Cambridge International’s world-class education prepares Sri Lankan students for life
View(s):Cambridge International has been present in Sri Lanka for 15 years, preparing school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of the University of Cambridge.
Over 10,000 schools in over 160 countries around the world offer Cambridge qualifications. We are a division of Cambridge Assessment and a not-for-profit organisation.
The Cambridge Pathway gives students a clear path for educational success from age 5 to 19. It is made up of four stages, and schools can offer Cambridge programmes at every stage or just some of them.
Cambridge Primary is taught in more than 1300 schools in over 110 countries. We receive over 115 000 entries a year for Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint, our tests for 11 to 14 year olds. Cambridge IGCSE™ is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is taken in over 150 countries and in more than 4700 schools around the world. We are the world’s biggest provider of Cambridge O Level – Cambridge O Level is taken in over 50 countries. Cambridge International AS & A Levels are taken in over 130 countries with more than 545 000 subject entries each year.
Cambridge Primary
Cambridge Primary starts learners on an exciting educational journey. Typically for 5 to 11-year olds, it develops young learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged and includes assessment that proves and improves learning.
The programme combines a world-class curriculum with high-quality support for teachers and integrated assessment. It develops skills and understanding in English, mathematics, science, Cambridge Global Perspectives and ICT Starters.
Together with the subjects available, Cambridge International has added Art & Design, Digital Literacy, Music and Physical Education to the Cambridge Primary programme. The four new subjects provide more opportunities to develop creativity, expression and personal wellbeing in a variety of ways. They continue to support the development of the Cambridge Learner Attributes and students will develop skills and understanding in each subject area that help them to become more versatile and effective learners.
The programme has two assessment options: Cambridge Primary Progression Tests (marked in school) and Cambridge Primary Checkpoint (marked by Cambridge examiners). Cambridge Primary Progression Tests evaluate learners’ knowledge, skills and understanding in English, mathematics and science. Cambridge Primary Checkpoint tests provide an international benchmark of learner performance in these same subjects, and help schools give valuable feedback to parents and learners.
Cambridge Lower Secondary
Cambridge Lower Secondary is typically for learners aged 11 to 14 years, developing skills and understanding in English as a first or second language, mathematics, science, Cambridge Global Perspectives and ICT Starters. It sets clear learning objectives for the first three years of secondary education.
Art & Design, Digital Literacy, Music and Physical Education have been added in Cambridge Lower Secondary programme as well. The new subjects have been designed to be culturally sensitive. By extending the offer at Cambridge Lower Secondary the subjects will provide a wide foundation that supports progression to more subjects at Cambridge Upper Secondary and to other educational systems.
The assessment has two options: Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Tests (marked in school) and Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint (marked by Cambridge examiners). Cambridge Checkpoint tests are generally taken at the end of the Cambridge Lower Secondary stage. They help identify strengths and weaknesses before students progress to Cambridge Upper Secondary and take Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level qualifications.
Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE is the most popular international qualification around the world for learners aged 14 to 16 years. It was developed 30 years ago and is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide. There are over 70 subjects available at Cambridge IGCSE, including 30 languages, and schools can offer them in any combination.
At the end of Cambridge IGCSE, assessment takes place in the form of written, oral, coursework and practical assessment.
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge O Level is an internationally recognised qualification which is equivalent to Cambridge IGCSE. It prepares learners for the Cambridge Advanced stage, as well as other paths of development. There are over 40 subjects available at Cambridge O Level and schools can offer them in any combination.
At the end of Cambridge O Level, assessment takes place in the form of written, oral, coursework and practical assessment.
Cambridge International AS & A Levels
Typically for students aged 16 to 19 years who need advanced study to prepare for university, Cambridge International AS & A Levels help develop a deep understanding of subjects, as well as independent learning and constructive thinking skills. There are 55 subjects to choose from and schools can offer them in any combination. Cambridge International A Level is a two-year course, whereas Cambridge International AS Level is a one-year course.
At the end of the course, learners can choose from a range of assessment options, including taking Cambridge International AS Level as a standalone qualification, or as part of progression to Cambridge International A Level.
Opening doors to universities worldwide
Cambridge International AS & A Level is taken by thousands of learners every year who join leading universities worldwide, including the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. It is accepted by over 600 US universities, and by all UK universities. In countries like the US and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one full year of university course credit.
We work closely with universities worldwide to make sure they understand Cambridge programmes and qualifications and reward Cambridge learners appropriately for their achievements. Our recognition team works with key influencers such as ministries of education and bodies that regulate universities – to extend university recognition.
Cambridge Global Perspectives™
Cambridge Global Perspectives is a cross-curricular course which encourages students to think critically about a range of global issues. It helps schools develop essential skills, such as creativity, research and collaboration, which learners need for success in higher education. It is available at every stage of the Cambridge Pathway, from Cambridge Primary through to Cambridge Advanced.
Cambridge Professional Development
Being part of the Cambridge community opens up a wide range of professional development opportunities for teachers and school leaders.
Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications are an increasingly vital part of the professional learning experience of Cambridge teachers and education leaders. Many Cambridge schools run our qualifications in-house to develop standards of teaching, motivate their staff and encourage new ideas.
Our suite of qualifications covers four themed areas: Teaching and Learning, Teaching Bilingual Learners, Teaching with Digital Technologies, and Educational Leadership.
Cambridge PDQs are accredited by UCL Institute of Education. We have also recently launched a new qualification for novice teachers: the Cambridge International Award in Teaching and Learning.
Celebrating Cambridge
learners in Sri Lanka
Students in Sri Lanka once again excelled in the Cambridge exam series in 2018–19. We are delighted to recognise over 111 students with Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards for their exceptional achievements.
Satyajit Sarkar, Acting Regional Director, South Asia, Cambridge International, said: ‘We would like to congratulate all the winners from Sri Lanka for their exceptional performance and hard work. A Cambridge education is about supporting schools to help students become confident, responsible, innovative, reflective and engaged, and to fulfil their potential. We would also like to thank all the teachers and parents who supported and guided the learners through their studies and helped them achieve such success.’
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ms Panchalika Kulatunga, Country Manager, Cambridge International, added: ‘We are very proud of our students and would like to congratulate them for their performance this year. The award gives us an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of teachers, students and parents. At Cambridge International, we have set a global standard for education, with programmes that stretch, challenge and inspire our students. Our carefully designed curriculum gives students the skills they need for life, helping them achieve at school, university and work.’