Cambridge Curriculum: The global standard for education

With an internationally recognised curriculum that takes students through all their schooling years, from ages 5 to 19, there is no better academic preparation for life and career success than a Cambridge education. Many universities around the world seek out Cambridge graduates for their top courses, due to the well-rounded, holistic education provided by the curriculum.

What is the history of the Cambridge curriculum?

The University of Cambridge began to offer the Cambridge programmes in 1858 as a way to raise educational standards in England. The first exams were taken by 370 students from 7 English cities, a number which has risen dramatically to over 8 million students in 160 countries around the world.

Does the curriculum allow for flexibility?

While prescribed and detailed in its design, the curriculum allows students to follow passions and interests, with flexibility in subject matter and in schooling situations. For example, it is possible to follow a Cambridge curriculum from home, provided the home educator is able to lead the student through the curriculum. The student must also be registered as a private candidate if they wish to study for a Cambridge assessment independent of a registered school.

See how EP can support home learning within the Cambridge curriculum

How does the curriculum cater to students around the world?

With an international school approach, the Cambridge international curriculum aims to provide a culturally sensitive, global education for students from all parts of the world. Certain subjects will enable students to study nationally significant projects, so they are able to develop an informed curiosity about their homeland as well as viewing the world on a more global scale. 

Students from non-English speaking countries will often use Cambridge as the English medium strand for their bilingual education, meaning that students are able to follow both the Cambridge curriculum and their national curriculum concurrently. 

Why teach the Cambridge curriculum?

For students excelling in their schooling, the Cambridge curriculum can be a way to extend their learning and ensure their success in later years with a broad and balanced education. As well as knowledge and skills, the Cambridge educational programme sees students developing a passion for learning, which can be carried through into any chosen career path. 

The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subject matter, from language, mathematics and science through to geography, computing and music. As it is an international qualification, many leading universities and employers worldwide see Cambridge qualifications as the gold standard for their placements.

How does it work for different age groups?

Cambridge Primary begins at age 5 with a curriculum that offers ten subjects, including Maths, English and Science. Students then go on to study Cambridge Lower Secondary from age 11, with the same subjects offered and assessed at a higher level. 

From 14 to 16 years, the subject matter expands with Cambridge Upper Secondary. Here, there are two certificates to choose from, each with a differing range of subjects. The Cambridge IGCSE offers more than 70 subjects and is more commonly studied internationally (away from the United Kingdom), while the Cambridge O Level has over 40 subjects on offer and is commonly studied by students from the UK. 

Following this, students can go on to study Cambridge Advance from age 16, with Cambridge International A Levels on offer, with the possibility to achieve an AICE diploma, and to study for Cambridge IPQ – a project based qualification for those who want to extend their learning beyond their A levels.

Like the Cambridge curriculum, EP is global by nature. Find out how our contemporary online teaching resources can support Cambridge learning programmes.