Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme Cambridge Secondary 1
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the Programme
- What is the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum Framework?
- What are the benefits of the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme?
- What are the Progression Tests?
- How do Cambridge Checkpoint tests relate to the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme?
- What is the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum Framework?
- The Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum Framework is the core of the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme. The framework provides the learning goals for each stage. We advise teachers to refer to it as they progress, to confirm which stage they believe students are working at.
- Top of page
- What are the benefits of the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme?
- Developing successful students
Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme is a framework for educational success for students approximately 11–14 years old.
International benchmark
Lower Secondary offers an external, international benchmark of student achievement. This allows schools to measure standards over time and give detailed, structured reports to parents.
Cambridge Checkpoint tests are standardised, set and marked by CIE and provide an international benchmark of student achievement enabling teachers to advise students and parents of the suitability of different progression routes.
Monitoring student progress
The progression tests and analysis software provide detailed feedback on students’ strengths and weaknesses in the core skills of English, Mathematics and Science at the end of each stage. Schools can use this feedback to improve teaching, support learning and report student progress to parents.
Flexible programme, flexible assessment
Schools can use Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme with other curricula. No part of it is compulsory, so teachers can use the materials to suit their own situation. Teachers can use the Progression tests at the end of the year, or at any point during the year and as many times as they require.
Teachers can continue to follow a local curriculum, to meet the statutory requirements of their national system – and at the same time, use the Lower Secondary Progression Tests and Analysis Tool to enhance their teaching and reporting.
Links to other stages
The Lower Secondary Programme links seamlessly with the Cambridge International Primary Programme and the Checkpoint tests. It offers an excellent foundation for students progressing to IGCSE or O Level courses. - Top of page
- What are the Progression Tests?
- The Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression tests are a series of tests covering stages 7 and 8. Schools can use them to monitor progress of individuals and classes of students.
For each subject, each stage has two papers of 45 or 60 minutes duration (Maths has a third short paper for assessing mental skills). The tests comprise structured questions with a selection of item types, including multiple–choice, short and extended answer.
The tests are available from the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme website and will be renewed on a rolling basis. - Top of page
- How do Cambridge Checkpoint tests relate to the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme?
- The Cambridge Checkpoint tests can be taken independently of Lower Secondary, or alternatively as a conclusion to Lower Secondary. The Lower Secondary Curriculum Framework covers all the learning objectives tested through Checkpoint which provides a suitable standardised test for use at the end of stage 9. The Checkpoint tests are available in May and October and are set and marked by CIE.
- Top of page
© University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate 2010.
All rights reserved. Please read our Terms and Conditions.