University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 11–19 year olds. CIE is part of the University of Cambridge.
Oakridge offers two Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) programmes for classes VII to X segment.
• The Cambridge Secondary 1Programme culminates in Cambridge Checkpoint for classes VII and VIII;
• The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in classes IX and X.
Cambridge Secondary 1 Programme is a framework for educational success for students approximately 11–14 years old. It offers an excellent foundation for students progressing to IGCSE.
Cambridge Checkpoint, an innovative diagnostic testing service, an assessment services for the international school and is ideal for use at the end of the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme.
• Cambridge Checkpoint tests are available in English, Mathematics and Science and are offered at two sessions during the year.
• At Oakridge, we conduct checkpoint tests in the April/May session.
• Cambridge Checkpoint tests provide detailed feedback on students’ strengths and weaknesses. Cambridge checkpoint is not a certified service although students receive a statement of achievement.
All Oakridge students opting for the Secondary 1 Programme (Class VII and VIII) would study –
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Second Language - Hindi /French / Spanish
• Social Sciences (World History and Geography)
• ICT and
• other activities like Art and Music and Games
Internal Assessment in the form of tests are conducted in each of the above subject along with assignments and projects.
During one academic year students will undertake two trials.
The Cambridge Checkpoint curriculum was designed to cover the core content necessary for study towards IGCSE.
Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the world's most popular international curriculum for 14 - 16 year olds.
• IGCSE is taken in over 100 countries worldwide and is internationally recognized as being equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom.
• The Cambridge portfolio of IGCSE qualifications provides a solid foundation for higher level courses such as GCE A and AS Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
• Grading in IGCSE is on an eight-point scale ie.(A*–G).
Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE) is an added certificate for students who follow the recommended criteria. Cambridge ICE is the group award of the IGCSE and requires the study of subjects drawn from the five different IGCSE subject groups.
ICE is awarded at the following three levels:
• Distinction: Grade A in five subjects and Grade C or above in two subjects.
• Merit: Grade C or above in five subjects and Grade F or above in two subjects.
• Pass: Grade G or above in seven subjects from the prescribed subject groups.
IGCSE is a balanced curriculum and a flexible course of study. This gives students of all ability levels the freedom to choose subjects that are right for them and, thereby, the opportunity to score good grades.
A wide range of IGCSE subjects is available and these are grouped into five curriculum areas.
IGCSE subjects are grouped into five curriculum areas:
Group I: Languages
Group II: Humanities and Social Sciences
Group III: Sciences
Group IV: Mathematics
Group V: Creative, Technical and Vocational
The subjects for Cambridge IGCSE and for Cambridge ICE are grouped as follows:
Group I: Languages
English as First language / English as Second Language
Hindi /French / Spanish
Group II: Humanities and Social Sciences
Economics
Environmental Management
History
English Literature
Enterprise
Group III: Sciences
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Group IV: Mathematics
Mathematics
International Math
Group V: Creation, Technical and Vocational
Art and Design
Business Studies
Information Technology
PE
Cambridge International Examinations
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is CIE?
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world’s largest provider of international qualifications.
• It is part of the University of Cambridge.
• CIE operates in 157 countries around the world.
• 6,000 schools in 150 countries around the world
• Internationally known and recognized
• All program teachers trained and certified by Cambridge
• Programs for secondary schools since 1869
2. What is 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. 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. It is these topics/skills and sub-topics/skills that provide the framework for feedback on each learner.
3. What does IGCSE stand for?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). It is the world's most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds.
4. Why this curriculum for my child?
CIE curricula and qualifications are designed to support high-quality educational performance and to develop successful students.
A Cambridge international education is progressive and flexible.
CIE qualifications are recognised by universities and employers worldwide.
Advantages of the Cambridge Program are that students will develop higher level skills like:
• Acquisition of knowledge
• Writing
• Logic and thought process skills
• Emphasis on skills
• Application and use of creativity.
• Project based learning
• Creativity and analysis rather than rote memorization.
• Investigative learning approach
• Individual/group projects
• Internationally recognized
• Excellent preparation for high school and college
5. How is it different from the other curriculum?
Life Long Advantages -
• Responsibility
• High level analysis and problem solving
• Cooperation between peers to accomplish goals
• Time management
• Long term planning
6. Is this curriculum for only smart children?
No, this curriculum caters to all children who are ready to take on the academic challenge. CIE curriculum is accessible to learners of all abilities. Bright students have the chance to excel by doing the extended curriculum and others can do the core curriculum. Students of all abilities are assessed positively.
7. Will it be difficult for my child to cope up with this?
CIE takes teaching to an entirely different level. Not only do the teachers provide unlimited support they also motivate and encourage students at every point. The devoted teachers kindle a burning desire in students to not only excel academically but also learn for the sake of acquiring knowledge. Its course specific worksheets and periodic tests prepare students to cope with the curriculum. T he homely yet focused study environment has provides the students with an opportunity to really enjoy the subjects.
8. How does the classroom implementation take place?
Teachers are well supported and are able to offer the best education possible and develop successful students. CIE offers teachers an extensive programme of training events and services, providing professional development and support including online training and face-to-face training.
9. Is it chalk and talk? Is it hands on like PYP?
There’s a lot more hands-on involvement with the investigations and the modeling and the other activities. They learn better, and they remember better what they’ve learned. It offers an understanding of different cultures and allows students to develop new skills – observation, evaluation, problem solving collaboration. It gives our students an understanding of the wider world and allows them to compare their national experience with this just like the PYP.
Focus: Creative writing
• Author/genre studies
• Oral communication skills
Focus on hands‐on problem solving.
• Project based learning.
• Application of concepts
• Putting concepts together to see the “Big Picture”.
10. Will you share the syllabus with us?
Syllabus is available on the CIE website. www.cie.org.uk
11. Are Checkpoint tests essential?
Checkpoint tests are not essential, but there are a number of ways in which Cambridge Checkpoint might be used; some of these are outlined below:
• To test students’ strengths and weaknesses on entry to a school/course of study
• To use as a guide for setting/streaming
• To inform students/teachers/parents about suitable exam entries for students, for example to provide evidence about which IGCSE tier to prepare for
• To act as a basis for action planning between student and teacher
12. Do students write a checkpoint at the end of VII too?
No. They write the Cambridge Checkpoint at the end of the VIII Grade only.
13. Do you teach only English, Math and Science in VII and VIII?
No. We teach all the subjects – English, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, II Language & III Language, ICT and the students have all other activities like Art and Music, Hobbies, Games. Cambridge Checkpoint tests are available in English, Mathematics and Science.
14. How do you teach other subjects?
Other subjects are taught and are designed to cover the core content necessary for study towards IGCSE.
15. What books do you follow?
We follow the Cambridge endorsed books published by Cambridge University Press.
16. Why not MYP?
The two programs share the same philosophy and goals. They both promote international understanding, responsible citizenship, and stress the importance of student centered inquiry and effective communication.
The MYP program is intended to prepare students for the Diploma Program. There is no board examination. Instead students have to only successfully complete the program to be awarded the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Certificate as well as the MYP Portfolio of Achievement.
CIE is a standard international board and not a diploma program like the MYP. Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE) is a added certificate for students who follow the recommended criteria. Cambridge ICE is the group award of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and requires the study of subjects drawn from the five different IGCSE subject groups.
17. What is the comparison of IGCSE to other programmes like CBSE, ICSE or the Middle Years Programme of the IB?
• IGCSE is one of the most sought-after and recognised qualifications in the world. It develops and encourages vital educational skills, including oral skills, investigative skills, problem solving, team work, recall of knowledge, and initiative.
• Like other modern programmes, IGCSE offers a wider range of subjects and encourages high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. Assessment is not limited to conventional written papers and they consist of a variety of tests e.g. oral and listening tests.
• The assessment is aimed at a wide ability range of students, with an eight-point grading scale, from A* to G, with A* being the highest.
• IGCSE is a balanced curriculum and a flexible course of study.
• Most subjects offer a choice between core curriculum and extended curriculum.
• This gives students of all ability levels the freedom to choose subjects that are right for them and, thereby, the opportunity to score good grades.
• The core curriculum is an overview of the subject and is suitable for students who are expected to achieve grades C to G.
• The extended curriculum is, sort of, a specialisation in that subject. It is more challenging and designed for students who are expected to achieve grades A+ to C.
• While the syllabi and curricula of both IB MYP and IGCSE have an international outlook, IGCSE appears to be slightly better, in that it is tailored for a more multi-cultural and more multi-lingual audience.
18. Does the IGCSE start only in Class 9? What about the primary years? Can a student do IGCSE after completing his/ her earlier schooling through a different board?
IGCSE is a two-year programme starting at the Class 9 level. A student who has done his/ her early schooling from any other board can join the IGCSE programme at the Class 9 level.
The IGCSE curriculum is balanced and lends an international perspective to studies. It also takes account of differing abilities of students.
19. What is the International Certificate of Education (ICE) that is awarded to some IGCSE students?
Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE) is a added certificate for students who follow the recommended criteria. Cambridge ICE is the group award of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and requires the study of subjects drawn from the five different IGCSE subject groups.
ICE is awarded at the following three levels:
Distinction: Grade A in five subjects and Grade C or above in two subjects.
Merit: Grade C or above in five subjects and Grade F or above in two subjects.
Pass: Grade G or above in seven subjects from the prescribed subject groups.
IGCSE subjects are grouped into five curriculum areas:
Group I: Languages
Group II: Humanities and Social Sciences
Group III: Sciences
Group IV: Mathematics
Group V: Creative, Technical and Vocational
The ICE is more prestigious than the standard IGCSE.
20. Should students opting for IBDP only do the CIE?
No, it is not necessary but quite justified as IB aims to provide an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognised by many universities worldwide.
Aim of IB: The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Aim of CIE: Even CIE aim to be the preferred international provider of assessment services in the world through harnessing potential, lasting partnerships, high quality, charitable status and innovation. The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is taken in over 100 countries worldwide and is internationally recognised as being equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom.
Grading is on an eight-point scale (A*–G) and grades A to E are equivalent to O Level grades A to E. In some countries, IGCSE qualifications will satisfy the entry requirements for university. In others, they are widely used as a preparation for A Level, AS, International Baccalaureate and US Advanced Placement courses.
CIE operates in 160 countries around the world, across Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, North America, Central and South America and Africa.
Both the courses have internal and external assessment and the assessment criteria for both aims at the holistic development of the student; make them independent and responsible to create a better and peaceful world.
At the same time even the students of CBSE can take up IB for a better future. But it depend upon the sincerity of the students how fast they can catch up with the Learner’s Profile of this International Curriculum and the students of CIE are always in a better position because they are already exposed to the international curriculum and have a good idea about the Learner’s Profile.
21. Can the students cope with CBSE in XI and XII, if they do CIE till class X?
Yes, it is possible for students to do so CBSE, but they have to be careful in choose the same subject combination in IGCSE that they want to continue in CBSE XI and XII. The syllabus in IGCSE is far more advanced than CBSE it will not be difficult for the students to cope with it.
22. Is CIE recognised by all Indian universities?
It is recognised by the following universities in India.
All India
Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
Medical Council of India
India Institute of Technology
Department of Secondary & Higher Education
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Boards
Council of Boards of School Education in India
Central Board of Secondary Education
Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
Gujarat State Secretary / Higher Education Board
Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh
COMEDK
Karnataka Government letter (CET)
Karnataka State PU Board 11
Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
Meghalaya Board of School Education: Tura
Punjab School Education Board
West Bengal Council of Higher Education
Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education
Universities- North
Punjab University, Chandigarh
Guru Nanak Dev University
University of Delhi
University of Rajasthan
Universities- South
University of Hyderabad
Bangalore University
KLE University
Kannur University
University of Madras
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka
Anna University Chennai
Universities- East
University of Calcutta
Central University of Jharkhand
North East Hills University
Universities- West
University of Mumbai
Sardar Patel University
University of Pune
ILS Law College
Private Universities and Institutions
NIRMA University
Manipul University
VELS University
Bharati Vidyapeeth Bhavan
Sri Ramachandra University
Symbiosis International Education Centre (SIEC)
Training and Advanced Studies in Management and Communications Ltd.
DINA Institute of Hotel and Business
Many other Affiliated Colleges and for further information check the following website: http://www.cie.org.uk/docs/recognition/india_recognition_samples.pdf
23. If a students does IBDP but does not wish to go abroad for undergraduate course, will they get admission in India?
It is not necessary for a student to go abroad if he/she takes up IB. In that case the student would definitely get admission in the colleges of India.
24. What languages are offered in CIE?
As for Oakridge the languages offered are Hindi, Spanish and French.
25. Why school in May? Will this continue every year?
CIE class X exams take place in the moth of May/June that is reason to change the academic calendar of CIE. Yes, this schedule will continue every year, but we will reduce the total number of working days in the month of May.
26. Are we in co-operating some Indian History into the VII and VIII curriculum?
Yes, some of the topics of Indian History are been in –cooperated in class VII and VIII grades. For e.g.:- Culture, Heritage and Handicrafts before Britishers invaded India in Grade VII and Freedom struggle of India in Grade VIII.
27. Are all teachers trained?
Yes, most of the teachers teaching the CIE curriculum are trained. The training sessions are stage wise and are spread out through out the year according to the stages and subjects. So, the training for the CIE teachers is an ongoing process. Faculty when joins CIE is trained as and when courses are offered by CIE either by online or face-to-face professional development workshops.
28. Why are we not offering Geography in IGCSE?
Right now we have not offered Geography but we would consider this subject or any other a minimum of 10 students are ready to take that subject.
29. With the Implementation of CCE in CBSE, will that be easily to do than CIE? Can you suggest what my child should choose?
CBSE & CIE are 2 different curriculums. One is national and the other International. Both have a different approach and testing pattern. CBSE, looks at the around developments of the child and skills are tested in various aspects. Whereas, CIE is more logical, analytical and skill based. CIE is more conceptual based and provides high-quality, leading-edge qualifications that meet the ongoing demands of employers and educators across the world.
30. Is there difference in fee structure?
Yes, there is.
31. Where will we get the CIE books?
You can procure CIE books at the school stores or the Cambridge University Press store.
32. Will the school help students who miss classes for a long period for a valid reason?
The subject teachers help the students to catch up during her free time. However it also depends on the student’s willingness to approach the teacher and get the doubts clarified.
33. Will the students be conceptually ready to take the EMSET and IIT entrances?
Yes, as IGCSE and DP focus on concept based learning, the students learn the concepts well through various projects and applications.
34. Can students do DP and prepare for the above said entrances?
DP is a challenging course and if students are self motivated they can prepare for the entrances.
35. Why does each checkpoint test have two papers?
Two papers are set for each subject in order to divide up the time a candidate needs to be in a formal examination situation. In the case of Science the two papers are equal in terms of demand on students. In English, papers are staged, with paper 1 containing lower level questions. In Mathematics papers are divided into calculator and non-calculator.
36. Are Cambridge Checkpoint English tests aimed at first- or second-language English speakers?
The test was devised for first-language English speakers and the Cambridge Checkpoint scales calibrated against the performance of first-language English speakers (entry forms distinguish FLE and SLE speakers). The test can be accessed by second-language English speakers but they will be awarded scores rated against FLE scales.
37. When does Cambridge Checkpoint take place?
There are two Cambridge Checkpoint sessions a year. Each session lasts for three weeks and the approximate timings of the sessions are:
May session – the end of April and the beginning of May
October session – the end of October and the beginning of November
The exact dates of the sessions may vary slightly from year to year. They are published each year in the Administration Guide for Centre’s.
Cambridge Checkpoint is a window exam so Centers can organise their own timetable within the three-week period that is available. However, it should be stressed that, despite this flexibility, Cambridge Checkpoint is still a Cambridge test and should be conducted under examination conditions.
At Oakridge we take the tests in the May session.