CAMBRIDGE CURRICULUM
The Secondary Section of FSS is an authorized school for Cambridge Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary Qualifications of Cambridge curriculum offering Cambridge pathway from 11-16 years. The school is authorized to take private candidature for Cambridge Upper Secondary Assessments (IGCSE) and Cambridge Advanced Assessments (AS & A Level). Cambridge International Examinations prepares school students for life, helping them develop and informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. Cambridge Programmes and qualifications have a proven reputation for being an excellent preparation for university, employment and life.
Five elements of Cambridge education are: international curriculum, teaching and learning, assessment, international recognition and global community.
International curriculum
The main purpose of assessment at firststeps is to promote student learning, to provide information about student learning and to contribute to the efficacy of the programme in order to evaluate and improve the overall curriculum and curriculum delivery.
Teaching and learning
FirstSteps provide professional development for teachers, to help them improve their performance and practice throughout their careers. We encourage teaching practices that develop the ability of students to reflect on their learning.
Assessment
Cambridge designs the assessments to be fair, valid, reliable and practicable. It assesses what is known to be of value: deep subject knowledge, conceptual understanding, and higher level thinking skills. Their flexible assessment structure maximizes time for teaching and learning. At FirstSteps, we are inclined completely to the pattern of Cambridge pattern in its true spirit . Assessments routines are followed throughout the courses systematically and robustly in both Lower Secondary and Upper secondary Sections ensuring the preparation to its fullest for their Cambridge Checkpoints and IGCSE Assesments.
International recognition
Cambridge qualifications are widely recognized by universities and employers. Cambridge students can be confident that their qualifications will be understood and valued throughout their education and career, in their home country and internationally.
Global community
Cambridge schools belong to a worldwide education community. Cambridge supports professional learning communities which connect teachers around the world so that can they share views, information and resources, and learn from one another.
At FirstSteps School, Cambridge learners are aligned with the learner attributes of being:
CONFIDENT in working with information and ideas- their own and those of others.
RESPONSIBLE for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others.
REFLECTIVE as learners, developing their ability to learn.
INNOVATIVE and equipped for new and future challenges
ENGAGGED intellectually and socially and ready to make a difference in the world
Cambridge Secondary is typically for learners aged 11 to 14 years.
Curriculum:
provides a natural progression from primary education.
sets clear learning objectives for the first three years of secondary education in English, Mathematics and Science.
is compatible with other curricula, internationally relevant and sensitive to different needs and culture.
is appropriate for learners whose first language is English.
gives you optional routes to use sections that suit your situation best.
focuses own learners development with international benchmarks.
Assessments:
There are two testing options at Cambridge Lower Secondary Stage:
Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Tests and Cambridge Checkpoints
Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Tests:
Provides detailed information about the performance of each learner from Grade VI to VIII.
Enable teacher to give structured feedback to learners and parents.
Enable teacher to compare the strengths and weaknesses of individuals and groups.
Are marked by teachers in school.
Comes with clear guidance, standards and mark schemes.
Can be used at any time during the year.
Cambridge Checkpoints:
A test to assess learning at the end of Cambridge lower Secondary and provide evidence of readiness for the next stage.
Test skills, knowledge and understanding of the curriculum for English, Mathematics and Science.
Feedback reports show how a learner has performed in relation to the curriculum, their learning group, the whole school and against all learners who have taken test in that series around the world.
Tests are marked in Cambridge to provide an international benchmark of learner’s performance.
Learners receive a statement of achievement and a diagnostic feedback report.
Can be used at any time during the year.
Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE more than 30 years ago. Today, it’s the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. Not only is it truly international – it gives students more options than any other international qualification. That means more subjects to choose from, more ways to learn and more ways to succeed.
Cambridge IGCSE provides broad and balanced study across a wide range of subjects, using learner-centered and enquiry-based approaches to learning. The International General Certificate of Secondary Education – IGCSE (IX and X), is a stimulating, challenging and creative educational programme. This consists of two-year syllabi, culminating in a public exam at the end of grade 10. These syllabi provides an excellent platform for students who are considering applying to Universities Colleges abroad for higher education. The IGCSE (IX and X) programme is tailor-made for the academically inclined creative students. This programme teaches and encourages independence of thought, analysis of a wide range of both generic and complex issues and the knowledge of the communicative skills required to succeed thus Creating a strong foundation for the A level programme.
Assessments
Cambridge IGCSE assessment takes place at the end of the course and can include written, oral, coursework and practical assessment. This broadens opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning, particularly when their first language is not English. In many subjects there is a choice between core and extended curricula, making Cambridge IGCSE suitable for a wide range of abilities.
Grades are benchmarked using eight internationally recognized grades, A* to G, which have clear guidelines to explain the standard of achievement for each grade.
Cambridge IGCSE examination sessions occurs thrice in a year, in March, June and November. Results are issued in May, August and January. At FirstSteps, we follow March Series for IGCSE Assessments keeping in view the beginning of sessions as per the National School Education System so that the transisition becomes smooth in Upper Secondary Section to other Boards (if, needbe). Students can comfortably apply for all National level Competitions after completing their AS and A Level Assessments by March Series.
The students are required to take up minimum five IGCSE subjects during assessments Pass. A wide spectrum of subjects at this level gives all individuals a more robust education. Students are able to make choices keeping in mind a wide breadth of disciplines, possible career opportunities and aptitude. First Steps offers complete teaching, learning and preparation of seven subjects for IGCSE Assessments that makes all students eligible for ICE Award.
The Cambridge IGCSE subjects are grouped into five curriculum areas. The subjects offered at FirstSteps School include:
Group I: Languages
-English as second language (0510, 0511)
-First Language English (0500)
-Hindi as Second Language (0549)
Group II: Humanities and Social Science
-Economics (0455)
Group III: Sciences
-Co-ordinated Science (Double Award) (0654)
-Combined Science (0653)
Group IV: Mathematics
-Cambridge International Mathematics (0580)
Group V: Creative and Professional
-Information and Communication Technology ICT (0417)
