CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (CAIE)

CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (CAIE)

                Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), now known as Cambridge International Education, is a not-for-profit international education and qualification provider for students aged 5 to 19. It is a department of the University of Cambridge and works with over 10,000 schools in more than 160 countries. The curriculum is designed to develop students' knowledge, understanding, and skills for critical thinking, independent learning, and future success. 

Curriculum:-

The CAIE curriculum comprises primary, lower secondary and upper secondary to advanced levels which form the Cambridge Pathway. It offers a prescribed syllabus and recommended textbooks and reading lists. It is one of the most flexible education boards in India, offering more than 70 subjects alternatives at IGCSE level and over 55 subjects AS & A level. The curriculum stresses on English language and creative expression of students. Students aiming to apply to foreign universities often opt for this curriculum.

The Cambridge Pathway

Cambridge offers a seamless educational framework, known as the Cambridge Pathway, that is broken down into five progressive stages. 

Cambridge Early Years: A program for children aged 3 to 6.

Cambridge Primary: For students aged 5 to 11, focusing on core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science.

Cambridge Lower Secondary: For students aged 11 to 14, broadening their knowledge and skills across more subjects.

Cambridge Upper Secondary: Typically for students aged 14 to 16, leading to the internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE qualification.

Cambridge Advanced: For students aged 16 to 19, preparing them for university and higher education through Cambridge International AS & A Levels. 

Examination pattern:

            The CAIE board conducts the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) (or O-level) exams for Cambridge upper secondary students, and the AS and A level exams for the Cambridge Advanced students in June, November or March.

Key qualifications and programs

Cambridge IGCSE

• Description: The world's most popular international qualification for 14-to-16-year-olds, which serves as a foundation for advanced study.

• Subject options: A broad curriculum with over 70 subjects to choose from.

• Grading: Depending on the region, IGCSEs are graded on either an A*–G scale or a 9–1 scale, with 9 being the highest. 

Cambridge International AS & A Levels

• Description: An advanced program for students aged 16 to 19 to prepare for university.

• Structure: A Levels can be taken as a two-year course, with the first year often completed as an AS Level.

• Recognition: Valued and recognized by universities worldwide.

• Grading: A Levels are graded from A* to E, while AS Levels are graded from A to E. 

Cambridge AICE Diploma

• Description: A group award for students who pass examinations in a specific combination of subjects from the AS & A Level curriculum.

• Award levels: Based on a points system, with students earning a Pass, Merit, or Distinction.