CIE at Carey College by Michael L Drake

UNIVERSITY of CAMBRIDGE

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS at

CAREY COLLEGE 2011 Edition

Nurture Excellence Truth

Carey College “

In your light we see light” Psalm 36:9

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

INTRODUCTION Providing valued international qualifications is an essential part of the ministry of Carey College. As a registered Cambridge International Centre, we bring to students some of the most widely respected international qualifications available today. The broad curriculum and flexibility of Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A Levels, and AICE qualifications support the Carey College approach to schooling: building on individual gifts and needs while extending every student to a level of knowledge and service that honours Christ. This booklet is set out in two main sections: 1. The Main Points with the focal ideas about CIE at Carey College in bullet points 2. The Detail which gives a full explanation of the focal ideas It is important to take time to become familiar with the structure of CIE, its syllabuses and examinations. Because of its flexibility and breadth – key strengths of CIE – there is also a lot of detail to grasp before a student's course is planned. Students and parents should not hesitate ask for advice from staff at Carey College – we are there to help.

CONTACTING CAREY COLLEGE about INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS Website: www.careycollege.com Address: 21 Domain Road, Panmure, Auckland 1072, New Zealand Phone: 09-570-5873

Email: exams@carey.school.nz (The school does not wish to receive unsolicited electronic messages at this or any other address)

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

CONTENTS Introduction

The Main Points Cambridge International Examinations Four Core Qualifications Details of IGCSE & ICE Details of AS & A Levels New Zealand University Entrance Details of AICE External Candidates Costs

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

The Detail Cambridge International Examinations Why Carey College Chose CIE Cambridge IGCSE ICE Diploma Cambridge A & AS Levels AICE Diploma

13 15 16 19 20 23

KEY DATES FOR 2011 Entry for May/June Exams close Pre-acceptance for External Candidates close May/June Exam Session First Time entries October/November Exams close Retake entries October/November Exams close October/November Exam Session

16 February 15 March 9 May – 10 June 8 August 12 September 10 October – 18 November

Details of CIE, its syllabuses, and its examinations, can be found on its website www.cie.org.uk

For information about Carey College courses and schooling see www.careycollege.com

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE The Main Points

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS  International syllabus (not an English one)  International qualification (not an English one)  CIE examinations in over 150 countries  including Canada, the USA, Australia, Singapore, France, Holland  Over 270,000 students annually1  More than 6,500 students from 50 schools in NZ in annually FROM CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY, ENGLAND  CIE is the examinations department of Cambridge University  One of the oldest most prestigious universities  Academically rigorous  Complete support for schools EXAMINATION BASED  Exams set and marked at Cambridge  Some internal assessment: all moderated  Exam centres must be registered SUPPORTS OUR CHRISTIAN CURRICULUM  All our subjects and many more  Enhances our courses: we still teach the curriculum we shaped on our Christian foundations  Includes Biblical Studies  Accepts varieties of perspective  Rewards student knowledge and skill FLEXIBILITY FOR ALL STUDENTS  Challenges & rewards the academically able  Can be staged to encourage achievement  Has options for the less able  Grade range from A to F rewards all credible achievement

Each year over 270,000 students sit CIE examinations, and over 2 million students sit papers from all groups linked with Cambridge University.

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE The Main Points

FIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS IGCSE    

A two year course ending in Y11 Can be used in Y12 & Y13 An international Qualification Equivalent to English O Levels

ICE CERTIFICATE  No extra exams or courses needed  7 IGCSE passes in 13 months  Must include range of subjects  Recognition for Advanced Students NZ UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE  3 AS or A levels  minimum D grade in 3 subjects & 120 UCAS points  plus 5 years secondary schooling  plus standard literacy and numeracy requirements  Note: each university will have additional requirements for various courses A LEVELS  A two year course ending in Y13  Six credits grade A to F  Percentage marks also given  Students select courses of 3 to 6 subjects  An international Qualification  International University Entrance  Equivalent to English A Levels AICE DIPLOMA  No extra exams or courses needed  3 A Levels (or equivalent) in 13 months  Must include 1 in each of 3 areas: Mathematics & Sciences; Languages (English is counted as a Language); Arts & Humanities

 

Recognition for Advanced Students Earns credits in many universities including Yale and Harvard

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE The Main Points

DETAILS OF IGCSE & ICE

2 YEAR COURSE  A two year course ending in Y11  Can be used in Years 12 & 13  5 subject groups  Languages (Includes English & Foreign languages)  Humanities & Social Sciences  Sciences  Mathematics  Creative, technical & Vocational  Papers may include practicals  Any number of subjects may be sat ICE 



7 passes including  2 from Languages and  1 each from other 4 groups  remaining pass from any group normally one sitting, can be over 13 months

STRUCTURE OF SUBJECTS  Subjects have two levels  Core  Extended  Can sit different levels in different subjects  There can be restrictions on combinations of papers  Not all will be taught at Carey College  Exams can be sat every six months (with limits in May/June)

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE The Main Points

DETAILS OF AS & A LEVELS

2 YEAR COURSE  A two year course ending in Y13  Plan for six credits over two years – like a university course of 6 units  Exams can be sat every six months (with limits in May/June)  Exams may be made up of 1 – 4 papers  Papers may be from 40 minutes to 3 hours  Papers may include practicals STRUCTURE OF SUBJECTS  Most subjects have two parts  Most have an AS part (1 credit) and an A2 part (another 1 credit)  For all, the complete A level can be sat in one session (2 credits)  For most, AS can be taken one year and A2 the next year  Some AS levels do not lead to A Levels  Some subjects have a large number of options (eg English has 9 papers - 2 are chosen for AS and 4 for A)  There can be restrictions on combinations of papers  Not all will be taught at Carey College WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO NOTE WHEN PLANNING COURSES  Some subjects have only AS available  Some have only A available  In some subjects there are exclusions and co-requisites Some Possible Combinations of AS and A Level papers for one subject over two years are:

Year 1

AS Paper

No AS Paper

Year 2

Remaining A Level in that subject

No other paper available in that subject

Another AS paper in that subject

Only an A Level paper in that subject

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE The Main Points

NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE BASED ON AS & A LEVELS  Five years Secondary schooling  And 120 "UCAS points" in at least three AS or A subjects (except the General Paper or Thinking Skills) in which no grade is lower than D.  And numeracy and literacy requirements [Notes: 1. English Language and Literature in English count as two separate subjects; 2. Business Studies can count with either Economics or Accounting for two subjects, but not both.]

 

Additional points for some courses are required and differ between universities: from 130 to 280 points may be needed. Entry to any particular university or course may be limited, in which case selection is usually by ranking of students according to their UCAS points in their best 3 subjects, or in stipulated subjects.

UCAS POINTS (University & Colleges Admissions Service in the UK) Universities use this points system to compare different qualifications presented by students applying for university courses. New Zealand Universities require 120 UCAS points from CIE for New Zealand University Entrance. Here are the points for each grade: A LEVEL Grade A B C D E

AS LEVEL Points 120 100 80 60 40

Grade A B C D E

Points 60 50 40 30 20

NUMERACY & LITERACY As well as requiring CIE AS or A Levels, or NCEA Level 3, entry to New Zealand Universities requires evidence of minimum standards of literacy and numeracy. The CIE standards are:  E grade or better in AS or higher English (English Language, Language and Literature in English, or Literature in English)  And D grade or better in IGCSE or any pass in AS Maths

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE The Main Points

AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) DIPLOMA

INTERNATIONAL PRE-UNIVERSITY QUALIFICATION   

broad and balanced study for academically able students. awarded on the basis of AS and A Level papers – no extra examination is needed.

ONE EACH FROM THREE CURRICULUM AREAS   

Mathematics and Science; Languages (English is included as a Language option); Arts and Humanities.

SIX AICE CREDITS PASSING A COMBINATION OF EXAMINATIONS  AS Level (for 1 credit),  A Level (for 2 credits),  or a recognized part paper (for ½ credit) MAY USE UP TO THREE TESTING SESSIONS WITHIN A 13 MONTHS AICE AWARDED IN THREE GRADES

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE The Main Points

EXTERNAL CANDIDATES Carey College will accept candidates for October/November CIE examinations who are not enrolled as students in the college. Those candidates are called "External Candidates". CONDITIONS  Acceptance of an external candidate is completely at our discretion. It is     



important therefore that intended candidates contact us early to determine whether or not they will be accepted. Candidates enrolled in another school must submit a request from their school for the candidate to sit papers at Carey College. We do not provide any course materials (other than those freely available on our website), advice, practice or instruction for external candidates In applying to sit CIE examinations at Carey College, external candidates accept responsibility for knowledge of the relevant syllabuses, their own course of study and preparation for the examinations they enter. In accepting an external candidate Carey College makes no endorsement of a candidate's education or readiness for the examinations. External candidates must recognise that Carey College is a functioning school and by presenting themselves at the school for an examination agree to respect other people in the school, conduct themselves according to school rules and standards, follow directions of any staff member, and abide by CIE rules and regulations. External candidates are accepted only for the October/November examination session (and not for the May/June session)

APPLICATIONS Applications are processed in two stages:  Applicants must first apply in writing to be accepted as an external candidate. Your application should explain o what knowledge you have of the relevant CIE syllabuses o what courses of study you are following to prepare for CIE examinations o what schooling you have had or are presently receiving o why you want to sit CIE at Carey College. In general we will accept candidates where it appears likely an appropriate course of instruction is being provided and the expectations of CIE are understood. In doing this we are not concerned to "protect" our own pass-fail statistics as external candidates are not included by CIE in the school's profile. Rather we do not want students discouraged through unrealistic expectations or inappropriate approaches to CIE examinations.  Applications must be received by 15 March in any year.  Completion of an Entry Form (which will be sent to you if your application is accepted) which must be accompanied by the full entry fee.

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE The Main Points

COSTS Subject to change without notice: based on costs and exchange rates current at time of publication

STUDENTS AT CAREY COLLEGE OR A PARTNER SCHOOL  $50 administration fee per session  $55 for each AS or A2 subject  $80 for each A subject  $80 for each IGCSE subject  $98 for AICE entry fee  plus $75 for each practical session

EXTERNAL CANDIDATES (STUDENTS NOT AT CAREY COLLEGE)  $155 administration fee per session  $55 for each AS or A2 subject  $80 for each A subject  $80 for each IGCSE subject  $98 for AICE entry fee  plus $75 for each practical session 5  plus $100 per hour exam supervision shared among all candidates for any paper in which Carey College is not entering candidates Notes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

GST All fees are GST inclusive where GST applies. (GST is included in local administration costs but not on entry fees remitted to CIE.) "Session" A "Session" is a complete set of exams. There is one session in November and one session in June. "Partner School" Partner Schools work in a formal agreement with Carey College for the shared delivery of courses and assessment. Fees are correct when published (February 2011) and subject to change without notice. Subjects that may have practicals include the sciences, languages, art and computing.

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS – CIE

Cambridge International Examinations – ‘CIE’ – is the examinations department of the University of Cambridge, England and one of the world’s leading providers of educational qualifications and assessments. CIE offers a range of school-based qualifications, including IGCSE, A and AS Level. Every year, 2 more than 2 million students are entered for Cambridge examinations in over 150 different countries, including Canada, the USA, Australia, Singapore, France, Holland, and now in New Zealand where there are 30 registered examination centres. More than 40 schools are members of the ACSNZ (Association of Cambridge Schools in New Zealand). CIE assessments are familiar to students all around the world. They cover a huge range of subject areas, from sciences, languages and humanities, to business, information technology, travel and tourism. CIE aims to create flexible syllabuses which can be tailored to local experience, resulting in an interesting course of study and a highly relevant qualification. As part of the University of Cambridge CIE has been offering assessments internationally for over 150 years and has a reputation for high quality examinations. CIE constantly reviews its assessments and introduces new subject areas and qualifications. By working closely with the University of Cambridge, CIE is at the forefront of developments in e-education – using new technology in the delivery and assessment of examinations. The aim is to increase the speed and efficiency with which courses are administered, examinations taken and results delivered. CIE qualifications are entirely separate from their British counterparts and are in fact structured very differently. In recent years the British ‘A’ Levels have undergone significant revisions and have experienced well-publicised problems – those problems have no relevance to the CIE exams. CIE are international examinations and are not British exams.

Examinations and Grading: CIE exams generally consist of two or three papers. Exam duration can vary between 45 minutes and 3 hours. This is done to allow the student to focus on specific practical assessments, oral assessments and thematic studies. CIE results are expressed in percentages and grades. All students receive percentage uniform marks and a grade (A pass is graded from A to F). Moderation in CIE is rigorous. Results are internationally benchmarked (unlike NCEA).

Teacher Professional Development: Professional development opportunities for teachers are provided by CIE. Each year expert teachers from UK and around the world provide workshops in New Zealand for New Zealand teachers. In addition, teachers can enrol in on-line training linked directly to staff at Cambridge. 2 More than 270,000 students are entered in CIE IGCSE, A and AS Level examinations. Cambridge also offers a range of other qualifications at school and post-school levels with a total in excess of 2 million candidates.

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE Our teachers have taken part in that training which has not only equipped us to prepare students for their examinations but confirmed our confidence in the integrity of CIE. Carey College is one of the few centres in New Zealand to be awarded Professional Development Certification by CIE and is a centre for the pre-service and in-service training of teachers for the award of the Cambridge Diploma for Teachers and Trainers.

Tertiary Entrance and International Portability: CIE qualifications are accepted for entry to all universities in New Zealand.

The International A Level is a ‘gold standard’ qualification. It has exactly the same value in admitting students to universities as the UK equivalent and is accepted as an entry qualification by universities worldwide. Good A and AS Level grades are a key to admission for all the world’s major English speaking universities and many non-English speaking universities.

Choice and Diversity: In recent years it has become very important to be forward thinking and innovative in considering what we can do to maintain our strength as a school that meets the needs and calling of students at all levels of ability. CIE will help us continue to offer courses of  high academic standards and opportunities for able students while also  providing vocational courses and qualifications for non-academic students CIE offers all students flexibility in course and qualification structure:  AS and A Level examinations can be taken in steps, and even repeated, over two or more years  Courses can be made up of as many as 6 subjects or as few as 3  Courses can include Bible  Courses can include research units such as Science Fair projects.  Students can gain IGCSE (equivalent to O Levels) in senior years if A levels are too hard

See "University Entrance" on page 9 for details

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

WHY CAREY COLLEGE CHOSE CAMBRIDGE (CIE)

We have been interested in CIE for a long time. Over a period of about six years we investigated international qualifications that could be used in place of the very poor qualifications system taking over New Zealand schools. Our Principal visited CIE in the UK twice in that period, as well as investigating other international examination options. It would be fair to say however that our decision to adopt CIE was precipitated by the introduction of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Five major concerns emerged in Carey College regarding the new system:  It fails to challenge and extend students, particularly our most able  The nature of standards-based assessment which requires extended periods of time for assessment, and the "guidance" of that assessment to ensure students "achieve" by participating even if lacking appropriate knowledge and skill  The significant degree of poorly moderated internal assessment undermines the validity and thus the national and international credibility of NCEA  The devaluing of academic and practical achievement by which such things as picking-up rubbish in the playground achieves the same award as a Latin examination or Physics investigation  A closed mind-set prejudicial to a biblical-Christian perspective However, it would be a mistake to think that the decision to choose an international qualification was only made as a negative response to NCEA. We were also motivated by a number of positive considerations:  Internationalisation is already a growing trend in tertiary education and in the future will almost certainly be reflected more strongly in senior secondary school curricula  Increasing numbers of our students want to study overseas: they need a more widely recognised and ‘portable’ qualification than NCEA  International benchmarking is another growing trend. Participation in international qualifications offers our students a local opportunity to be internationally competitive  It also provides a measure of the School’s achievement in a global context Most significantly however, in CIE we found not only a reputable international qualification, but one in which our Christian perspective was welcomed. With CIE  We can teach our established Christian curriculum using proven biblical methods  Students are rewarded for ability in evaluating different views and producing supporting argument for a preferred option  Qualifications can include Biblical Studies  Individual differences in gifts and calling can be recognised and encouraged without loosing the biblical standard of each doing his best in the service of Christ and others. Excellence is recognised, encouraged and rewarded; so is achievement of the less able

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSE

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), awarded by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), is one of the most recognized qualifications around the world. IGCSE courses are renowned for developing vital educational skills, including recall of knowledge, oral skills, problem solving, initiative, team work and investigative skills. The resulting qualification provides a foundation for higher level courses, such as A and AS Levels, the Advanced International Certificate of Education, the North American Advanced Placement programme and the International Baccalaureate. IGCSE caters for different levels of ability with a choice between core and extended papers in many subjects. The core curriculum is based on an overview of the subject and is suitable for students expected to achieve grades C to G. The extended curriculum is more challenging and designed for students who are expected to achieve grades A* to C. Grades achieved through either route have the same value. IGCSE offers a flexible course of study that gives candidates the freedom to choose subjects that are right for them, whilst providing them with a broad knowledge base and lifelong skills.

Where is IGCSE accepted and recognised? IGCSE is a high profile qualification. It has exactly the same value in admitting students to institutes of further education and employment as the UK equivalent – GCSE.  IGCSE is comparable with GCE O Level and the UK GCSE  IGCSE has an excellent reputation amongst international schools worldwide  IGCSEs are recognised as a reliable record of attainment which counts towards entry to universities and colleges around the world  A good grade (i.e. C or above) in IGCSE English as a Second Language is accepted for entry by almost all universities in the UK and many in the USA, Canada and Australia as evidence of adequate competence in the English language.

Who can take IGCSE? IGCSE is designed to be taught as a two year course for students aged 14 to 17 years. At Carey College we do not normally recommend students present themselves for an external qualification at the end of year 11, so most students will go on to AS and A Levels in year 12 and 13. However, IGCSEs offer  An internationally recognised leaving qualification for students who will not stay at school for a full Year 12  A less demanding course and qualification for Senior College students for whom AS and A Levels are not suited  A qualification for younger students who want examination experience

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

In most subjects there is a choice between core and extended curricula, making IGCSE suitable for a wide range of abilities. Candidates can enter for the level that is most appropriate for them and this need not be the same across all subjects.

How is IGCSE taught? At Carey College, students are encouraged to study up to seven subjects at IGCSE level, at the same time. In order to follow a broad and balanced curriculum, many students take courses from each of the 6 IGCSE groups, particularly if they’re aiming to go on to further education. This can lead to the award of the International Certificate of Education – an additional qualification that recognises students who pass exams in seven or more subjects, including two languages and one subject from each of the other groups. However it is also possible to study a free choice of IGCSE subjects. As a registered Examination Centre, Carey College has been recognised as having the qualities and resources to teach Cambridge courses. The syllabuses are set by Cambridge, but Carey College plans and teaches each course within our established Junior College and Senior College programmes. The courses differ for each subject, but throughout there is a mix of assessment methods, including coursework, practical exercises, oral and listening tests, projects and written examinations.

Examination Information IGCSE courses usually take two years to complete and exams are taken at the end of that period. Carey College courses are planned to prepare students for each year's November Examinations, but students may use the June examinations (to gain experience, top up marks, or add credits) where appropriate. (see below) CIE only accepts entries through recognized examination centres such as Carey College. We 4 accept entries for IGCSE examinations at the beginning of August from students who  Are enrolled in Carey College in an appropriate course  Have been accepted by Carey College as External Candidates5

Subjects Available A wide range of subjects is offered by CIE: not all will be taught at Carey College, and of those we do teach not all will be taught in any one year. Students should discuss subject preferences as early as possible with us: we will do all we can to provide suitable courses for each student. The full range of subjects is: Languages – First Language Afrikaans, Arabic, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Sesotho, Spanish, Thai, Turkish Languages – Second Language Afrikaans, English

4 5

Ask for information regarding entry to June examinations if required See Page 11 for details regarding external candidates.

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE Languages – Foreign Language Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Mathematics Mathematics, Additional Mathematics Sciences Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Combined Science, Environmental Management, Physical Science, Physics

Co-ordinated

Sciences,

Humanities and Social Sciences Development Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Latin, Literature (available in English, and Spanish), Natural Economy, Religious Studies, Sociology Business, Creative, Technical and Vocational Accounting, Art and Design, Art and Design: Graphics, Art and Design: Painting and Drawing, Art and Design: Photography, Art and Design: Textiles, Art and Design: 3D Studies, Business Studies, Child Development, Computer Studies, Design and Technology, Drama, Information Technology, Music, Physical Education

May/June Entries In some cases it is appropriate for students to enter in the May/June Session. This is usually when they have been taking an advanced course to prepare for this examination session, or when a re-take is likely to improve marks. Students should note however that  No examination study leave will be given for candidates sitting May/June examinations as this is a critical time for course work and planned teaching programmes preparing students for October/November examinations; students must continue to complete course work in all subjects on time and to a satisfactory standard.  No entries will be accepted for practical papers in May/June.  Student must have written permission from the Principal to submit May/June entries.

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

ICE (International Certificate of Education)

The International Certificate of Education is an international qualification which emphasises the value balanced study across a wide range of subjects and skills. It can be awarded on the basis of IGCSE papers – no extra examination is needed. ICE offers students the opportunity to gain an additional international qualification as they qualify for their IGCSE

Selection from Five Curriculum Areas Required ICE involves the selection of IGCSE subjects from five curriculum areas –  Languages (including English)  Humanities and Social Sciences  Sciences  Mathematics  Creative, Technical and Vocational To be considered for an ICE Certificate, a candidate must earn passes in the following combination:  2 from Languages  4 from the other four curriculum areas  one more from any curriculum area A candidate working towards the ICE Certificate will usually achieve the seven passes in one sitting, but if permission is given, may use up to three testing sessions within a 13 month period.

ICE Awarded in Three Grades The Certificate will show one of three grades: Distinction for Grade of A in five subjects and Grade C or better in two subjects; Merit for Grade C or better in five subjects and Grade F or better in two subjects; Pass for Grade G or better in seven subjects.

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

CAMBRIDGE A and AS LEVELS

GCE Advanced (A) Level is one of the most recognized qualifications around the world.6 For over 50 years, A Levels have been accepted as proof of academic ability for entry to universities and institutes of higher education. A Levels are also important to employers, providing evidence of external assessment for a job entry qualification. Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Levels offer a great way to study a broader range of subjects. AS Level represents the first half of a full A Level course. You can choose to complete an AS Level examination, then stop studying for that particular subject. Or you can gain an AS Level qualification, then complete the remaining course of study in order to take the A Level assessment. Cambridge A and AS Levels offer a flexible course of study that gives you the freedom to select the subjects that are right for you.

Where are Cambridge A and AS Levels accepted and recognised? International A Level is a ‘gold standard’ qualification. It has exactly the same value in admitting students to universities as the UK equivalent and is accepted as an entry qualification by 7 universities worldwide.  A and AS Levels are accepted by New Zealand Universities as a fully recognised entry qualification (see page 6 for details)  Good A and AS Level grades are a key to admission for all the world’s major English speaking universities (such as Cambridge University in the UK and Harvard University in the United States) and many non-English speaking universities  Good grades at A Level can result in up to one full year of advanced standing or credit at universities in the USA and Canada, including Yale University, Luther College and New York University  AS Levels carry half the weighting of an A Level and are typically awarded half the credit value.

Who can take A and AS Levels? Carey College courses for AS and A Levels are two year courses for Year 12 and 13 students. AS Level examinations can be taken in either year following one year's study; A Level examinations can be taken in year 13 after 2 year's study, or after 1 year of AS Level study and one year of A Level study.8

It should not be confused with UK A Levels which have a UK bias. This is a general guide. To find out the exact number of A or AS Levels and grades required for further study it is advisable to contact the individual university or institute of higher education. 8 AS Level examinations are usually taken at age 17 and A Level examinations at age 18. If you have already taken IGCSEs or O Levels, then you will find many of the skills you have already learnt relevant and beneficial to A Level study. 7

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

How are A and AS Levels taught? A and AS Levels offer such flexible programmes that there is a lot of diversity in the way they are taught – typically each AS Level course would require guided learning time (in class, and in independent study) of 180 hours over 1 year. For A Levels the learning requirement would be double that amount over two years. As a registered Examination Centre, Carey College has been recognised as having the qualities and resources to teach Cambridge courses. The syllabuses are set by Cambridge, but Carey College plans and teaches each course within our established Senior College programme. The courses differ for each subject, but throughout there is a mix of assessment methods, which may include coursework, practical exercises, oral and listening tests, projects and written examinations. All syllabuses will require you to develop skills of analysis and of the application of knowledge in individual study. A Levels testify not only to your content knowledge in a subject but also to your ability to present a well-reasoned argument, to understand and apply principles and to acquire deep understanding of a body of knowledge. Studying for A Levels is academically challenging but offers an excellent preparation for the next stage in your education – for study at university or college.

Examination Information A Level courses usually take two years to complete and exams are taken at the end of that period. AS Level examinations are usually taken after a year either as part of the A Level course, or as a qualification in their own right. Alternatively, the AS Level qualification can be taken at the end of a two year course. Carey College courses are planned to prepare students for each year's November Examinations, but students may use the June examinations (to gain experience, top-up marks, or add credits) where appropriate. (see below) CIE only accepts entries through recognized examination centres such as Carey College. We 9 accept entries for A and AS Levels examinations at the beginning of August from students who  Are enrolled in Carey College in an appropriate course  Have been accepted by Carey College as External Candidates10

Subjects Available A wide range of subjects is offered by CIE: not all will be taught at Carey College, and of those we do teach not all will be taught in any one year. Students should discuss subject preferences as early as possible with us: we will do all we can to provide suitable courses for each student. The full range of subjects is: Language A Level: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Marathi, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu. AS Level: Afrikaans Language, Arabic Language and Literature, Chinese Language and Literature, First Language Portuguese, First Language Spanish, French Language and Literature, German Language and Literature, Hindi Language and Literature, Marathi Language and Literature, Portuguese Language and Literature,

Ask for information regarding entry to June examinations if required See Page 11 for details regarding external candidates.

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE Spanish Language and Literature, Tamil Language and Literature, Telugu Language and Literature, Urdu Language and Literature English A Level & AS Level: English Language, Literature in English Mathematics A Level: Mathematics, Further Mathematics. AS Level: Mathematics, Higher Mathematics Sciences A Level: Biology, Chemistry, Physics. AS Level: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics Humanities and Social Sciences A Level: Divinity, Economics, English Literature, Geography, Hinduism, History, Islamic Studies, Law, Psychology, Sociology, Accounting. AS Level: Accounting, Divinity, Economics, General Paper, Geography, Hinduism, History, Islamic Studies, Music, Psychology, Sociology Business, Creative, Technical and Vocational A Level: Accounting, Art and Design, Business Studies, Computing, Design and Technology, Dress and Textiles, Food Studies, Geometrical and Mechanical Drawing. AS Level: Accounting, Art and Design, Business Studies, Computing, Design and Technology, Thinking Skills New Zealand Subjects AS Level: Drama, History of Art, Latin, New Zealand History

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) DIPLOMA

The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma is an international preuniversity qualification which emphasises the value of broad and balanced study for academically able students. It can be awarded on the basis of AS and A Level papers – no extra examination is needed. AICE offers students the opportunity to gain an additional international qualification as they qualify for their CIE A Levels.

Selection from Three Curriculum Areas Required AICE involves the selection of AS and A Level subjects from three curriculum areas –  Mathematics and Science;  Languages (English is included as a Language option);  Arts and Humanities. To be considered for an AICE Diploma, a candidate must earn the equivalent of six AICE credits by passing a combination of examinations at either  AS Level (for 1 credit),  A Level (for 2 credits),  or a recognized part paper (for ½ credit)  with at least one course coming from each of the three curriculum areas. A candidate working towards the AICE Diploma may use up to three testing sessions to take the equivalent of six full credit examinations as long as they are taken within a 13 month period.

AICE Awarded in Three Grades The Diploma will show the grades achieved by the student in each of the subjects taken, as well as the overall level of achievement. The full AICE Diploma is awarded With Distinction, With Merit, or at Pass Level according to the grade total across all subjects. Candidates who do not meet the requirements of the group award will receive certificates recording individual subject results. Details can be found on the AICE pages at CIE: http://www.cie.org.uk/CIE/WebSite/qualificationsandawardshub/ciespecialisms/specialism/speciali sm.jsp?oid=2106

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ

CIE AT CAREY COLLEGE

ÂŠ Copyright Carey College Limited 21 Domain Road Panmure Auckland 1072 New Zealand February 2011

CAREY COLLEGE LIMITED Helping parents nurture a new generation for Christ