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Cambridge Outlook 14 (2516Kb)
Case study: Why we chose Cambridge International A Levels
19 July 2011
Singapore International School at Cau Giay in Vietnam, a KinderWorld Group school, opened in 2009 offering Year 6 to Year 12 to around 200 students. Now nearing the end of its second year of operation, the school has grown to over 450 students. Its first cohort of Cambridge IGCSE students took their examinations in June 2011.
Singapore International School aims to offer children in Vietnam the best possible start to life with the most well-rounded and dynamic educational experience possible, by embracing innovative teaching pedagogies in a creative and challenging environment and instituting life-long learning to enable students to reach their fullest potential.
In September 2011, Singapore International School will become the first school in Hanoi, Vietnam to offer Cambridge International A Levels.
We spoke to the Principal, Shane Blood, to find out more.
Why did you choose Cambridge International A Levels?
Following our successful introduction of the Cambridge IGCSE programme, we felt that it was a natural progression for our students to study Cambridge International A Levels. Our experience with Cambridge IGCSE confirmed that Cambridge programmes are rigorous, challenging and well organised. Cambridge International A Levels will provide our students with an internationally benchmarked qualification that provides excellent preparation for university education, and has widespread international recognition.
Although English is a second language for many of our students, they have the academic ability and English proficiency to succeed at Cambridge International A Levels because they have completed our Cambridge IGCSE programme successfully.
What benefits do you think Cambridge International A Levels will offer your learners?
We believe that Cambridge International A Levels will offer our students the benefits of a challenging, engaging and rigorous academic programme, excellent preparation for university study as well as international recognition. Cambridge International A Level syllabuses are created for an international audience and aim to help learners develop confidence, responsibility, and engagement. We feel that this blend of engaging curriculum, wide range of assessment processes, and final examinations prepares our students for the challenges of further education.
The international recognition of Cambridge International A Levels is also of benefit to our students. Many of our Vietnamese students wish to study in international universities, and Cambridge International A Level qualifications are recognised by universities as equivalent in value to UK A Levels, providing our students with a much greater choice of universities to apply for.
We also see clear benefits for our teachers by offering Cambridge International A Levels. Cambridge provide professional and well developed support material, well administered examinations, and ongoing opportunities for training and professional development. Knowing that we are a part of the Cambridge community of schools, and that professional support is always available, has made implementing new programmes easy.
What do learners at your school plan to do after they have taken their Cambridge International A Levels?
Most of our students at Singapore International School aim to study in international universities once they have taken their Cambridge International A Levels. Our student population is a mix of Vietnamese and international students, but nearly all of our students share a desire to study in top, international universities. By offering Cambridge International A Levels, we are providing our students with a pathway to international study.
Photograph shows learners at Singapore International School.
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Visit the Vietnamese edition of our website
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