Why Cambridge?
In Years 12 & 13, Chilton now offers a dual pathway model where students, alongside their parents can chose which educational offering best suits their needs.
The CAIE Curriculum
The CAIE curriculum sets a global standard for education and is recognised by universities and employers worldwide. The curriculum is flexible, challenging, inspiring, culturally sensitive and international in approach. Cambridge students develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. Participants also gain the essential skills they need for success at tertiary level and in their future careers.
How does Cambridge work?
Firstly, it is helpful to know the following so that everyone understands the language of Cambridge:
- IGCSE — Stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education – usually examined in Year 11 but students have the opportunity to sit Core Mathematics and Combined Science in Year 10.
- AS – stands for Advanced Subsidiary — usually sat in Year 12 and Year 13.
- A Level – stands for A Level and is sometimes called A2 — usually sat in Year 13.
IGCSE prepares students for their AS/A Level journey. Any student who has completed subjects at IGCSE level will be well-prepared. That does not mean students cannot enter in Year 12 or 13. They are just better prepared if they begin their journey in Year 11.
Chilton prepares Year 12 and 13 students for tertiary study by offering a choice of subjects at AS and A Level. Students may tailor their choices around their career prospects, as Cambridge allows for a greater degree of flexibility than some other curriculums.
In order for a student to gain entry to tertiary study in the Cambridge system, students must complete the following:
- All students must gain Numeracy. In Cambridge, this means a Grade D(50 to 60%) in either Core or Extended IGCSE Mathematics. Students at Chilton have the option to sit Core Mathematics in Year 10 or Year 11.
- All students must gain Literacy. In Cambridge, this means a Grade E(40% to 50%) in AS English – there are two courses. One is English Literature and the other is English Language. Students do IGCSE English Literature in Year 11 and this course prepares them for both Language and Literature at AS level. This allows students to make a sensible choice for Year 12. Also, if students enjoy English, they can select both AS English Literature and AS Language in Year 12.
In order to gain entry to tertiary study, a student must also have gained a minimum of a Grade D in three AS subjects and also have received 120 points or more. You cannot gain 120 points in two subjects only. These points are calculated as follows:
| A 60 | B 50 | C 40 | D 30 | E 20 |
Many students gain this by the end of Year 12. Students going into courses such as Medicine have to gain higher points and these are detailed on the websites of each tertiary provider.
The beauty of Cambridge is that a student can select breadth or depth.
They could have either of the two examples below and so many more variations depending on interest and skill.
| Option 1 Breadth Yr 12 |
Option 1 Breadth Yr 13 |
Option 2 Depth Yr 12 |
Option 2 Depth Yr 13 |
| AS English Literature | AS Language | AS Chemistry | A Level Chemistry |
| AS History | AS Psychology | AS Physics | A Level Physics |
| AS Mathematics | AS Biology | AS Biology | A Level Biology |
| AS Fine Arts | AS Digital Media | AS English Language | A Level English Language or maybe AS Psychology |
Students can take from 0-4 A Levels depending on the Career of their choice. It is extremely flexible and can be tailored to the strengths of the student. However, the student must have achieved excellent results in AS.
Whether it’s Cambridge International or NCEA we have a pathway to suit each individual student.
Cambridge FAQs
IGCSE – Approximately two hours per subject per week is necessary in IGCSE. Art may take some extra time.
AS – AS requires approximately two and a half hours per subject per week.
A Level – requires approximately three hours per subject per week.
One set of examinations prior to the official examinations in October/November.
School examinations are very important in CAIE. If for some reason, you cannot sit the final examination, CAIE uses the school examinations to calculate your final mark.
All the digital skills you need for each course will be integrated into the teaching and learning. You will be expected to have a laptop and various software will be recommended. The majority of learning materials will be available on our Learning Management System, Chilton Central.
Sometimes, for the best of intentions, a student takes subjects that are not right for them in Year 11. In Year 12, many subjects can be taken without having been taken in Year 11 subjects like Business Studies, Physics (if Mathematics is a strength) or History (if English is a strength).
Not at all. They are very different in their approach to assessment and it will come down to personal preference, but students can confidently go on to tertiary education both here in New Zealand and abroad with either.
No. A student must do AS Level first and then A Level Examinations. The two marks are added together and halved for the final grade. Students must sit A Level within 13 months of sitting AS.
Absolutely. This is exactly what many students will do. They plan carefully and often mix and match. The beauty of CAIE is that it is very flexible.
- Be positive
- Be diligent
- Be organised
- Be proactive and ask for help
- Be involved and enjoy classes.