Cambridge Assessment International Education

Established in 1858, Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications that prepare students with the essential knowledge and skills to prosper in the real-world and at the same time, help them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning.

Widely acknowledged as an international passport to progression and success, CAIE’s international qualifications are recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, giving students a broad spectrum of education and career options. As a not-for-profit organisation, CAIE devotes its resources to delivering high-quality educational programmes that aspire to unleash its learners’ potential.

Setting the global standard for international education, CAIE’s programmes and qualifications are created by subject experts who are rooted in academic rigour and as such, their educational materials reflect the latest educational research. Well supported by teaching and learning resources, CAIE’s programmes and qualifications also provide a solid platform for learners to progress from one stage to another.

In addition, CAIE developed the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) over 25 years ago. It now attracts over 900 000 entries every year from over 140 different countries. Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, and is an international passport to progression and success.

Programme Introduction

Laying a strong foundation for international students, the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Lower Secondary with Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint curriculum aims to develop the learners’ skills and understanding in English, Mathematics, Science, Basic Commerce and Management as well as Physical Education (non-examinable), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), STEM, Global Perspective (optional subject) for the first two years of secondary education. Students are also required to choose one (1) out of five (5) optional mother tongue subjects comprising Chinese, Malay, Hindi, Tamil and French – Foreign Language. This comprehensive curriculum provides a natural progression for students from primary education and thoroughly prepares them for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Upper Secondary curriculum and for progression to other educational systems.

Students can choose to sit for an optional Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Test set by Cambridge Assessment International Education and marked by Cambridge Assessment International Education Examiners, according to Cambridge Assessment International Education Specifications. Upon successful completion, students can proceed to embark on the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Upper Secondary.

DIMENSIONS International College is a registered Cambridge school.

For updated and accurate information of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), please visit their website at http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/

Read our students’ success stories here: https://dimensions.edu.sg/info-news/igcse-students-recognised-for-impressive-academic-achievements/

Objective

The objective of this course is to prepare students for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Upper Secondary, giving them a better understanding and overview of the academic subjects comprising of English, Mathematics, Science, and Basic Commerce and Management.

Designed for

• Candidates who are between the ages of 12 – 25.
• Candidates who wish to acquire a qualification that is internationally recognised.
• Candidates who wish to pursue degrees or certificates of higher education.

Course Outline

Compulsory Subjects

• Outline for EnglishThis subject enables learners to communicate confidently and effectively and to develop their skills to respond to a range of information, media and texts with understanding enjoyment. Learners who follow this framework will develop a first language competency in English based on a curriculum designed to be successful in any culture and to promote cross-cultural understanding.
• Outline for MathematicsThis subject explores six content areas: numbers, algebra, geometry, measure, handling data and problem solving. The first five content areas are all underpinned by problem solving, which provides a structure for the application of mathematical skills. Mental strategies are also an important part of the number content. The curriculum focuses on principles, patterns, systems, functions and relationships, so that learners apply their mathematical knowledge and develop a holistic understanding of the subject.
• Outline for ScienceThis subject covers four content areas: scientific enquiry, biology, chemistry and physics. Scientific enquiry is about considering ideas, evaluating evidence, planning investigative work, and recording and analysing data. The scientific enquiry objectives underpin biology, chemistry and physics, which are focused on developing confidence and interest in scientific knowledge. Environmental awareness and some history of science are also part of the curriculum.
• Outline for Basic Commerce and ManagementThis subject introduces the basic concept of business and commercial transactions as well as some basic principles of management. Students will be cognizant to the business organization structure and understand how trading and business transactions are carried out and recorded and how products are developed and what market are targeted and how different business functions are managed. This subject will secure students’ foundation in business, book-keeping, marketing and management concepts.
• Outline for Physical Education (non-examinable)The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
  • AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles that underpin performance in physical activity / sport
  • AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles to a variety of physical activities / sports, including the analysis and evaluation of performance
  • AO3 Demonstrate the ability to select and perform appropriate skills to produce effective performance in practical activities

• Outline for Information and Communication Technology (ICT)Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology encourages learners to develop lifelong skills, including:
  • Understanding and using applications
  • Using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to solve problems
  • Analysing, designing, implementing, testing and evaluating ICT systems, ensuring that they are fit for purpose
  • Understanding the implications of technology in society, including social, economic and ethical uses
  • Awareness of the ways ICT can help in home, learning and work environments
• Outline for STEMThis curriculum contains a wide range of activities including theory presentations, inquiry-based investigations, research activities, modelling and simulation, practical hands-on experiments and testing tasks.
• Outline for Global Perspectives (optional subject)Cambridge Global Perspectives is a unique transformational programme that helps students at every stage of school education develop outstanding transferable skills. This subject develops the skills of research, analysis, evaluation, reflection, collaboration and communication. It also provides valuable opportunities to reinforce links with other Cambridge Lower Secondary subjects.
  This subject taps into the way today’s students enjoy learning, including group work, seminars, projects and working with other learners around the world. The emphasis is on developing students’ ability to think critically about a range of global issues where there is always more than one point of view.
  

Optional Mother Tongue Subjects (choose one (1))

• Outline for ChineseThe syllabus is designed for learners whose first language is Chinese. The syllabus develops learners’ ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addresses. Learners are encouraged to read widely both for their own enjoyment and in order to develop an appreciation of how writers achieve their effects.
• Outline for MalayThe syllabus is designed for learners who are learning Malay as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language of listening, reading, speaking and writing and these are built on as learners progress through their studies.
• Outline for HindiThis syllabus aims to build up the students’ competency and understanding of the Hindi Language. The purpose of the Hindi syllabus is to ensure students are able to write letters, dialogues and speeches. Students will be able to interpret and answer questions that include Combination or Separation of Words, Idioms, Proverbs and Words in Pairs, Sentence Transformation and Cloze Passage. They will be exposed to different comprehension questions and techniques of answering comprehension questions.
• Outline for TamilStudents will learn and practise the following skills:
  • Tamil vocabulary and grammar
  • Tamil composition coaching, useful Tamil phrases
  • Tamil oral coaching
  • Coaching for O-Level Tamil

• Outline for French – Foreign Language The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
  • AO1 Listening: Understand and respond to spoken language
  • AO2 Reading: Understand and respond to written language
  • AO3 Speaking: Communicate in speech, showing knowledge of a range and variety of vocabulary, and applying the grammar and structures of the target language accurately
  • AO4 Writing: Communicate in writing, showing knowledge of a range and variety of vocabulary, and applying the grammar and structures of the target language accurately

Scope of Study

Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Lower Secondary syllabus

Delivery Mode

Lectures, tutorials, discussions, interactive lessons and laboratory work

Commencement Date/Intakes

Click here to check the dates of Programme Intake for 2024
Click here to check the dates of Programme Intake for 2025
DIMENSIONS reserves the right to change the intakes at any time without prior notice.

Course Fees Per Year

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# One-time Fee

Please click here for more information on the fees which are likely to be incurred during the students’ course of study. Students are expected to pay for the stipulated fee(s) incurred, if necessary.

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Payment Mode

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For more information on Fee Protection Scheme (FPS), please click here.
For further details, please contact your Admissions Officer at 6334 0600.

Duration

24 months Institutional Training

Maximum allowed period for a student to complete the course is 48 months

Maximum Candidature Period

Student is not allowed to retake the course and/or request for a refund in the event if he/she fails to complete the programme within the maximum candidature period.

Opportunities for Further Education/Career Pathway

Students can proceed to embark on the for Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Upper Secondary.

Entry Requirements

Class Periods

A total of 1600 hours – five (5) days per week (Monday – Friday)*
*Excluding Public Holidays and School Holidays

Examination Period

Internal: Termly basis
External: Open for Year 2 students:

• Registration starting from January for the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint test held in May of the same year.
• Registration starting from June for the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint test held in October of the same year.

(Subject to change and final confirmation by CAIE)

Assessment Methods

Internal: Term Tests for all subjects except Physical Education (no assessment)
External: Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Test (optional, at the end of first year)

Assessment Grading Criteria

Internal: The Term Tests are marked according to the Cambridge IGCSE Grading System.
External: The Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Test is set and marked by Cambridge Examiners according to the Cambridge International Examinations Specifications.

The Cambridge IGCSE Grading System is as follows:

Expected Examination Results Release Date

Not more than 3 months after the final assessment

Qualification Award

Statement of Achievement awarded by Cambridge Assessment International Education upon completion of the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Test

Graduation Requirements

Pass English Language subject and a pass percentage in the average for all subjects

Teacher – Student Ratio

Average teacher-student ratio is 1:40
Note: The number of students in the classroom is subject to the maximum seating capacity.