Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is a department of the University of Cambridge, which sets examinations and awards qualifications globally. These qualifications are respected by universities and employers alike, and students across the world can sit them to gain world-class qualifications.
But is Cambridge curriculum a British curriculum?
What is the British Curriculum?
The British curriculum is a school curriculum that applies to students in England, Scotland and Wales. It consists of three main stages: the Primary Education phase, the Secondary Education phase and the further or higher education phase.
In the Primary phase, students up to the age of 11 learn the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. In the Secondary phase, starting from the age of 11 to 16, students must have compulsory study of certain subject as well as optional subjects. This phase is also guided more by the student’s ability and interest.
In the further or higher education phase starting from the age of 16 to at least 18, students study advanced levels such as GCSE and A-Level qualifications.
What is the Cambridge Curriculum?
The Cambridge Curriculum is an international, standards-based education program that offers qualifications worldwide. It mainly focuses on students aged 14 -16 years and consists of four main stages: the Lower Secondary stage, the Upper Secondary stage, the Advanced subsidiary (AS) and the Advanced Level (A level). In the Lower Secondary stage, students usually study Cambridge Checkpoints International, which consists of the core subjects of Maths and Science, along with optional subjects.
At the Upper Secondary stage, they usually start pre-university qualification of Cambridge International AS and A level. At this stage, students focus on their subject-specific choices, and their subject selection depends on their interest and academic strengths.
During the final two years of schooling, the students are prepared for and allowed to sit for the Cambridge International AS and A Levels examinations, which can lead to higher educational opportunities.
Is the Cambridge Curriculum a British Curriculum?
The answer is no and yes. Yes, because there are similarities between the two curricula such as their structure, assessment and recognition.
The Cambridge curriculum is based on the UK national curriculum, and many schools have adopted the Cambridge curriculum on a UK site. The similarities even extends to the subjects, such as Maths and English that are seen in both curricula. For instance, both curricula have the same core aim of teaching literacy and numeracy skills.
However, no because the two curricula have many differences. The main difference is the focus. The British curriculum mainly focuses on preparing students for future education which can be at home or overseas.
Whereas, the Cambridge Curriculum mainly focuses on preparing students for higher education overseas, as well as helping them to reach their full potential academically. Also, the British curriculum is government-funded whereas the Cambridge Curriculum is privately or commercially funded.
What Are the Benefits of Cambridge Curriculum?
One of the main benefits of being part of the Cambridge International Examination system is its world-wide recognition. Because the CIE qualifications are recognised by universities, governments, and employers across the world, a student can pursue further education qualifications anywhere.
It allows students to become globally competitive and join top universities globally. The qualifications obtained from the Cambridge curriculum are also transferable. This means that students are free to switch universities, countries and even careers without having to retake or modify the syllabus.
Another benefit of the Cambridge curriculum is that is allows students to think outside the box and provides an opportunity to discover their interests and real-world applications. For instance, in the Cambridge Checkpoints curriculum, there is a strong emphasis on practical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving.
These skills are essential for success in the modern world, and the Cambridge curriculum will help shape a student’s outlook towards the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although the Cambridge curriculum has similarities with the British curriculum, it is not exactly the same. The Cambridge curriculum is well-recognised worldwide and can help propel a student to become a global citizen. It can also help a student to develop problem-solving, critical thinking and real-world skills that are invaluable in the modern world.