CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONALEXAMINATIONS HANDBOOK FORPARENTS & STUDENTS
B y E m k a n Ed u c a t i o n
This guide is meant to provide parents and students with the necessary information about
the Cambridge programme and Cambridge examinations. It also provides answers on
Frequently Asked Questions.
For more information on the contents of this guide or other matters related to the
examinations, go straight to our website at www.emkaneducation.com/cambridge.
Alternatively, you can email us at : [email protected]
MORE SPECIFICALLY EMKAN:
21
Offers expert advice to ensure
that registrations are processed on
time and with appropriate codes to
ensure students sit for the right
papers.
Ensures that students
receive statements of entries
with their exam calendar. All
students need to do is focus on
the exams.
1 2
INTRODUCTION TO EMKAN EDUCATION
WHAT ROLE DOES EMKAN PLAY IN THE CAMBRIDGE EXAM CYCLE?
Emkan Education is an education advisory and school development
company based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with offices in Riyadh and Dubai. We
provide a wide range of educational services to private and public institutions;
we work with school operators, educators and investors alike supporting them
with the development of schools, establishment of new schools, building capabili-
ties of schools and providing training services. We also specialize in developing
curriculum and customizing educational content. We work closely together with
our partner Cambridge to deliver quality programmes, qualifications and other
services for Cambridge schools.
Emkan aims to support all its schools in facilitating procedures relating to
registration, conducting exams and processing the distribution of results and
enquiries.
Advises and processes applications to Cambridge for students with
special needs through access arrangements. If children have dyslexia, autism
and/or other conditions that mean they need extra time, Emkan can process
an application, with appropriate medical evidence.
Distributes login details to
enable students to download
their results. In case students
want to request a remark or
recheck, Emkan processes an
enquiry of results (EAR) applica-
tion.
Ensures that teachers have full
access to the CIE Teacher Support
site which provides full access to
past papers, mark schemes, exam
reports, discussion forums and
syllabus related questions.
EMKAN EDUCATION ACTS AS A 'ONE-STOP SHOP' FOR ALL MATTERS
RELATING TO CAMBRIDGE EXAMINATIONS
3
4 5
A*
A
B
C
D
E
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
50-59
40-49
INTRODUCTION TO SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS
AGE GROUP
CURRICULUM CONTENT
Cambridge
International
Examinations is owned by Cambridge University. Cambridge offers a suite of assess-
ments from primary to secondary grades. This booklet focuses on Cambridge Second-
ary 2 (IGCSEs) and Cambridge Advanced ('A- & AS Levels') courses.
COURSES OFFERED
GRADING
IGCSEs and international 'A Levels' are interna-
tional curricula but also allow teaching to be
placed in a localised context, making them relevant to diverse regions around the world.
They are also suitable for students whose first language may not be English. 'A Level'
Science subjects also include assessment in the laboratory. All Cambridge syllabi focus
on developing 21st Century skills.
43
HigherEducation
Cambridge IntAS & A Levels (16-19)
Cambridge Secondary 2(14-16) IGCSE and O Level
Cambridge Secondary 1 (11-14)
Cambridge Primary (5-11)
Figure 1: Factsheet at cie.org.uk
Cambridge provides syllabi and assessments for all school years
from 1-12. Many schools offer the full set of courses and assess-
ments. However, schools are free to select the syllabi and assessments that they wish.
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is designed for 14
to 16 year olds, although students of any age can take them. In the UK students general-
ly take 7-9 exams. Students wishing to proceed to A Levels should achieve at
least 5 IGCSEs and no less than a B in the subjects they wish to
take at A Level.
AS and A Levels are designed for 16-19 year olds but, as
with IGCSEs, can be taken by students of any age. In the
UK students generally take 3 or 4 AS and A Level
courses.
Cambridge examinations are widely recognised
as evidence of learning and suitability to the
labour force by academic institutions and
employers around the world.
Cambridge offers a wide range of subjects. The table below
lists most popular subjects at different Levels.
The choice of subjects will depend on factors such as availability at school, choice of job (e.g. for
medicine, Biology is a 'must') and parent/student preference. You can check with your school to
see which subjects they actually offer, as well as the fees structure.
Grading is on an eight-point scale (A* – G) and grades A to E are equivalent to
O Level Grades A to E. In some countries, IGCSE qualifications will satisfy the
entry requirements for university. In others, they are widely
used as a preparation for A- and AS Level, International
Baccalaureate and US Advanced Placement courses. Letter
grades for A Levels can be given equivalent numerical grades
per the table opposite, taken from the Cambridge website
(cie.org.uk). PUM refers to the percentage uniform mark.
Grade C in IGCSE English (both First Language and Second
Language) satisfies the English proficiency requirements of
many universities in the UK and other countries that follow the
UK education system.
Cambridge also holds an annual celebration of their most
successful students in each major city. These are high profile
events and the receipt of such an award adds tremendous value
to student’s CVs and clearly assists in applications to university. Cambridge awards are offered to
the best in each subject in their city, country and even the world. There are also awards for the
best across a range of IGCSEs and A levels. They look great on university applications.
SESSIONS
IGCSEs
AdvancedSubsidiary (AS)
Advanced (A)
SUBJECTSHOW MANYSUBJECTSTO TAKE
YEAR OFASSESSMENT
2 times per year
2 times per year
2 times per year
7-9
2-4
2-4
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Arabic 1st, Arabic Foreign English 1st, English 2nd, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies
Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies
Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies
A Levelgrade
PUMrange
Figure 2: Cambridge factsheet at cie.org.uk
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RECOGNITION AND PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY THE CIE EXAMINATION CYCLE
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the
world's most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year-olds. It devel-
ops successful students, giving them excellent preparation for their next steps
in education, including progression to A- and AS Level, and equips them with
skills for employment later in life. Cambridge IGCSE is recognised by universi-
ties and employers worldwide. It is taken in over 100 countries worldwide and
is internationally recognised as being equivalent to the GCSE in the United
Kingdom.
UK high stakes examinations offer an ideal route to universities across the
globe owing to their wide recognition. It is no surprise that universities around
the world, including US Ivy League universities (such as Yale) and more specifi-
cally the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent, accept A- and AS Level
qualifications.
Private universities across Saudi Arabia also offer entrance based on the UK
route. For most universities (as in the UK), 3 A Levels are sufficient. Many
private sector Saudi universities require 2 'B' grades at AS Level for admission
to the preparatory programme or 2 'A' grades at A Level for direct admission to
the medical faculty and 2 'B' grades at AS Level for admission to the Business
faculty. Saudi universities also require a 12th grade report in all cases.
If you would like more specific information on which institutions accept IGCSE,
please use the Recognition Search (www.cie.org.uk).
Parents and students do need to check whether universities they wish to apply
to have their own additional requirements set by their Ministries of Education.
There are two main sessions; May/June and October/November. The most
popular session for taking exams in KSA is in May/June. Students can spread
out their exams over both or more sessions but bear in mind that UK universi-
ties like students to take all their exams in one sitting. Statements of results
are issued in August.
Within a week of the official release, CIE sends Provisional Statement of Results
which can be used for university admission. Final certificates are issued 2/3
months later.
If any student feels that their release is not valid, they can request through an
EAR process, a recheck or remark. Fees are involved here. Parents can get a
copy of their child's marked exam script.
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FAQS
DO I HAVE TO REGISTER THROUGH A SCHOOL OR CAN I REGISTER PRIVATELY?
I HAVE A CHILD DIAGNOSED AS HAVING SPECIAL NEEDS. DOES S/HE GET EXTRA HELP?
You can make that choice. If your school is part of the Emkan Network, registra-
tion will be done for you through your school. If you are not in a school, you can
register through Emkan as a private candidate, although some syllabi do
require you to be in a school (e.g. A Level Science subjects).
Yes, if you present medical evidence when you register your child, Emkan Educa-
tion will apply on your behalf to Cambridge. Cambridge has an established
system in place and extra time can be granted or scribes assigned, depending
on medical need and evidence provided.
CAN I TAKE CAMBRIDGE EXAMS ANYWHERE IN KSA?
Emkan Education conducts exams for its network of schools in Riyadh and
Dammam. If you live outside e.g. Qassim, Emkan will assign you to their nearest
centre.
AFTER EXAMS, I’M TRAVELLING AND CAN’T TAKE MY CERTIFICATES. WHAT DO I DO?
Results are issued online and Emkan Education will provide your login details.
Also, you can delegate collection of certificates to a relative or colleague. If you
need to send the certificate to a university directly to save time, then Emkan
can also process.
WHERE ARE THE EXAM PAPERS MARKED?They are scanned and sent to approved Cambridge markers around the world.
Marking standards are rigorous.
WHAT IF I THINK THE GRADE AWARDED IS TOO LOW?You can ask for a re-check of the arithmetic or a remark thought requesting an
EAR (Enquiry About Results). The charge depends on the level of service
requested. You can also get back the marked script for a higher fee with marks
achieved per question. If the grade is changed after EAR, Cambridge reimburs-
es the fee.
ARE IGCSES ENOUGH TO GAIN ADMISSION TO UNIVERSITY?
In most countries, you will also need to take higher Level qualifications such
as A Levels. IGCSEs are very important since they’re the gateway to A Level
courses.
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HOW DO I KNOW WHEN EXAMS ARE SCHEDULED?
Yes. A Levels are accepted almost everywhere in the world including UK, US,
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Jordan and Egypt. In the US, all Ivy league universities
accept A Levels and high grades may be enough to earn credits in first year
degree courses.
Many private sector Saudi universities require 2 'B' grades at AS Level for admis-
sion to the preparatory programme or 2 'A' grades at A Level for direct admission
to the medical faculty and 2 'B' grades at AS Level for admission to the Business
faculty. Saudi universities also require a 12th grade report in all cases.
Universities have their own specific entry requirements and parents and
students are advised to check specific entry requirements when planning
progression to university for their children.
All deadlines for registration for the May/June 2018 session will be announced in
November, 2017. They will be posted on the Emkan Education website as soon
as we have received the dates from Cambridge.
WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR 18-2017 FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES?
Candidates registering through a school should consult the school exam coordi-
nator about deadlines for registration as well as submission of coursework and
practical exams. Information relating to deadlines for schools will be sent to
schools directly and it is their responsibility to ensure that students are provided
with this information and comply with it.
HOW CAN I CONNECT TO CAMBRIDGE DIRECTLY INSTEAD OF THROUGH OTHER AGENCIES?
Cambridge is very active on social media and you can connect on their:
www.twitter.com/CIE_Education www.facebook.com/cie.org.uk/
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