, understand and be able to do
• Grade descriptions
• Resource list, including texts and much more
Assessment Objectives for Cambridge IGCSE
Biology
• Knowledge with understanding
• (50%) – not more than 25% recall
• Handling information and problem-solving
• (30%)
• Experimental skills and investigation
• (20%)
Examinations include
• Questions that
– Require knowledge
– Gradually remove scaffolding
– Require the application of knowledge in
unfamiliar contexts
– Encourage connections to be made between
topic areas or concepts
Recalling
knowledge
Applying
knowledge
in a novel
context
Abstracting
appropriate
knowledge
Suits a wide range of abilities
Core level: all students
Extended level: more
able students
Coursework : adapt for
local context
One-year or two-year
course
FRESHMAN YEAR CAMBRIDGE
Semester 1
Semester 2
Mathematics - includes Algebra and Geom.
SOPHOMORE YEAR CAMBRIDGE
Semester 1
Semester 2
Mathematics (con't) - includes Algebra and Geometry
Coordinated Science - includes Bio., Chem., and
Physics
(will have 2 choices for scoring labs: “Coursework”
which is a lab designed by a coursework accredited
teacher and Cambridge approved OR a lab done under
test conditions on a date set by Cambridge)
OR
Biology (same lab scoring choices)
Coordinated Science (con't)
OR
Chemistry
OR
Physics
English First Language or English as a Second
Language
English Literature
History (“World”)
History (American)
Art and Design (either 2D, 3D or other option)
OR
Drama OR Music
OR CTE elective
Note: These are all one-year courses and could be
taken in freshman or sophomore year
Art and Design (either 2D, 3D or other option)
OR
Drama OR Music
OR CTE elective
Note: These are all one-year courses and could be taken
in freshman or sophomore year
Foreign Language or Economics or
Global Perspectives or Computer Studies or other
local / Cambridge elective (e.g. Cambridge agriculture
or travel & tourism)
Foreign Language or Economics or
Global Perspectives or Computer Studies or other
local / Cambridge elective (e.g. Cambridge agriculture,
or travel & tourism)
What is Cambridge Checkpoint?
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Cambridge Checkpoint is a
diagnostic test for students about
to enter the Lower Division
available in May and October
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The test provides feedback on a
student’s strengths and
weaknesses in key curriculum
areas.
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End of 8th grade Checkpoint tests
are available in:
– English
– Mathematics
– Science
What is Cambridge Secondary1?
• Identifies desired learning outcomes for each middle
school year
• A suggested scope and sequence, unit lesson plans and
textbooks available for each year of study
• A progression test for each subject at the end of each
school year
• Progression tests are available in:
– English
– Mathematics
– Science
Excellent foundation
Schools use Cambridge
lower division to prepare
students for:
• Cambridge upper division
and the AICE Diploma
• IB Diploma
• Advanced Placement
• College and careers
AICE Group A - Mathematics and
Sciences
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Biology
Chemistry
Computing
Design & Technology
Environmental Management
Marine Science
Mathematics & Further
Mathematics
Physical Science
Physics
Psychology
Thinking Skills
AICE Group B - Languages
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First Languages:
English
Spanish
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Foreign Languages:
Arabic
French
German
Mandarin Chinese
Spanish
AICE Group C - Arts and Humanities
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Art & Design
Business Studies
Classical Studies
Economics
General Paper
Geography
Global Perspectives
History (Euro, US & Int’l)
Literature in English
Literature in Spanish
Music
Psychology/ Sociology
Thinking Skills
Travel & Tourism
Advanced International Certificate of
Education (AICE)
• An advanced academic diploma for students who are
studying Cambridge International A and AS Levels
• Offers students the opportunity to tailor their studies to
individual interests, abilities and future plans
• Combines breadth of study with choice and flexibility
• Involves the selection of subjects from three curriculum
areas:
– Mathematics and Science
– Languages
– Arts and Humanities
Teacher Support
• Teacher Support Website
– Unit lesson plans
– Standards booklets
– Past exams / answers
• Teacher Training:
– Online
– Distance for Coursework
– Face to Face
• Endorsed Textbooks
Benefits of the Cambridge Continuum
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Develops oral, practical and thinking skills, as well as the acquisition of
knowledge
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Emphasis on the application of skills, knowledge, and understanding
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The use of initiative and creativity in solving problems
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An investigative approach to learning
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Encourages students to undertake individual projects and to work as part
of a team
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Promotes international understanding
Getting Started with Cambridge
Ideal Target Date
By early November
Deliverable
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Send Cambridge completed BES School Application Form .
Board Examination Systems Pilot Commitment Letter Submission to NCEE
Center for the Future of Arizona Commitment Letter Submission to CFA
November 14 (deadline)
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November -January
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December 5 –March 1
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February 14 (deadline)
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Register teachers for Spring Session intro level online training for English,
Math, Science, History course accessible 5 March – 1 June 2012. School must be
registered with Cambridge to participate in this training.
March 5 – June 1
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Spring Session Introductory On-Line Cambridge Teacher Training courses
Late April
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Face to Face Teacher Training Three Day Conference in Arizona
Register teachers for Winter Session intro level online training for English,
Math, Science, History course accessible 5 Dec – 1 March 2012. School must be
registered with Cambridge to participate in this training.
Cambridge School Orientation Workshop: Introductory training for
administrators and Cambridge teacher support overview presentation for
teachers
Winter Session Introductory On-Line Cambridge Teacher Training courses
Cambridge Lower Division Implementation Cost
Estimates
$ 750
Cambridge Orientation Workshop (conducted on school site)
$1100 pp
Yr 1 Teacher PD – coursework accreditation training 9th grade
teachers (c. $50 pp), online intro course ($50 pp), face to face
(c. $1000 pp includes sub / travel) for grade 9 teachers
$165 pp
Yr 1 Student Exam fees / mailing $55 pp per 9th grade subject
(English Lang., World History, Biology)
$1100 pp
Yr 2 Teacher PD –online intermediate course ($200 pp), best
practices training (c. $125 pp includes sub / travel)
$275 pp
(includes
Fine Arts)
Yr 2 Student Exam fees / mailing $55 pp for 10th grade Eng Lit,
US History, Chemistry or Physics, Math, Fine Arts (or local
CTE)
$ 5460
Year 2 Cambridge School Annual Registration Fee (waived 1st
year.) Due October of year 2 if annual spending on exams /
training fees does not exceed $11,500.
Additional information
CIE website
www.cie.org.uk/cambridgebes
Thank you – Questions?