The Cambridge International Curriculum is a globally recognized, internationally accredited British curriculum used by over 10,000 schools in 160 countries. It provides a structured pathway for students aged 3 to 19, offering a comprehensive education that prepares them for university and beyond. The curriculum is known for its academic rigor and focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills.
Some benefits of Cambridge are:
- Learners in a Cambridge school have the flexibility to move between Cambridge schools globally, without compromising their curriculum.
- Cambridge qualifications lay the foundation for international studies and are recognised as a premier university entrance qualification worldwide. Over 1500 universities recognise Cambridge qualifications, including more than 600 universities in the US (also all the Ivy League) and all UK universities.
- Research indicates that Cambridge qualifications improve the chances of a student staying on at university and graduate on time. The demands of the Cambridge curricula and the rigorous assessments prepare learners to flourish in higher education.
- Cambridge also offers opportunities for ‘greening’ the curriculum via subjects such as Global Perspectives, preparing learners to manage 21st-century challenges such as climate change, global warming, renewable energy sources, social inequalities, and different lifestyles.
The Cambridge Pathway
The Cambridge pathway has four stages that lead seamlessly from primary to secondary and pre-university years. Each stage builds on the learners’ development from the previous one and offers a wide range of subjects with an emphasis on English, Mathematics and Science:
- Cambridge Primary (5 to 11 years old)
- Cambridge Lower Secondary (11 to 14 years old)
- Cambridge Upper Secondary or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) – IGCSE Core or IGCSE Extended (14 to 16 years old)
- Cambridge Advanced AS and A levels (16 to 19 years old)
What Makes Cambridge Different to NSC or IEB
What Is the difference between a Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Qualification and our National Senior Certificate (NSC) or IEB (Independent Examinations Board) Matric Qualification?
- IEB and NSC are monitored by Umalusi, the quality assurance authority for education in South Africa and are similar in content, grading, subject choice and pass requirements. The CIE is not conducted or assessed by a South African academic body, but by the CIE council, and is vastly different.
- The Cambridge Assessment International Education assessments and exams are generally recognised as being more in-depth and advanced.