CIE stands for Cambridge International Examinations. It is the world’s largest provider of education programmes and qualifications for 5-19 years old. More than 9000 schools in 161 countries around the world offer the Cambridge qualifications. It is a part of Cambridge Assessment, a not-for-profit department of the 800 years old University of Cambridge.
Details of Cambridge CHECKPOINT and Checkpoint Tests?
Cambridge Checkpoint is a new and innovative diagnostic testing service which is proving to be a major landmark in the development of assessment services from UCIE (University of Cambridge International Examination). The tests cover all major areas of learning required in the first years of an international secondary education.
Cambridge Checkpoint tests are available in English, Mathematics and Science. Checkpoint is not used for any formal qualification, although a Statement of Achievement is produced. There is no fail or pass in checkpoint. It is ways in which CIE can help students make the most of their educational opportunities.
Each subject has two papers which are approximately one hour each; it helps in IGCSE preparation to get hands on experience on external examination.
After the test, statement of achievement is received by each student and a report is also given which reflects his or her performance. Checkpoint scores are between 0.0 and 6.0. The average score is between 3.0 and 4.0. The report gives a score for the subject as a whole and for the main topics, so that teachers can identify any important strengths or weaknesses.
Checkpoint scores are good indicators of performance in IGCSE.
Students can score a range of IGCSE grades, because some will work harder and learn more and score better than the predicted grade. They might scoreless if they do not put any additional efforts.
| Checkpoint Score Range | Probable IGCSE Score Range |
| 0 and 1 | F |
| 1 and 2 | E |
| 2 and 3 | D |
| 3 and 4 | C |
| 4 and 5 | B |
| 5 and 6 | A/B |
Hence, the importance of an appropriate mix of global and local contexts is well recognized as an essential dimension of IGCSE.
It provides an ideal foundation for higher-level courses such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, A Levels and the North American APT (Advanced Placement Test)
It has worldwide recognition and is equivalent to the Certificate of Secondary Education from Indian education boards, General Certificate of Secondary Education, and O Level.
The IGCSE examination has an 8-point scale of grades:
A*, A, B, C, D, E, F and G.
(Grade A* is awarded for exceptional levels of achievement). To take account of differing abilities, students are given choice between Core and Extended curriculum papers in most subjects. This allows teachers to decide on the most appropriate level of papers for their students. For more academically able students The Extended Curriculum is designed which comprises the Core curriculum and Supplement which leads into higher education or professional training and those students expected to achieve grades A to E.
GRADES AVAILABLE
Core Curriculum C D E F G
Extended Curriculum * A B C D E
The overlapping of three grades (C, D and E) is to accommodate students who perform either better or worse than their teachers expectations. Students who fail to meet the minimum satisfactory standard for either the core curriculum (Grade G) or the extended curriculum (Grade E) will be marked (U).
CIE issues separate mark sheets for IGCSE; one with Grades and the other with marks. So students do not face any difficulty in securing admission in regular Colleges.
The best of five policy is not applicable to IGCSE students. However, if the student is passing in 5 subjects including English , he is eligible for HSC admission.
More than 70 subjects are available, including more than 30 language courses. However the top ten Cambridge IGCSE subjects worldwide are:
- Mathematics (Without Coursework)
- English as a Second Language
- First Language English
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Literature (English)
- Business Studies
- Information Communication Technology
| Cambridge Primary (5-11 years) | Cambridge Primary Cambridge Primary Checkpoint |
| Cambridge Secondary 1 (11-14 years) | Cambridge Secondary 1 Cambridge Checkpoint |
| Cambridge Secondary 2 (14-16 years) | Cambridge ICGSE Cambridge O Level (ordinary level) (9th and 10th of Indian Curriculum) |
| Cambridge Advanced (16-19 years) | Cambridge International AS and A Level(Advanced Subsidiary and Advance level) (11th and 12th of Indian Curriculum ) |