An Introduction to Cambridge International Examinations Board Examination System

1. An Introduction to Cambridge International ExaminationsBoard Examination System Sherry Reach Regional Manager, Americas

2. 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

3. 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

4. Progressive and flexible Four stages leading from primary through secondary andpre-university years. Offer the full Cambridge International Education, or focus onspecific 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.

5. Comprehensive support

6. The learner is at the heart of what we do Setting international standards in assessment Assessment Promoting good practice in teaching and learning Offering choice within a flexible, relevant curriculum framework Teaching Curriculum

7. Developing successful students Students build: • knowledge • learning skills • critical thinking skills • problem solving skills Cambridge students become independent learners

8. 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

9. The subject syllabus is where it begins... • 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

10. 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%)

11. 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

12. Recalling knowledge Applying knowledge in a novel context Abstracting appropriate knowledge

13. 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

15. What is Cambridge Checkpoint? • Cambridge Checkpoint is a diagnostic test for students about to enter the Lower Division available in May and October • The test provides feedback on a student’s strengths and weaknesses in key curriculum areas. • End of 8th grade Checkpoint tests are available in: • English • Mathematics • Science

16. 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

17. 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

18. AICE Group A - Mathematics and Sciences Biology Chemistry Computing Design & Technology Environmental Management Marine Science Mathematics & Further Mathematics Physical Science Physics Psychology Thinking Skills

19. AICE Group B - Languages First Languages: English Spanish Foreign Languages: Arabic French German Mandarin Chinese Spanish

20. AICE Group C - Arts and Humanities 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

21. 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

22. Teacher Support • Teacher Support Website • Unit lesson plans • Standards booklets • Past exams / answers • Teacher Training: • Online • Distance for Coursework • Face to Face • Endorsed Textbooks

23. Benefits of the Cambridge Continuum • Develops oral, practical and thinking skills, as well as the acquisition of knowledge • Emphasis on the application of skills, knowledge, and understanding • The use of initiative and creativity in solving problems • An investigative approach to learning • Encourages students to undertake individual projects and to work as part of a team • Promotes international understanding

24. Getting Started with Cambridge

26. Additional information CIE website www.cie.org.uk/cambridgebes

27. Thank you – Questions?