Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Subjects
Lauro Pericles
The Cambridge Primary Checkpoint results are diagnostic in that they give schools an international benchmark of student performance which identifies specific learning needs in the core subjects. The Cambridge Primary Checkpoint results are designed for education systems to use in the final year of primary school education.
Acting Commissioner of Education, Dr. Freddie Evans stated that, The Checkpoint results are shared with primary school leaders to facilitate discussions at their respective schools and to evaluate student performance. Students and their parents receive a comprehensive feedback form per subject on how well students performed individually and in comparison to the rest of their class peers, and all students in the system at the primary school level.
Since the Checkpoint is a diagnostic test, there is no fail/pass grade. Each subject is assigned a score range of zero to six and the higher the score, the greater the level of readiness as the student transitions to the senior level to sit their IGCSE exam.
The Cambridge International provides students a pathway that includes 4 stages: Cambridge Primary (5 to 11 years old), Cambridge Lower Secondary (11 to 14 years old), Cambridge Upper Secondary (14 to 16 years old) and Cambridge Advanced (16 to 19 years old). The Cambridge Pathway guides students from primary to pre-university years by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed at school, university and beyond.
The Cambridge Lower Secondary is typically 3 years and learners are generally aged 11 to 14 years. All Cambridge Primary subjects are carried onto the next level and learners have the chance to further their understanding on those areas. Schools can enter students for the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint tests at the end of the programme.
The Cambridge Upper Secondary offers two routes--Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level--for learners aged 14 to 16 years. IGCSE is the abbreviation of International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Both programmes are usually taken over a two-year period. Compared to O Level, IGCSE is tailored for a wider ability range of students with a broader grading system and offers more subject options for learners.
The Cambridge Advanced is typically for learners aged 16 to 19 years. There are two routes for Cambridge Advanced--Cambridge International AS & A Level, and Cambridge Pre-U. In November 2019, Cambridge International announced the plan of withdrawing Cambridge Pre-U and the last examinations for all subjects will be June 2023.
There are no compulsory subjects for Cambridge International AS and A Level. Typically, students take four AS Level subjects and three to four A Level subjects. The standard admission requirement for universities in the UK is three A Levels and some universities may require a fourth subject at AS Level.
Maths and English are taught each morning. These lessons follow the objectives set out in the Cambridge Curriculum and tailored to our context by our Maths and English coordinators to ensure continuity through the years, and progression from one term to the next and one year to the next.
At the start of each school year (from Year 3) students explore how learning takes place. Through these units they will learn how to get the most from their learning opportunities and recognise their own personal learning styles. This understanding will help the students make the best of their learning experiences in the upcoming year.
Our Primary School curriculum is organised according to the two Key Stages of the Cambridge Curriculum, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Key Stage 1 covers classes in Years 1 and 2, children between 5 and 7 years old; Key Stage 2 covers classes in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, children between 8 and 11 years old.
When students move to Key Stage 1, they continue their journey of discovery; discovery of themselves, others and the world around them. Young learners continue to develop academically, physically and socially.
To help students make the transition from Reception to Year 1, we encourage similar Early Years practice for at least the first term of Year One. KS1 curriculum follows Cambridge standards in Literacy, Numeracy, Science, History, Geography, Design Technology, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education), and Global Perspectives.
The Global Perspectives programme develops the skills of research, analysis, evaluation, reflection, collaboration and communication. The skills are taught through a wide range of topics using a personal, local and global perspective. Teachers help students to look at a variety of global issues or topics that give a range of contexts.
Circle Time is a popular activity adopted in Key Stage 1 to help develop positive relationships between children. It aims to give them tools to engage with and listen to each other. The whole class takes part in Circle Time at the same time, led by their teacher, who sits in the circle. The circle encourages unity, respect, turn-taking and working together towards a shared vision
Ongoing assessments and observations inform teachers of areas of focus for future planning and learning experiences whilst allowing teachers to successfully track and monitor student attainment and progress.
Key Stage Two includes Years 3 to 6. We follow Cambridge standards in English, Math, Science and Global Perspectives. Alongside this, students study the Thai Ministry of Education curriculum in Thai language, Culture and Social Studies.
We continue to provide an enjoyable, interactive kind of education and a rich and engaging learning experience where our young learners continue to grow and develop into self-confident and independent learners while showing more awareness of themselves, people and the world around them.
At the end of Key Stage 2, students sit for their Cambridge Primary Checkpoint exams which are designed to assess learners at the end of Cambridge Primary. It is available in English, mathematics, Science and Cambridge Global Perspectives.
Learning technologies, such as iPads, laptops or the computer labs are used to help support learning and teaching across all subjects. The skills needed to utilise these resources are taught through our topic work. In addition to these skills the students are also taught how computers work, and how we can program them, through Computing lessons.
The subject gives pupils a platform to express themselves, sparking imagination, creativity and developing transferable skills. Pupils explore and push boundaries to become reflective, critical and decisive thinkers. They learn how to articulate personal responses to their experiences.
We teach Cambridge Primary Art & Design through a broad range of investigative, art-making and reflective activities. These include several study areas, for example painting, print making, model making or digital art. This course supports progression to Cambridge Lower Secondary Art & Design.
Digital literacy is an essential skill for learners of all ages, including the youngest primary pupils. The digital world allows us to connect, collaborate, innovate and discover new information on an ever-broadening scale, and pupils must be able to effectively use technology from the very beginning of their educational journey.
Pupils develop English skills they can apply for a range of different purposes and audiences in everyday situations and in study. They learn to communicate confidently and effectively and develop the critical skills to respond to a range of information, media and texts with understanding and enjoyment. They develop a first language competency in English.
Cambridge Primary English is taught using a broad range of activities that promote experience, reflection and improvement. Recommended fiction genres, poetry, playscripts and non-fiction text types provide authentic contexts for skills development.
The learning objectives in the three strands of the curriculum framework support an integrated approach to teaching and learning reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills. Grammar is embedded within the reading and writing strands to promote a meaningful learning experience where pupils both explore grammatical concepts through reading and apply them in their own writing.
Cambridge Primary Progression Tests provide detailed information about the performance of each pupil for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the curriculum. The tests help teachers to compare the strengths and weaknesses of individuals and groups and share feedback with pupils and parents. They are marked by teachers in our school and come with a unique reporting and analysis tool.
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