This is a brief Summary of an evening where two speakers talked to the Explorers club about the CIE exams and IB as an alternative to the new NCEA replacement for School Certificate and Bursary.
The CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) and IB (International Baccalaureate) evening was attended by a small group of serious looking
parents. Annette opened the evening by introducing Mark Vella who is from Auckland Boys Grammar school that holds the license and co-ordinates the CIE program in New Zealand. Two or three years back, when the staff at Auckland grammar saw the proposal for the New Zealand NCEA, they were concerned that the qualification failed to recognize the efforts of the high achievers at school. They thus launched a search for another program that would accommodate the needs of these children. They particularly wanted a program that was likely to extend the pupils, offer them some kind of grading, be reasonably priced and finally provide the pupils with a school leaving qualification that would be
recognized internationally as well as in New Zealand. Mark was assigned the
task of investigating all the options and felt that both the IE and CIE
were excellent options, but in the end the school opted for the CIE program
as it is a good deal cheaper than the IB course. In addition they felt that
it would be easier to work the program in with the NCEA curricula as
Auckland Grammar is not a private school and is required to offer its
pupils the NCEA program. Mark had begun to be able to compare the curriculum and standard expected for our New Zealand exams in comparison to the CIE and had concluded that the CIE “A” level (Form 7) was about 6 months ahead of the New Zealand Equivalent, Bursary. A few students had sat an A level Science practical last year and Mark says that he realized from their results that AGS would have to provide a lot more preparation for their pupils for sitting these in future. Students sitting these exams had to use an AIT laboratory, as AGS labs were not up to the required standard.
Mark says that since Auckland Grammar acquired the license for the CIE exams, a number of other schools have signed up. These are MacCleans College, Senior College, Westlake Girls pus a few others. He says that he has been approached by a number of individuals wanting to sit the exams, but he has found the work load involved in setting these people up to be more than he can cope with. However, he would be more willing to help homeschoolers, for example, if he could deal with one person as a representative of the whole group.
We then moved on to hearing what Debbie Dwyer had to say about the International Baccalaureate qualification. She is the co-ordinator of the program at Kristin School in Albany. She explained that the fundamental difference between the IB and the CIE is that the IB is a much more diversified program with the pupils being required to be involved in community and research projects. Plus 6 subjects right through to the 7th form. Also unlike the CIE there is some degree of internal assessment by the pupil's teachers as well as external exams. She agreed that the course is expensive, but part of the reason for that is that the teachers are required to go on regular professional development workshops overseas. In terms of comparing the IB qualification to New Zealand Standards, a pass in the IB qualification is equal to a mark of 24 out of a maximum of 45 points. A New Zealand “A” Bursary is equivalent to 28 points on the IB scale and a “B” Bursary is equivalent to 24 points approximately. To the best of her knowledge, Kristin is the only school in Auckland to offer the IB and she thinks that there is a school in Wellington and Christchurch that also run the IB.
After Debbie had finished her presentation, there followed a period for
questions and the evening closed leaving those who attended with much to
think about.
If anyone would like to pose specific questions on either of these qualifications please pose them on this forum. I have a copy of both the above presentations in Powerpoint format for those who are further interested.
Ros Smart and Annette Collins.
In addition to the above Mark Vella from AGS has supplied me with this list of other schools offering the Cambridge Exams:
Auckland schools - registered centres:
- International College of NZ
- Senior College of NZ
- Pinehurst School
- Strathallan College
- Corran School
- Westlake Girls' High School
- Maclean's College
- Kingsway School
King's College is in the process of registering.
Outside of Auckland Hamilton Boys' High School, Palmerston North Boys' High
School and St Dominics School Wanganui are registered.
I am very interested in both quals, I am on the Ruepehu College BOT and would like to submit the possibility to the rest of the board, could I please have a copy of both power point presentations and any other relevant information i.e, costings (a total breakdown), working in with NZCEA and prior research that supported the decision to offer such qualifications. Is there any statistical data supporting the use of international quals? Do you know of any other educational initiatives (non conventional or conventional) being trialed or tested that would add value to our childrens holistic learning.
I've just graduated from the University of Auckland's teacher training program and would be very interested in viewing those power point presentations on the CIE and IB programs. Could you possibly forward them to atfraser76@yahoo.com, I would be most appreciative. Thanks,
Is there any way that gives students enrolled at a school that provide NCEA such as Rangitoto College in Auckland , the opportunity to do the alternative (Cambridge etc) Examinations without having to actually change schools?
I suggest anyone interested in the Cambridge exams and who is providing them contact this organistion. I understand there are now 42 schools offering them and I believe one is in Dunedin, Martin.
http://www.acsnz.org.nz/
The office is moving this week but the old phone number will provide their new contact details.
I highly recommend these as examinations that are good for gifted and indeed all students. They are at a challenging level and well accepted by univeristies etc.
I know Senior College in Auckland has some sort of boarding facilities, but don't have any details. There is also Auckland International College which offer International Baccalaurete, another excellent programme. They have scholarships available and boarding.
Kia ora
I am a trained secondary teacher - English and Te Reo Maori, and mother of two teenage sons. I am very interested to view the powerpoint presentations about both IB and CIE, and how a school could begin the process of providing the qualifications. Is Hamilton Boys High still the only registered provider in Hamilton?
I am a third year Massey University student completing a BEd (Primary). I am very interested in obtaining a copy of the Power Point demonstration about both IB and CIE. Would someone be able to send it to me,please?
There are 2 schools in Dunedin which offer alternative exams. Columba College (girls only) offers CIE and John McGlashan (boys only) offers IB. All public schools have to offer the NCEA but can also offer alternatives at the same time if they can afford to, have enough resources etc etc. Auckland Grammar does this.
I thoroughly recommend an alternative to the NCEA for gifted children, particularly the highly creative, visual spatial learner. The NCEA is anathema to these children with its insistence on sequential, restrictive, limited, ' tick the box' type tasks. The NCEA was a complete disaster for my EG son and I ended up homeschooling.
We are just beginning the NCEA thing in our household, with our Yr 10 daughter doing some NCEA Level 1 achievement standards in her accelerated classes. She was shocked to receive a merit on her first assessment, for doing "too much", when her friend who did considerably less work received an "excellence". There were no parameters given in the assessment criteria for the length of the work required, simply that the students had to prepare a powerpoint presentation on a particular topic and answer certain questions, which my dd did in depth. If this is a sign of things to come, then I begin to understand the concerns expressed in the forum about the suitability of NCEA for gifted students! Unfortunately her secondary school does not offer any of the alternative qualifications and is a staunch proponent of NCEA.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Annette
Date: 22-03-05 10:58
Hi there I have sent the presentations to those who have requested them. They are rather old now and probably out of date, so I suspect more up-to-date information may be avaIlble on website.
I come across this site and I am also very interested in your powerpoint presentations about both IB and CIE. Would you please send me a copy of it. Many thanks!
My husband and I had a meeting at my son's school to see how he could be extended and if he could do the Cambridge exams, as it is one of the schools on the above list of schools registered to do these exams.
We were told that if the school could not cater for our son (they cater for the average only) then we were free to go elsewhere! We were also told that they will NOT be offering the Cambridge exams as they felt it was not any better than NCEA. Our son is extremely gifted at sport, music and academically and so the school he is going to was chosen after considering the options. It is smaller, has a great culture and we were told that it could cater for him academically. During intermediate years we were very pleased, but the college is run totally differently we are discovering.
So, just a warning to other parents, even if your child's school is on the above list, does not mean that the school is prepared to offer the choice of these exams!!!
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Annette
Date: 12-04-05 01:50
A good point Di. I have been dissppointed to hear that some schools that say they offer Cambridge exams are doing so in a very piecemeal fashion and offering a very limited range. Still probbaly better than NCEA but parents who are keen on this option should be careful to establish, how children are chosen to do the Cambridge exams, what subjects are offered, do they have to do NCEA as well in that subject?
I don't know the school your son is at, but my daughter at Senior College seems happy with the range offered and they only do Cambridge there.
I did CIE AS and A levels last year at Senior College last year and I find the questions were unmotivated, boring and uncreative. Especially the A-level maths questions, CIE offers smiliar questions every year and after you've done several past papers, you can score a higher 90s easily. A lot of my classmates in the accelerate maths class had obtained a high A grade last year and most of them were merely mediocre.
Last year I achieved an Outstanding Performance in NCEA Level 4 Maths with Calculus and I thought that exam was extremely challenging. (I only scored 9/17 questions right) This year, despite I've obtained mostly A grades last year at ACG, I'm still going back to Westlake Boys High School taking NCEA Level 3 + 4 .
Overall, I think CIE is an unworthy course. It only offers a deeper level of content but lacks creativity and development. As long as you know the very basic stuffs, you can do the questions. In contrast, NCEA offers more creative questions encompassing real-life problems. Finally, my advise to parents - if you wish your son or daughter to excel, I suggesting him or her doing NCEA, then going on to scholarship exams (ie. NCEA level 4). In my opinion, NCEA level 4 is far more extensive and challenging than CIE A-levels, as it really stretches out the very top elites in New Zealand.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: A mother
Date: 13-04-05 12:46
Many thanks for your post Will - it is always interesting to hear from the 'horse's mouth' so to speak. I have a 14 year old doing AS CIE Maths so I found your comments really interesting and something to think about. We have considered moving back to our local High School for Year 12 & 13, but have had lots of doubts about NCEA because of all the publicity. So thanks for your comments.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Vicky
Date: 14-04-05 09:37
I have only had the opportunity to compare NCEA Level 1 maths with IGCSE but I found CIE so much better. It has more realistic problems and is set out in a more logical, real life way. CIE teaches you think! I don't know how you could say it didn't! I personally love CIE, I am also a student at Senior College and my friends love it, teachers love it and couldn't imagine going back to NCEA.
My Friends that are doing NCEA are soo jealous!!
Look at all the problems NCEA had, think about thoose kids that have for 3 years beeen doinbg work that was uttually useless and come out with worthless qualifications. Universitys don't like them which has to say something!
I have one friend doing IB who came from NCEA and she is thriving, for once shes actually happy and feels like shes working and acheiving not just passing because of natural ablity. Since IB is a very widespread course that doesn't let you specilise it's great for students that are uncertain where they want to end up.
Hi there,
I have taught for 16 years in Adult Education and have decided to take the plunge into secondary. I m interested in teaching the I.B. in Auckland but have so far only found Kristin School that offers it - are there any other institutions who do the I. B.?
thanks,
david
hi there,
Just discovered this forum, I am interested in finding out if there are any schools (apart from Kristin's) which offer the I.B. in the Auckland area?
If you still have the Powerpoint available? If so, I'd appreciate a copy! thanks.
David
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Annette
Date: 15-05-05 07:50
David
The only other that I know of is Auckland International College Ph 309 4480 info@aic.ac.nz. I would think you could find others by looking on the net or whatever. Ask Kristin maybe.
I am very hesitant to send the presnttaion out now as it is 2002 and is from the lady at Kristin who presnted to our group then. Actually I think next yearb would be a good time to update that with our group.
I know Junior college was intending to do the Middle years IB programme but not sure that actually happened as they are committeed to Cambridge exams.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Anon.
Date: 04-12-05 06:37
You are wrong to compare CIE A level and NCEA level 4 examniations, as they are set at different levels, even though they have similar academic content (which shows how far behind NCEA and New Zealand educational ministers are compared to the rest of the world). Creativity and applications to real-life situations should not be spoon-fed to people as old as those who sit scholarship examinations, as CIE examinations test these capabilities considerably better than NCEA does by forcing the average student to actually think -- the student should naturally apply knowledge to situation. Similar style of question does not mean similar answers. You have proved NCEA is an unworthy qualification -- 9/17 questions right is an outstanding performance?!
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Anon.
Date: 04-12-05 06:46
I can understand some parents' desparation for their child to pass, and NCEA probably does do that, but imagine if THIS leaked out internationally:
NCEA grade point average is nonsense
National's Education spokesman, Bill English, says parents and employers will be misled by the grade average included in the NCEA results, and it should either include failure or be abolished.
"The grade average appears as a number summarising each student's results. It looks like a percentage and that's how parents and employers will see it.
"But it is very misleading. The grade average counts only the standards that have been passed - it does not take into account any failures.
"So, a student who fails several standards can end up with a better grade average than a student who passes all his or her exams. Students who do well in some subjects get better grades if they fail their weaker subjects than if they just pass them.
"The grade average should be a useful summary of achievement.
"Labour's obsession with abolishing the idea of failure is giving parents and employers a misleading picture of students' achievements - as if they didn't already have enough trouble understanding all the other information on a student's record.
"The grade average should include failure or be abolished," Mr English says.
NCEA will be damned by employers and universities worldwide, and your child would be left with a worthless qualification.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Sue
Date: 05-12-05 06:39
I would be more inclined to take your comments seriously, Anon, if you identified yourself and your credentials for making these comments. I am neither for nor against either qualification at this stage.
We have just moved to Taranaki. My children aged 9 and 11 were both accelerated 2 years at private schools in the UK. We have found a large mismatch between curriculums in the UK and NZ and are considering the CIE exams and home schooling as a means of bridging the gap. Does anyone have experience of taking these exams from a wholly homeshool situation?
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: me too
Date: 04-01-06 01:20
Catherine, that is exactly the question I wanted to ask too. I have no intention of sending my child to high school, and also will probably need to look at teaching the graduating exams earlier than most, which would rule out attendance at high school. I would rather go with CIE or IB than NCEA. But can you do them as a homeschooler? Or do you have to attend a public school?
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: A-Level Student
Date: 11-01-06 10:00
I have just sat my A level CIE exam and think that it is a very good and challenging qualification however it does lack some creativity and I feel it can be boring at times for example when I did AS English Litrature we had set texts that we had to do however NCEA doesn't specify the text and has more variety as you are able to study film and part of it speech making. I felt that CIE english squashed the creativity out of me. However for the sciences and maths i feel that CIE is a much better standard. I think its a shame that the NCEA has such bad publicity and inadquet that we have to implement foregin systems. I believe we do a NZ system and think that School cert and Bursary are very adequet they have stood the test of time and would prefer bursary to CIE or IB.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: IGCSE Student
Date: 21-01-06 01:55
I have a sister who is currently at primary school. She is bright for her age and she finds NCEA level 1 maths extremely easy. This I find absurd as NCEA level 1 is supposed to be for NZ yr 11. However I showed her my IGCSE maths papers and she was only able to do the first few questions with ease. This shows that CIE exams are typically harder than NCEA.
Another example: Some schools over NCEA Level 1 Japanese at Yr 11, but the same school only offer IGCSE Japanese at yr 12. Also many of the AS subjects are only offered at yr 13 as it is seen to be too challenging for yr 12s.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Annette
Date: 24-01-06 04:57
I believe it is possible to sit the cambridge exams from a home school situation. I know some students go to Senior College for this and probably other schools as well. Best to make contact through the website:
http://www.acsnz.org.nz/
[ Home Educators - please remember that networking with online home ed groups or physical support groups is the best way to keep in touch with our small community's needs and activities! Check out www.home-education.org.nz for a list of online groups ]
Sorry for such a quick reply (no time but wanted to chip in!).
I understand Christine Whetton is a contact for home ed families wishing to do Cambridge - email whettons@clear.net.nz
Marianne Wilson of Auckland Home Educators Inc is also a good source for home ed youth networking and info on qualifications routes. Email secretary@home-education.org.nz
I am intrigued as to why NZ schools would be interested in taking on the CIE. Cambridge, along with Oxford, have the worst reputation in UK for low quality, insanely high pass rate qualifications. As an examination board they have brought the whole A level qualification into such disrepute and disrepect that the UK Dept Of Education are looking at scrapping the A level qualifiaction completely and going soley with the superior IB programme. If schools in NZ are looking to provide stimulation for students wishing to persue studies overseas they would be well advised to invest the additional money now in the IB programme as their investement in CIE will soon be obsolete. The old Oxbridge cachet sounds good but in reality the qualification is not well regarded in UK or anywhere people are 'in the know'. No wonder it's cheap!
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Annette
Date: 05-03-06 01:51
I would like to hear from some teachers regarding this as I understand that the International Cambridge system used in New Zealand is not exactly the same as what is used in UK.
As a parent of a daughter sitting Cambridge exams we and she have been delighted with the knowledge and depth of the courses and the level most certainly exceeds the local NCEA courses. My daughter's history teacher told us the other day that her AS history course is at the level of a Stage two university paper. she is thoroughly enjoying it. I can only think that the difference could be the content (as on some subjects this is individual to NZ) and the quality of the teacher. My daughter has had mainly excellent teachers.
Another interesting comparision was in accountancy at IGCSE level. A girl in my daughters class was failing acountancy but for other reasons shifted to another (private) school doing NCEA, part way through the year. At this school this girl was top of the class in NCEA accountancy just becasue of the couple of terms she had already done in the cambridge course.
EXPLORERS PARENT/TEACHER EVENING MAY 1ST 2006
Just to let you know Explorers is holding an evening to discuss Alternative Exam Systems, on May 1st at ACG Parnell College - Basement 39 George St, Parnell. Mark Vella from Auckland Boys Grammar will be discussing the Cambridge courses offere in NZ and Roger Lewis from thE Aucklnad International College will be discussing the International Baccalaurate.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: CIE Supporter
Date: 05-03-06 10:53
Just to add to Annette's comments. An English friend made exactly the same comments to me about the Cambridge exams as Gayle has made - pointing out they are not well respected in Britian. However, our observations would be the same as Annette's. Until out daughter started doing the Cambridge curriculuum and the examinations, she met no academic challenge at all, in the New Zealand education system. Since last year she has been very happy at school, fully engaged in her learning and has herself compared what she is doing with her cousins who are all doing NCEA. She has observed that the Cambridge curriculum is far more academically demanding and much higher standards are required of her in terms of essay writing and in many other areas - this is exactly what she is enjoying.
When our daughter was doing AS mathematics last year at age 14-15 we thought that she was doing well because she was working at a Year 12 (6th Form level) even though this is her "weakest subject". However, one of her English trained teachers told us that in fact the AS mathematics curriculum is more equivalent to NCEA Level 3 (Year 13) than Level 2 (Year 12) - so we were more impressed with her efforts in maths. (There were superbright sparks in her maths class flying through the curriculum and doing extremely well, so we also had things in perspective).
I am interested in comments about the IB examination system but we will stick with CIE because it is definitely working for us and producing a happy switched on teenager who doesn't want to miss any school. Of course as Annette also mentions - it also helps that the teachers are all excellent and very switched on as well?! This year our daughter is focusing on subjects of her own choosing which also helps?!
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Annette
Date: 03-05-06 03:15
On Monday 1st May we held an evening: ( see below:
Monday 1st May 7.30pm
INTERNATIONAL EXAM SYSTEMS
Basement: ACG Parnell College; 39 George St, Parnell
Come along to find out about two International exam systems available to students in New Zealand.
Cambridge (CIE)
Mark Vella from Auckland Grammar School will cover the following:
· CIE Qualifications
· Availability in NZ
· Availability at Auckland Grammar School
· Questions
Mark Vella: Director of Studies - Deputy Headmaster of Auckland Grammar School; Primary responsibilities: curriculum delivery and assessment; He is both the NZQA Principal's Nominee and the CIE Examinations Officer for the school; and also the convener of the Academic Committee of the Association of Cambridge Schools in New Zealand.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Roger Lewis of Auckland International College will talk briefly about the history, raison d’être and developments of the IB programme, and then focus on the curriculum, the ways in which it is different from other programmes and the modes of assessment etc before linking into university applications.
Roger Lewis, B.Sc. (Econ), PGCE. Roger began his teaching career at the New English School, Kuwait before returning to South Wales in 1987 to teach at comprehensive schools there. Itchy feet necessitated a move in 1991 to the United World College of South East Asia in Singapore, from where he continued to move east as far as Birkenhead College in Auckland. He joined Auckland International College in July 2003 and is Director of Studies.
In Kuwait and Wales Roger taught Economics to A-Level and O-Level (later GCSE) before his introduction to the IB programme in Singapore. After six years in the New Zealand state system, teaching Economics and Accounting to Bursary level, and a brief dalliance with NCEA, he resumed teaching IB Economics at AIC.
These were both very informative presentations and I am able to send out by email their powerpoint presentations.
It confirms that the syllabus for the GCSE's in England are very different from the IGCSE's except perhaps in Maths!
If you would like a copy emil Annette on president@explorers.org.nz
I would love to take up your offer of a copy of the powerpoint presentations by Mark Vella and Roger Lewis on CIE and IB. Our son has entered school (Year 9 ) for the first time in his life and we are not impressed with NCEA and the impossibly large classes.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Lucy
Date: 21-06-06 05:28
Hi,
I've read all the comments posted and both the CIE and the IB course seem very interesting. I'm currently studying at ACG Parnell College and WAS planning on moving on to Senior College to do the CIE course.
But recently I had just found out about the IB course and I'm considering going to AIC.
My main aim is to get into an overseas universitiy, definitely one top few in the world (if I can get in) but I'm not sure which curriculum would be better.
Can anyone give me any suggestions on which cirriculum is/would be better for a student planning to study overseas (US/UK)?
Both systems do give overseas opportunities. We have members at AIC who have done really well with the IB system and had offers from Oxford University and many American universities as well, but the same happens at Senior College at least 4 that I heard of were offered places at top overseas universities on the basis of their AS and A2 exams. This may in fact have been a lot more. Representatives visit both schools from overseas universities.
I think the core difference is whether you like to specialise in your course. The IB programme is wider in its scope whereas Cambridge you can make quite wide by doing various different levels in a number of papers but you can also specialise and say concentrate on sciences and no language or languages and arts and no sciences.
Feel free to give me an email if you want to ask more on this and obviously both schools can help a lot as well. I could send you the presentations if you want. I have a son at Parnell College and a daughter at Senior College, who also has friends at AIC.
Have you seen the article at www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0511/S00029.htm ?
Quote:
"It is public knowledge that when CIE was restructured in 1999, it faced annual losses of ?(sic)400,000 and had rapidly declining markets"
"... Cambridge exams which appear to be incorporating New Zealand cirriculum content. This is clearly prepared by New Zealand teachers and appears to be essentially our own course material sold back to our own schools by CIE"
Hey, I was looking at going to Senior College next year. I'd be entering in at yr 12. Socially, how accepting would people be of a newbie coming in at yr 12?
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Accepting
Date: 10-09-06 21:40
I just asked my Year 12 daughter (at Senior College) - she read your post and said they would be accepting - if you get involved in things people will talk to you and you are bound to find people with things in common to hang out with. Cheers Alan.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Also
Date: 10-09-06 21:43
She just called out to me and said: "Also say: heaps of new people come in Year 12" ... so you won't be the only new person. My daughter is really, really enjoying being at Senior College so hope it works well for you too.
My Year 12 daughter would agree too!! As many join in that year there are lots of new faces and if you show a little willingness it shouldn't be a problem. My daughter has several friends this year who arrived at the school in Year 12.
Hi we are a NZ family that have lived overseas for many years & now may be heading home. My 11yr old daughter currently goes to an International school using the PYP program. I am interested in finding a school that does Middle Years program & IB in Christchurch, to date I can only seem to find one, St Margaret's. Are there any others in Chch and are there any schools besides this one that offer Mandarin?? Thanks
Hi I'm a 16 year old kiwi who is returning to NZ in December for the 2007 academic year - y13
I have been in the UK for 3 years and in that time have achieved high grades with GCSE. I don't want to do NCEA because the curriculum seems too easy and in y11 over here i have covered alot of what is in the NCEA 2 text book. The AS course goes far beyond what is covered in all subjects (esp Chem). I'm currently doing Biology Chemistry Physics Philosophy English Literature and Critical Thinking.
Could anyone send me some information as to which school would offer the best exams and experience with the hope of going to either Auckland, Oxford or Imperial Medical Schools.
Thanx
Hi, I want to get in the IB course but im not sure what college and what age would be best to apply. I live in Hamilton and I am starting Y11 this year (2007).
Thanks
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Annette
Date: 07-03-07 22:17
Sorry I don't know about a Cambridge Primary syllabus but there certainly is a Primary Schools Programme and Middle Years programme with IB.
Jun The IB course runs mid year to Mid year and is two years. The Auckland Internatnational college takes students in Year 11 and they do a Pre IB programme for 6 months. I think there are also options for starting in Year 12 but it may involve goign back 6 months.
Try contacting
Auckland International College 85 Airedale St 09 921 2657 rlewis@aic.ac.nz
Kristin also offer Ib in Albany Auckland.
As New Zealanders we should be supporting our own examning board and it is a concern that we are turning to different ones.
If you are concerned about Universities and studying overseas.
The number of NZ students (undergrads) going to universities outside NZ are small anyway- many of them are international students studying here. So postgrad students looking to study overseas look at your university marks not high school. So really there is no huge problem in that front and we're looking for a solution to a problem there that barely exsists.
If possible I would like a copy of the powerpoint however.
take heart, that sort of treatment is not uncommon - and not only from NCEA! My son (12) participated in Year 8 science fair, investigated for 6 months, corresponded with two experts in his field at two different US universities, worked with one pathologist in Auckland, investigated something that has not been published on before - and received a Merit (2nd place) for his work in the Auckland leg of the competition. The judges comments, after a 30 min and another 10 minute interview, were that he had done too much, too indepth and too advanced for the Year 8 category. A student with a very basic copy of a single, already well published and existing experiment received 1st prize.
I can somewhat understand the problem of the judges that they cannot really give a second place to someone who has met the criteria set out (and available to teachers only) as that other student had. But I cannot accept that someone who is clearly performing above expectations is punished for showing so. My son is now working with the US contact on getting his research published in an US student research forum for budding scientists.
Shame, really, isn't it?
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: A. Mum
Date: 11-04-07 23:09
Hi, it might be a few months too late but here are some powerpoint links with info about the IB programme for primary schools, they have the PYP and MYP (Primary / Middle Years Programme)
CIE is popular with UK universities as after all, they made it. IB is popular with both UK and USA as the largest number of IB students reside in USA. Oxbridge give out offers of AAA, but in IB there are offers of 6,7,7 in Higher Level. Plus a 45/45 in IB is equilvalent to AAAAAA at A level according to the UCAS tariff.
JUN,
the appropriate age for starting IB is 16 or equilvalent to yr 12.
However if you are able, you may start at yr 11, there are 13 year olds in IB.
The closest college to hamilton will probably be auckland international college. you will probably have to board there to attend or you can move to auckland.
aucklnad international college's academic year starts in july, so I'd be contacting them about it right now if i were you.
Rosie,
If you want to go to Auckland, then stick with NCEA as NCEA will get you there. However if you are considering Oxford and Imperial, CIE and IB is for you.
Senior college, corran, macleans, kings, westlake all offer cambridge.
only auckland international college and kristin offer IB. (in auckland)
Offers for oxford med school - AAA at a level or 42/45 in IB
If you would like any other information about IB, please email me at victor.x.li@hotmail.com
Columba College (girls only for senior school) offers CIE (or it used to - I haven't checked recently) and John McGlashan (boys only) offers IB.
Regards
Mary Jane
Can I please have copy of the PowerPoint presentations by Mark Vella and Roger Lewis on CIE and IB? My son is in Year 9 & doing CIE. Now he wants to study IB at Auckland International College.
We dont much about IB. Your advice on this is much appreciated.
I would like to know about CIE exams in nz. We moved to Riyadh last year in September 2007 . My daughter was in year 10 in nz .As the session in nz starts in february and in Riyadh session starts in September. she lost 6 months as she has to start year 10 again because british school have year 10 and year 11 together.Wr going back to NZ in 2009 after my daughter finishes her IGSCE exams in may.Just wanted to know if she could sit for year 12 exams in november 2009 so that she does not lose her year. Could you please advise .
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Annette
Date: 04-05-08 14:02
Renu
I am not an expert on Cambridge exams just have organised some sessions on them and have had 2 children complete them.
I suggest that you contact the Principal at Senior College as they can be quite flexible about when children sit exams and if your daughter is capable won;t hold her back. The only other girls school doing Cambridge that I can recall is Westlake Girls on the North Shore but I don't know if they can be that flexible but you could try them too. There may be others.
I live in China and have a son doing the MYP, who will go into Grade 8 in september. Until Grade 6, his school used the Singapore Curriculum.
There is much debate in circles here about whether the MYP is better or the IGCSE and I have been trying to decide which one is better. I came across your forum while exploring this. I see that these posts are at least 2 years old and wonder if you could share your views now?
I've been reading with interest the various pieces of correspondence re CIE, IB, GCSE etc and am very keen to have emailed the powerpoint presentations to which you refer from the various speakers on these topics.
I am currentl;y looking at home-schooling our 12yr-old son until the point where he would have to return to school for IB or whichever curriculum we decide is best suited for his future.
So any information about the relative merits, course requirements and schools that provide for the various alternative curriculum would be very much appreciated.
Hi.
I have a son who will be going into year 10 next year at a school that offers only the cambridge program. He is a hard worker, but is pretty middle of the road academically, so my concern is that he may not cope with the workload and level of Cambridge after coming out of the NCEA system.Does anyone have any experience of children who are not at the top end of the spectrum academically who have swapped from NCEA to Cambridge, and how they have coped? Also, if it does prove too huge a jump academically, and he wants to shift back to the NCEA system after trying Cambridge for a year, can he get any credit in the NCEA system for work done at year 10 level Cambridge, or does he then miss out on being awarded any NCEA credit for work done in year 10?
I would really appreciate anyone's feedback!
Thanks!
Is there any way that u can appear for cambridge exam from outside? though my son in year 9 he is doing additional studies of cambridge and really good in maths.
Its hard to buy house in Auckland grammar and send him to private school,
please if someone can assit me,
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Sue
Date: 05-11-09 23:13
This is a little late, but in response to Keri's post, Cambridge is not just offered for gifted kids and is just another qualification system. Certainly it operates differently from NCEA as it focuses on the traditional end-of-year exam as the measure of whether the student has learned the content and skills in the curriculum, whereas NCEA provides for a mix of internal assessment and end-of-year exams, but essentially both systems are offered for all students. Gifted kids who learn the rules of whichever system they are working in and 'play the game' can do well in either, though may well find the whole thing frustrating. The actual awarding of NCEA achievement standard credits doesn't happen in most schools until Yr 11, although some schools will teach some of the Level 1 achievement standards to accelerate classes in Yr 9 or 10 and the kids 'bank' the credits until Yr 11. I am fairly certain there is no cross-crediting allowed from Cambridge to NCEA or vice versa, but could be wrong on that.
As you mention your son is a hard worker, I think he will be fine. Many gifted kids come unstuck because they will not put the work in at secondary school - they have become so used to not making any effort at primary level and still doing well that they haven't developed the skills to study and can't believe that they might need to do a little bit of actual work at secondary school! Others don't work because they find they are still so far ahead of their non-gifted classmates they still don't need to work - for some of these kids, university is the first time they'll ever face much of a challenge, if they get there. (There are a number of gifted adults on this forum who finally got to university by circuitous routes after not doing particularly well at high school!) In both NCEA and Cambridge, actually doing the work and making the effort to study for assessments, be they internal ones or end-of-year exams, is more than half the battle. On the plus side, all the research seems to point at this stage to the traditional end-of-year exam structure favouring boys, so Cambridge would seem to be preferable on that score.
In response to the post made by mahesh amrute, definitely!
Many CIE centres/schools affiliated with the Association of Cambridge Schools in New Zealand allow for "private candidates" to sit the CIE exams. These are candidates who do not attend a CIE school, but want to do the CIE exams. However, do note that "You can expect to pay an additional fee to cover administrative expenses (such as invigilation). The school is not responsible for providing you with tuition, textbooks or other material not related directly to the examination."
Visit the website: http://www.acsnz.org.nz/privatecandidates.cfm for more details/ information about who to contact etc.
Hi
Please may I have a copy of the presentations on CIE and IB. I know it is now about 8 years old but I would like to use it as a starting point in my quest to research whether my sons (aged 13 yrs and 12 yrs) should do IB, CIE or NCEA.
Regards
Amali
May I please have a copy of presentation? Thank you.
My daughter is Y10 this year, and we are doing some research and try to find which exam system is good for her. Her school provided IB (from this year) and NCEA. We also want to know some schools who provide good Cambridge course. You mentioned your daughter studied at Senior College, is it Senior College of ACG? I guess you daughter may go to university now, how does she feel about Cambridge course, is it make her feel easy to deal with university papers?
Please may I have a copy of the power point presentation on CIE and IB?
What does your daughter think about the Cambridge Exam? Does it really prepare the student better for University Level?
Now with the accreditation of Certificate of Merit or Excellency in the NCEA system, will the NCEA result more readily be accepted by overseas Universities e.g. Australia? In fact NCEA or Cambridge result is more appealing to Universities in Australia?
My daughter is now in Yr 11 but thinking about to switch to Cambridge Exam. Is it too late to change since the school year has started already? Will she be disadvantaged as she has limited time to adjust to the new system as well as to a new school (her school only has NCEA) before sitting the ICGSE at the end of this year?
We find it really hard to decide which system is more advantages for her. She has above average abilities academically. Can you and other forum members please give us some suggestions?
She intends to study medicine or other health related profession, however she has not decide whether to stay in NZ or to go to Australia. In fact what are the entry requirements of medicine for Australia Universities?
We feel we are running out of time, all ideas and suggestions are much appreciated.
Hi,
we are an NZ family returning from the UK and needing to make the important decision of schooling for our children. We are at the information gathering phase and would greatly appreciate any reading material you have on the merits of IB and CIE.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Annette
Date: 02-03-10 17:20
Jenny
Will send presentation but they are VERY old now. I suggest you contact the school to discuss. Kathy Parker at Senior College is always happy to discuss.
Both my children went to University after Year 12 Cambridge exams and found them excellent preparation even though my son had only one A2 in Physics. Even just the AS level was above the NCEA equvalents on some areas.
I think you daughter could still change SCONZ which is the school I know best has taken several pupils part way through the year and been flexible in what they sit etc. Many have done fine with this.
I am from China and my daughter is 7. I am trying to select a school which either offers IB or CIE. Would you send me the slides for reference? Many thanks.
I am from South Korea and currently attenting New Plymouth Girls' High School and doing NCEA Level One. I was reading about the IB and the Cambridge Exams available in New Zealand and was thinking about moving to a school who provided these exams. But I wasn't sure if I was making a wise choice. I think I am doing okay achieving mostly merits and excellences in tests and my current mock exams but I wasn't sure on my decision.
Also I would like toobtaining a copy of the Power Point demonstration about both IB and CIE.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Sue
Date: 27-09-10 19:47
I have no experience of IB or Cambridge, but I can say that my daughter completed NCEA Level 3 with merits and excellences and found she was well prepared for University. She is in her second year and doing extremely well. I'm sure that both IB and Cambridge are good pre-University courses, but so is NCEA. My daughter could have gone to Uni after Yr 12 as she had NCEA Level 2 with Excellence endorsement, but chose to complete Yr 13 for the leadership opportunities available in the final year at high school.
I took Cambridge O and A levels in the early 80s and they were very good qualifications in their own right and as preperation for university studies. Since then the Cambridge qualifications have been dumbed down a fair bit, but not as much as all other qualifications that I have reviewed.
The problem with the IB is that it forces a child to do subjects in which they do not have much talent. For example my command of English has never been that great and I am not good generally at languages, but since I have a good reputation as an Orthopaedic Surgeon, perhaps that is not important.
I did A levels in Physics, Maths, Chemisty and Biology and got three A's and one B (I failed my O level in English Language!). Had I done the IB, I would have not got into medicine, as my poor English result would have counted towards the final marks.
The IB has another problem in that students are forced to do coursework that is then assessed by the student's teachers. Boys generally do less well at coursework than girls and also widespread cheating occurs. Long coursework assignements whould not be given to boys who are under the age of 17, as they tend to be too physically active and finding out about their new adult world to put in the right amount of effort. Girls tend to work harder at school coursework
Overall I would say that the Cambridge exams are better than the IB and much better than any government interferred with, socially engineered education system.
I've skimmed through this thread, so apologies if it has already been mentioned ... Pukekohe Christian School, Pukekohe (south of Auckland) does Cambridge curriculum.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: A mum of teenagers
Date: 24-10-10 11:46
Hi there,
Thanks for all the info re: Cambridge. It is interesting, though my child's Ed psych said that she felt NCEA was best for her as she doesn't cope to well in exams.... does anybody have any experience with this.
thanks
I have just observed my son doing NCEA level 2 exams. The exam standards are very high and the content challenging. Even though there are some internal assessment modules, the external exams are of greater weighting, especially for subjects like Sciences and Maths. The online resources are also excellent. Students have a far greater chance through NCEA to know exactly what their learning goals are and how to achieve them. From my perspective this system is far superior to the older examination systems (SC/UE) that were in operation in NZ prior to NCEA. I would be very cautious about adopting a potentially dodgy off-shore 'international' qualification like Cambridge. Remember Cambridge, despite the name, has nothing to do with the famous university. There are issues of quality control there. Some schools are putting their 'top' students into Cambridge and their 'lesser' talented students into NCEA. This is a delusion as far as I can see. Students that move on to university study seem to be very well prepared by the NCEA system too, and go to the top programmes as to be expected. I thought this post needed a balanced opinion!
I think that all of our children, though gifted, are different and some aspects of some systems suit some children, while others will not.
I'm writing as the parent of a teen (motivated high achiever) currently at an NCEA school and see both advantages and disadvantages for us.
Advantages:
1) some internal assessment appeals to our teen as he is a perfectionist and finds the time limits on exams stressful (over the years this has been improving as he tries different techniques and understands himself better). He is looking forward to being able to write a thesis, where he can work on a topic for an extended period of time, with no exam! But we discuss all of these things openly at home - allowing for venting at the system when it doesn't fit, then brainstorming ways to make it work for us. In my experience of life, systems have rarely fit me!
2) NCEA allows for acceleration in individual subjects and if school also does this it can be great for gifted kids. Our teen attained Schol Maths with Stats in Year 11. At first we thought this could not be put off for two years, but our teen rang NZQA and is using Year 13 at school as a gap year, meaning he will still get the money at Uni in 2012.
3) If the school is flexible entry to uni can be obtained earlier than year 13 - our teen had entry requirements by beginning of Y12 and now has Y13 with excellence already. He could go to Uni full-time next year, but has chosen to take 4 subjects at school and 2 at Uni (His high school is walking distance to Uni which really helps!) A friend of his took one subject at Uni in Y12; we gave our teen the same opportunity, but he chose not to take it.
4) Having already achieved L3 excellence in some subjects, next year he can pick up some new ones, e.g. Classics, History, that he was sorry to drop in favour of science and maths which take up 4 subject slots.
Disadvantages:
1) Sometimes NCEA questions have ambiguities that our kids are only too able to notice. We dealt with this by talking through what the examiner was most likely to be expecting.
2) Expectations can be unclear, but we are fortunate to have had Teachers who give very clear descriptions of what is required from an assessment, and who are open to questions in class and by email from our teen about what is expected.
3) Limits on creativity, e.g. creative writing, music composition
These can be frustrating at times, but being creative to order always is so.
4) When teachers are unwilling to accelerate students to a higher level and thus curriculum compact, this can be very frustrating for able students
It is almost laughable to observe the paranoia and utter nonsense that is parroted on much of this board.
It is also interesting to see how many parents and others think that different assessment systems will somehow suit gifted kids. What a load of rot. It is an assessment system not a curriculum. What matters to your child is what goes on in the classroom on day to day basis. Gifted kids struggle in secondary school because of traditional, rigid approaches to teaching and learning and inflexible systems which don't allow students to express themselves. This is all reinforced by 19th century exam systems which many of you are promoting.
Extension is just more of the same, which is what you will get with CIE. What you children need is enrichment. This tends to happen at the primary level, but is less of a focus at the secondary level where exam systems dominate. At least NCEA is trying to move us to a more modern, flexible approach to assessment. It is far from perfect, but any assessment system has its flaws. The very notion of grading is flawed. Read some Alfie Kohn for goodness sake.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: anon
Date: 13-02-11 12:39
My understanding was that CIE didn't involve grading!! However I grew up in the dark ages where I sat School C - which certainly was graded and for the most part to my detriment!
May I please have a copy of the powerpoint presentation?
I'm just having a dilemma as to whether to put my kid to a private school or public school? i guess the major difference will boil down to the type of education system it offers.
What is the major difference between Cambridge; International Baccalaureate and the NZ education system? Is there a table matrix to show the difference?
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Newbie
Date: 24-03-11 18:43
Hi Christina
Cambridge, IB and NCEA are qualifications based on different methods of assessment. This does not necessarily indicate the 'type of education' students are likely to experience at any particular school, be it private or public.
Students are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged by the type of secondary qualification that they undertake in terms of gaining entry into most reputable tertiary institutes. For example, Auckland University has a rank score system, whereby you transform your grades from NCEA/Cambridge/IB into their ranking system, which informs students as to whether they've met the entry requirements of the tertiary course they're interested in. The university doesn't care what assessment regime your child studied under, just the rank score that they have that enables them entry into different courses. The following URL will lead you to information about the rank score system at Auckland University http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/videoguide#s2c2
Having said all of that, it is highly advantageous if you are aware of your child's learning style, and the type of assessment method that they are most likely to achieve under. For example, not all students are wired to achieve under a predominantly exam-based assessment regime, and not all students achieve well under an internally assessed assessment regime. It is probably a good idea if you google the various qualifications to get your head around how they work.
Further to this, different schools (private and public) offer different opportunities depending on the strength of the staff, school focus and vision etc. If you've got a Principal whose mad about the Arts, its likely that the drama/music department will be completely high-tech. If you know what your child's strengths and interests are, as well as areas that they require extra support in, then it would be useful to research schools that will meet those needs.
Contrary to belief, there is no one school that is superior to any other. There are only a range of schools that offer a different combination of opportunities. The reason for this is that the fit for one child, may not necessarily be the same fit for another. I'm not trying to sound deliberately airy-fairy, but there is a huge misconception that schools that offer a particular assessment regime are superior to those that don't, or, that if I put my child into private education, they are guaranteed to achieve. Again I want to reiterate that it is far better for parents to know their children, and know the opportunities at different schools that are likely to fit their child's learning needs. I understand that this is easier said than done, but it'll deliver better results for those who are able to figure that formula out.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: SJW
Date: 24-06-11 23:32
Our local high school has just been through the process of extensive research and comparison to decide whether or not it should offer an alternative qualification to NCEA. Both IB and CIE were considered. The end result was that they decided to stick with NCEA alone, as research done by John Hattie at Auckland Uni showed that overall, students who arrived at Uni with NCEA actually did better academically than those who came in with other qualifications.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Anon
Date: 28-06-11 15:58
Hi since this is such a topic of interest it would be great if you could post a link to the research completed by Dr Hattie so that we can review it and decide for ourselves. There are many of us on here trying to decide which high schools/college to send our gifted kids to and hence what programes they should be doing, and this sort of information would be really helpful to us.
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Pip
Date: 16-11-11 13:47
Hi Forum
I've really enjoyed reading this forum through and am at the parenting point of, 'so where do we send our awesome teen!' We've found the Psychological Educational Assessments really helpful in understanding how our teen literally thinks, we're continually kept up to date on said teen's personal interests so as far as a scholastic assessment programme of choice, it seems that matching up teen's skills, hobbies and preferred ways of working might be the way forward. Then I guess a school with an attitude and culture we like and think might suit, with assessment programme of choice, could be a place to start!
We've used Pro-Ed Centre on the Shore, Auckland for the Psychological Educational Assessments - a hugely child-orientated, supportive and interested outfit.
Best wishes to all on a joyous parenting adventure:)
Hi:
I have a teenage son who did his MYP in an IB school. \since he is entering his high school; I would like to see the comparison through your Power Point presentation and would greatly appreciate your expertise on this.
Many Thanks,
We are thinking of moving to a country where an American curriculum is available. We would like to have our children do the Cambridge exams so that they have a qualification that is recognized at Universities in NZ. Is this going to even be possible when the school itself does not offer Cambridge exams? What extra requirements are needed?
Thanks for all your entries, I am a secondary teacher trained under the NCEA curriculum. I am intersted in learning more about the IB and MYP and CIB curriculums. If any one has a copy of the powerpoint mention I'd appreicate a copy.
I have recently changed teaching subjects from NCEA perfoming arts into Cambridge ESOL for adult pre-intermediate students.
I am intersted to see the difference in IB and how performing arts intergrates with languages.
If anyone has a copy of the IB curriculum and can foreard it to me that be wonderful. I have searched online and have not succeeded as yet.
I am happy to discuss with you the difference between Cambridge International and IB as our virtual pre school, primary school and high school programme runs on Cambridge International and also incorporates the key aspects of IB such as second language learning again from pre school up. We are British teachers but have been working in New Zealand for 24 years so we also incorporate NCEA as an alternative for NZ students. You can contact us through our website (www.alphaed.co.nz) or by direct email to me (info@alphaed.co.nz). I am happy to meet with you.
I am looking getting a job overseas. My son will by then just have completed NCEA level 2, he will arrive in the new country Jan 2013 missing a third of his final year of IB. We are not sure what is best for him to do - NCEA by correspondence and miss the social life, IB? - can he go straight into second year? Or should we go Sept 2012 and let him do a whole year of IB then what about NCEA lev 2 - do both for a while maybe?
Any insights into what people do when they move internationally?
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: Rox
Date: 29-02-12 00:51
IB is a two year course with exams only at the end of the two years. There are 6 subjects that cover certain compulsory areas, plus CAS and TOK and the extended essay.
Jumping into 2nd year IB to complete in one year would be nigh on impossible if you havent started IB in your home country already because there are so many demands for practical and internally assessed work, the CAS components etc. Its a tough course at the best of times!
If there was an option to jump into an A level course, that would be easier.
Hello,
I am interested in both IB and CIE systems. Is is too late to ask for a copy of the presentation. Can someone forward one to me please?
Many thanks
Hello, my question is how does the NCEA Level 1 equate to GCSEs and entering into the A Level system in the UK. We are in a position that we need to return to the UK. We have to decide to complete Year 11 here or finish by correspondence. Also given the school year in the UK starts in September. Any input would be helpful. Thanks!
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: rox
Date: 02-05-12 02:23
Emma
Are you going long term, or for a calendar year, or a Northern academic year?
If you didn't come till Januray, AS students would be about to do mock exams already for their AS exams in April/May/June. Some subjects have coursework requirements as well .
If you're moving longer term and you know roughly where you'll be, it might be better to check with the school if your child could start AS with 2/3rds of NCEA 1. The school may say ok if grades are fine already, or they may ask for exams by correspondence. They often look at age as a deciding factor.
There is a big jump from GCSE to A levels anyway so all the new 6th formers are somewhat taken a back in September at the new work load expected.
Personally I would think it better to start 6th form with all the other new students in September than come in in January. Students often move schools or to a college for 6th form anyway so that also makes it easier to fit in as a new student.
Good luck!
Re: Cambridge Exams (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Author: rox
Date: 04-05-12 01:06
Emma
Something else - if you are staying in the UK longer term and would be looking at tertiary study, the uni offer grades are based on both their AS marks and their predicted grades for A2. So arriving half way through the school year would make it harder to get good AS grades which could affect at what level uni offers were made.
If anyone wants information on Cambridge Exams in NZ they can e-mail me at the Association of Cambridge Schools on acsnz@ags.school.nz
I can e-mail links to Guides for Parents, an up-to-date PowerPoint Presentation and a NZ Private Candidate Handbook. There is also some printed material that I can send in the post, so please let me know your address if you would like to be sent this.
There has been a significant increase in interest in Cambridge Exams for private candidates. A formal process has been put in place so that candidates from all over the country have consistent access at host schools from Whangarei to Invercargill. This offers another choice for a broad range of parents and students to consider. Private candidates include students who are home educated, top academic students who attend schools that do not offer Cambridge, gifted students - very young to older, and adult students, generally wanting to go to University overseas, or parents home educating who sit the exam/s alongside their child.
Cambridge is very flexible with no restrictions on age or pre-requisites. Private Candidates have a Master List of subjects to select from. Please note that private candidates cannot sit any subjects that have a coursework component.
There is a Yahoo group for NZ private candidates sitting Cambridge.
The following was written by a the a parent of a 10 year old gifted student:..
...We are glad that we made the decision on the Cambridge programme; otherwise, both we and Tristan would be very frustrated now.
From an early age, Tristan has had a strong passion for learning and reading. His precocious behaviour compelled us to provide a good learning environment for him. We became aware that we should not hold him back when we found his IQ score was at the 99.99th percentile and he also achieved top of New Zealand on the Australian Mathematics Competition. We researched extensively on various available challenges for him but failed.
Luckily, a new Headmaster, Mr Peter Crompton, joined Tristans school, Ficino School, Year 1 to 8, three years ago. Mr Crompton has very good teaching experience in the UK at both high school and university levels. He realised Tristans Maths level was already well beyond what the school could offer. He was very supportive and recommended Cambridge to him. He also allowed Tristan to work with older classes and have time to complete some of his IGCSE work at school.
We found that Cambridge was the perfect choice for Tristan. We can keep him challenged and at the same time get an internationally recognised qualification as the pathway for his future. It assured us that we no longer need to look for new challenges over the next couple years. Tristan can just pick and choose the exams in accordance with his own interests and go for it at his own pace. All our stress is removed, and Tristan is happy and highly motivated.
At the beginning of last year, Tristan asked to sit his first IGCSE exam. We obtained and followed through the revision checklist and other information from the Cambridge website. We then got in touch with the ACSNZ and the Administrator, Janine Manning, guided us through the private candidate process. We got very helpful advice from her in addition to the detailed information pack which gave us full understanding of the procedures and requirements. She also invited us to join an e-mail loop for NZ Home Educators using Cambridge where we can learn and share very valuable experience and information.
At the final stage before the exam, we sought a tutorial from Ms Sawmya Injeti of the North Shore Development Centre to make sure Tristan had an in-depth understanding of every topic required by the exam. A week before the exam, Tristan attended the two days ACSNZ revision class, which was a great help for him in sharpening his examination skills and building up his confidence level.
Tristan is enthusiastic for the Cambridge challenge and does not want to stop. He is working on IGCSE Science and AS Maths now and is aiming at obtaining good result for entry to the University of Auckland MAX programme next year. He is attending a 15 class AS Maths programme that is being run by the ACSNZ though-out terms one, two and three in 2012.
The Cambridge programme does not only stretch and challenge Tristan with stimulating and structured materials, but also helps him to build up his self-confidence for his future in life.
Hi there
Can anybody help us with our IB decision? Our beautiful 15 year old has done well in recent years dumbing herself down to fit in. Her results are still above average, but she doesnt win academic prizes anymore. Our girl naturally inclines towards English the Arts, Science and French. She has started this year (Year 11) with a good attitude, so far so good. She is a reasonably motivated absent minded professor who loves the extra-curricular stuff - productions etc. Her school offers IB but not Cambridge. Shes not sure because she says NCEA would allow her to have a life as well. Fair enough but I hear the IB is a great investment for her future. She is VERY capable of it. Our relationship has been precarious at times- Im a perfectionist she is not, but we are pretty good now. While I could support her with her essay etc, the school has great support in place for the IB students. My husband is also indecisive we dont want her to end up hating us! What should we do? I would love to hear from anyone who has any advice or recent experience.
