May 17, 2024
What is the Cambridge Curriculum Framework and Why Choose It?
Learn about the Cambridge Curriculum Framework, including subjects and assessments, and find out why this programme is recognised by schools around the world.
Learn about the Cambridge Curriculum Framework, including subjects and assessments, and find out why this programme is recognised by schools around the world.
Recognised across the globe, the Cambridge International Curriculum is a 21st-century-focused curriculum which provides an educational pathway with clear progression, preparing its students for higher education.
The Cambridge Curriculum has set the standard for schools all around the world. Its emphasis is on creating a stimulating learning environment that provides young learners with the resources needed for them to develop holistically.
This article will go in-depth into the Cambridge Curriculum, focusing especially on the IGCSE and A Level programmes, and what makes it a stellar choice as an educational pathway.
What is the Cambridge Curriculum?
The Cambridge International Curriculum is used by over 10,000 schools in over 160 countries. It caters to the ages of 3 to 18, providing continuity across 4 stages of education: Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary, and Advanced.
The 6-year Cambridge primary programme builds a foundation in the key subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science and incorporates subjects in the humanities, physical education, and personal and social development into its comprehensive curriculum.
Lower secondary education spans 3 years and prepares students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations at the upper secondary level, which spans another 2 years.
Finally, students enter a highly specialised advanced-level curriculum, taking the AS or A Level examinations at the end of the two-year programme.
Subjects and Courses Available
At the secondary level, the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum includes the core subjects of English Language, Mathematics, and Science—with the options of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Students are also able to choose 3 to 4 other subjects to study based on their personal academic or career goals, such as:
- Economics
- Second language, such as Mandarin and French
- Global Perspectives
- Art & Design
- Additional Mathematics
- Business
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Other subjects based on students’ interests
In the Cambridge advanced curriculum, there are similar subjects available to study at a more specialised and rigorous level. Most students take between 3 to 4 A Level subjects. Schools offer a range of subject combinations which students can choose from, allowing for a more individualised programme.
At the different stages, schools also have a variety of co-curricular activities (CCAs) where learners are able to develop their knowledge and skills outside of a classroom context. CCAs are a core component of the holistic education received by our students. Participation inculcates values and develops competencies, and at the same time enhances their quality of school experience.
Assessment Format and Grading System
The Cambridge IGCSE system comprises oral, written, coursework, and practical components in its assessment format.
At the advanced level, students have various assessment options. Typically, students will take their A Level examinations for the chosen subject areas at the end of the course.
For both the IGCSE and AS/A Level programmes, students are afforded the opportunity to take exams in June or November, with results issued in August and January respectively. Students receive their examination results in the form of letter grades. There are 8 grades at the IGCSE level, ranging from A* to G, and 6 at the advanced level, ranging from A* to E.
Why Choose Cambridge Curriculum?
The Cambridge Curriculum is a rigorous programme, but one that reaps many benefits for its students and sets them up for success in the future.
Here are 5 reasons why the Cambridge international programme makes a good choice as an educational pathway.
1. Recognised by universities worldwide
The Cambridge programme has an internationally-recognised curriculum. Not only does it provide a world-class education for higher learning, but Cambridge qualifications are also recognised and accepted by universities around the world, giving students a wide range of options to study locally and abroad.
University offers are typically based on the A Level grades of 3 subject areas. Furthermore, the subjects students choose to specialise in at the advanced level can prepare them for their university programme of choice, increasing their chances of admission.
2. Flexible international curriculum
The essence of the Cambridge Curriculum is in its philosophy and approach. The curriculum can thus be adapted for local contexts or combined with national curricula, accommodating different cultures and systems while still staying true to the Cambridge pathway.
The international curriculum also enables students to gain global perspectives and transferable skills, preparing them for the 21st century.
3. Comprehensive education
The Cambridge Curriculum provides resources for students to gain practical, real-world skills and grow as well-rounded individuals. With its comprehensive approach, Cambridge students are often prepared not just for higher education, but also for working life and society.
Schools play an important role in shaping students' development outside of textbooks, such as imparting social skills. A Cambridge education emphasises holistic learning and development, fostering not just academic success, but also creativity, personal values, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Progressive learning framework
The Cambridge Primary Curriculum starts out with a diverse range of subjects for children to build a foundation in various areas, equipping them with the core knowledge and skills that they will need over the course of their educational journey.
The progressive learning framework creates a structure which facilitates a smooth transition between the different stages of education. Each stage of the Cambridge pathway builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the last, providing a seamless learning process from the primary all the way to the advanced levels.
5. Focus on students' strengths
The broad availability of subjects in the extended Cambridge curriculum offers opportunities for all learners to specialise in their preferred areas of interest—whether that is in language, science, or the arts. The Cambridge IGCSE programme offers over 70 subjects, while the AS & A Level programme offers over 55.
As the Cambridge curriculum becomes increasingly specialised, students are given time as well as experience in the various subject areas to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This helps them to make an informed choice on which subjects to focus on at the different levels.
In this way, students are also able to guide the direction of their higher studies, preparing them both for their university and career pathways.
Enrol in Cambridge Curriculum at Invictus International School Cambodia
The Cambridge Curriculum establishes a good foundation for children's learning, streamlining their education track from an early age. This will help guide their study pathway and provide stellar qualifications for their future pursuits.
One major advantage of the Cambridge Curriculum that Invictus Phnom Penh leverages to the fullest is its international viability. As the same curriculum can be taught across multiple countries, the skills and learning habits picked up over the course of study are highly transferable. Invictus International School maintains numerous branches across Southeast Asia that are all prepared to give students the same quality of education. Parents who may need to move overseas for work are able to seamlessly enroll their children in Invictus' overseas branches, resuming their education with the same familiar Cambridge curriculum.
At Invictus International School Cambodia, we offer both Cambridge Secondary IGCSE and A Level programmes. Our diverse curriculum gives students a say over what is important for their future while delivering a holistic education to support their choices.
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