At CJD, our Cambridge Program offers a robust pathway to international qualifications through Cambridge Assessment, renowned for its rigorous academic standards. We offer programs at different stages of high school, each designed to challenge students and prepare them for academic and professional success worldwide.
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the first level, typically taken in Years 10 and 11 (Grades 9 and 10). This globally recognized qualification covers a broad range of subjects, from Mathematics and Sciences to Humanities and Languages, equipping students with essential skills and knowledge. Successful completion of the IGCSE provides a strong foundation for further studies.
Cambridge IGCSE assessments incorporate a variety of formats, including written exams, oral presentations, coursework, and practical evaluations. This diverse approach gives students multiple ways to showcase their knowledge and skills, which is especially beneficial for those whose first language is not English. Many IGCSE subjects offer a choice between core and extended curricula, catering to students with different learning abilities and goals.
The IGCSE offers both core and extended curricula in many subjects to accommodate different levels of student ability and ambition.
- Core Curriculum: This level covers the essential topics within a subject and is designed for students aiming to achieve grades C to G. It provides a solid foundation in the subject and is ideal for students who may find certain subjects challenging or who prefer a more straightforward approach to the material.
- Extended Curriculum: This includes all core topics but also goes deeper into additional material. It is aimed at students who are more confident in the subject and are looking to achieve grades A* to E. The extended curriculum challenges students with more complex concepts and provides greater preparation for advanced study in the subject.
In essence, the core curriculum covers the fundamentals, while the extended curriculum allows students to explore the subject in greater depth, potentially leading to higher grades.
Cambridge IGCSE examination sessions occur twice a year, in June and November. Results are issued in August and January.
AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A-Levels (Advanced Level)
AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A-Levels (Advanced Level) are taken in Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12), representing the highest level of Cambridge qualifications at CJD. AS and A-Levels dive deeply into specialized subjects, helping students to build expertise and demonstrate readiness for university studies or advanced career paths. The qualifications are widely respected and accepted by universities and employers around the world.
An AS Level syllabus is half of an A-Level. At CJD we encourage our students to take the Cambridge International AS Level in one examination series and complete the final Cambridge International A-Level at a subsequent series. AS Level marks can be carried forward to a full A Level twice within a 13-month period.
Cambridge International AS & A Level examination series are hold twice a year, in June and November. Results are issued in August and January.
The Cambridge International A-Level is reported on a grade scale from A* (highest) to E (minimum required performance). There is no A* grade for Cambridge International AS Levels, which run from grade A to E.
Further Qualifications
CAMBRIDGE ICE (International Certificate of Education) Diploma
An integral part of IGCSE is the Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education a group award that is widely recognized in the USA and South America. By choosing subjects across five academic groups, students who earn the ICE Diploma demonstrate a well-rounded academic profile, which can enhance college and university applications.
- Group I—Languages (English (First or Second), and Spanish (First or Foreign));
- Group II—Humanities and Social Sciences (Economics, Geography, Cambridge Global Perspectives);
- Group III—Sciences (Co-ordinated Sciences – Double Award);
- Group IV—Mathematics;
- Group V—Professional and Creative (Art and Design, Cambridge Global Perspectives, Information and Communication Technology).
Students are required to take two languages from Group I and at least one subject from each of the other groups, with the seventh subject open for selection from any group. Each subject completed successfully awards one credit (except for Coordinated Sciences, which grants two), and students must earn a minimum of 7 credits, passing at least 5, by the end of Year 11 to advance to Advanced Level. This curriculum not only cultivates comprehensive academic skills but also prepares students for a seamless transition to advanced studies.
CAMBRIDGE AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Diploma is available at the AS and A-Level stages. The Cambridge AICE Diploma is a group certification requiring students to study a mandatory core subject, Cambridge AS Level Global Perspectives & Research, alongside Cambridge AS & A Level subjects from three main curriculum areas: Mathematics and Science (Group 1), Languages (Group 2), and Arts and Humanities (Group 3). Additionally, students have the option to include interdisciplinary subjects (Group 4). A Cambridge International AS Level course awards one credit, while an A Level course awards two credits. The AICE Diploma is highly regarded by universities worldwide and can provide students with a competitive edge in admissions. The Cambridge AICE Diploma is awarded based on a points system, with each grade translating into a specific number of points. Grade A* earns 140 points, though the maximum achievable AICE Diploma score is capped at 420 points.
Students who fulfill the Cambridge AICE Diploma group award requirements will receive their Diploma at one of three levels: Pass, Merit, or Distinction, determined by their total AICE Diploma score.
Cambridge AICE Diploma with Distinction: Awarded to students scoring 360 points or higher. The maximum possible score is 420 points.
Cambridge AICE Diploma with Merit: Awarded to students with scores between 250 and 359 points.
Cambridge AICE Diploma at Pass level: Awarded to students with scores ranging from 140 to 249 points.
Students who do not meet the overall group award requirements will still receive individual subject certificates for their completed courses.
CJD is proud to offer these Cambridge qualifications, opening doors to higher education and career opportunities on a global scale. Our commitment to the Cambridge Program ensures that students not only meet international standards but are also equipped to thrive in their future endeavours.