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Cambridge Pre-U

Overview

Cambridge Pre-U is an exciting new post-16 qualification. It prepares students with the skills and knowledge they need to make a success of their subsequent studies at university.

Teachers tell us they want to be able to prepare students for higher education more effectively with exciting syllabuses that are stimulating to teach. Universities tell us they want students who are equipped to benefit from a higher education experience, which calls for an independent and self-directed style of learning.

This is why we have developed Cambridge Pre-U as a coherent curriculum underpinned by a core set of educational principles. It offers genuinely interesting syllabuses which students can study in any combination to gain the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, or on an individual subject basis.

Cambridge Pre-U addresses the needs of teachers, students and universities by:

• Inspiring, challenging and rewarding students and preparing them for university
• Reporting achievement in a way that helps universities
• Enabling teachers to regain a passion for their subjects

Linear structure

The linear approach of Cambridge Pre-U (with exams taken at the end of the two-year course) provides for coherence and progression, the chance to reclaim teaching and learning time at the end of the first year, and decide the order, pace and depth of teaching and learning most appropriate for students. Feedback on progress at that point may be provided by optional examinations, marked either by the school or CIE.

Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses can be taken separately, and are graded individually. Students may choose to combine them to achieve a full diploma.

There is freedom to choose subject combinations without constraint. To qualify for the Diploma, students study at least three Principal Cambridge Pre-U subjects from a choice of 26. They also complete an Independent Research Report and a Global Perspectives portfolio. Students may take more than three Principal subjects if they wish.

The Cambridge Pre-U Diploma offers opportunities for interdisciplinary study, includes independent research that builds on individual subject specialisms, and is informed by an international perspective.

Designed by schools, for schools

We have developed Cambridge Pre-U in consultation with teachers and people in higher education. Schools have been consulted on Cambridge Pre-U as a whole, as well as on the individual components.

The process began in October 2006, when CIE sent detailed subject syllabuses to schools for consultation and organised seminars to bring together heads of department to discuss them. Feedback from schools was included in revisions to the draft syllabuses.

CIE began the process of submitting Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses to QCA for accreditation in June 2007. It is essential that Cambridge Pre-U is included in the National Qualifications Framework, to enable UK maintained schools to offer the qualification.

University recognition

Universities have stated that they will accept applicants with Cambridge Pre-U qualifications.

Read responses from universities >>

Underpinning educational values

Cambridge Pre-U is underpinned by a clear set of educational aims:

• Encouraging the development of well-informed, open and independent-minded individuals
• Promoting deep understanding through subject specialisation, with a depth and rigour appropriate to progression to higher education
• Helping learners to acquire specific skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, team-working, independent learning and effective communication
• Recognising the wide range of individual talents and interests
• Promoting an international outlook and cross-cultural awareness

Exciting subject syllabuses

Cambridge Pre-U is built on a foundation of innovative and exciting subject syllabuses, developed from scratch by teams of practising teachers, working in consultation with representatives from subject associations and lecturers in higher education.

All the syllabuses make their subjects rigorous and challenging, but accessible. They are designed not only for the very top end of the ability range, but for all students who aspire to higher education.

Cambridge Pre-U development stages

Summer 2007
Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses submitted to QCA for accreditation and inclusion in the national qualifications framework.

Spring 2008
Accredited Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses available. INSET activities, plus further guidance for schools.

September 2008
Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses available for first teaching.

Trialling Cambridge Pre-U

Many schools have been trialling Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses and components since Autumn 2007. Views from schools, universities and subject associations continue to help us make sure Cambridge Pre-U meets the needs of school students heading for university.

Please email us. Share your views, express your interest, find out how to trial Cambridge Pre-U subjects, or simply join the Cambridge Pre-U update list: international@cie.org.uk.

Register your interest

Are you planning to start Cambridge Pre-U? You can now register your interest in teaching Cambridge Pre-U. By registering, you can:

• Help form the subject community for Cambridge Pre-U
• Get regular updates on INSET and resources
• Find out about developments in your subject(s)
• Find out about trial outcomes

Information for UK Centres

If you intend to enter candidates for any of the Cambridge Pre-U Modern Languages Short Course Examinations in 2009 and you have not already expressed this intention to CIE, please email us at international@cie.org.uk or call 01223 553554 as soon as possible. We need this information to allow us to plan for oral examination visits.

Cambridge Pre-U outside the UK

Schools outside the UK who wish to offer Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses need to gain approval ahead of first teaching and should contact us as soon as possible.

Learn more

If you'd like to ask more questions about Cambridge Pre-U, contact us at international@cie.org.uk.

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