Cambridge International Qualifications Overview
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), part of the University of Cambridge, provides internationally-recognized qualifications to students in over 160 countries. Unlike prescriptive curricula, Cambridge offers frameworks that schools can adapt while maintaining examination standards.
Cambridge Programme Pathway
- Cambridge Primary (5-11 years): Foundation stage, optional checkpoint tests
- Cambridge Lower Secondary (11-14 years): Preparation for IGCSE, checkpoint exams
- Cambridge IGCSE (14-16 years): International GCSE equivalent
- Cambridge AS & A Level (16-19 years): Advanced qualifications
Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
IGCSE Structure
- Subject Range: 70+ subjects available
- Core vs Extended: Different tiers of difficulty in some subjects
- Grading: A* (highest) to G, with A*-C considered passing
- Assessment: External examinations, some with coursework components
- Recognition: Accepted by universities worldwide as equivalent to GCSE
Popular IGCSE Subject Choices
Core Subjects (Most Students Take)
- Mathematics: Core or Extended syllabus
- English: First Language, Second Language, or Literature options
- Sciences: Coordinated Sciences or separate Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Additional Subjects
- Languages: French, Spanish, German, Mandarin Chinese, and 40+ others
- Humanities: History, Geography, Economics, Business Studies
- Arts & Technology: Art & Design, Music, Computer Science, Design & Technology
Cambridge AS & A Levels
AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary)
- Duration: 1 year of study
- Content: First half of full A Level
- Grading: a-e grades
- Standalone: Can be taken as separate qualification
- Progression: First step toward full A Level
A Level (Advanced Level)
- Duration: 2 years total (or 1 year after AS)
- Subject Choice: Typically 3-4 A Levels
- Grading: A* (highest) to E
- Assessment: Written examinations, some practical components
- University Entry: Gold standard for UK universities, recognized globally
Cambridge A Level Subject Combinations
Science & Engineering Pathway
- Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry (Engineering)
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Medicine)
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics (Pure Sciences, Mathematics)
- Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics (IT, Computing)
Business & Economics Pathway
- Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies (Business, Finance)
- Economics, Mathematics, Accounting (Accounting, Economics)
Arts & Humanities Pathway
- English Literature, History, Psychology (Literature, Humanities)
- Geography, Economics, History (Social Sciences)
- Art & Design, English Literature, History (Creative Arts)
Cambridge Examination Philosophy
Emphasis on Understanding
Cambridge exams focus on:
- Deep Learning: Conceptual understanding over memorization
- Application: Using knowledge in new contexts
- Analysis & Evaluation: Higher-order thinking skills
- Extended Writing: Articulating arguments and explanations
Assessment Objectives
Cambridge exams test multiple assessment objectives:
- AO1: Knowledge with understanding
- AO2: Application of knowledge and understanding
- AO3: Analysis, evaluation, and synthesis
Cambridge vs Other Qualifications
Cambridge IGCSE vs UK GCSE
- More internationally-focused content and examples
- Greater emphasis on written examinations vs coursework
- Accepted as equivalent by UK universities
- More flexible for international schools
Cambridge A Level vs IB Diploma
- Specialization: A Levels allow deeper focus on 3-4 subjects
- Flexibility: Can take individual subjects, not full diploma
- Linear Assessment: Exams at end of 2-year course
- Traditional: Subject-based rather than interdisciplinary
How TutorTeachers Supports Cambridge Success
Our Cambridge-experienced tutors provide:
- Syllabus-specific content coverage (latest syllabi)
- Past paper practice and analysis
- Mark scheme interpretation and application
- Extended response writing technique
- Core vs Extended mathematics guidance
- Coursework and practical assessment support
- University application preparation (especially UK universities)
Contact us for Cambridge-specialist tutoring that combines academic rigor with examination expertise across IGCSE and A Level qualifications.