CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONALEXAMINATIONS HANDBOOK FORSCHOOL EXAM COORDINATORS

B y E m k a n Ed u c a t i o n

This guide is meant to provide school exam coordinators with the necessary information

about the Cambridge programme and Cambridge examinations. It also provides answers on

the Frequently Asked Questions related to exam cycle processes.

For more information on the contents of this guide or other matters related to the

examinations, go straight to our website at www.emkaneducation.com/cambridge.

Alternatively, you can email us at : cambridge@emkaneducation.com

MORE SPECIFICALLY EMKAN:

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Offers expert advice to ensure

that registrations are processed on

time and with appropriate codes to

ensure students sit for the right

papers.

Ensures that students

receive statements of entries

with their exam calendar. All

students need to do is focus on

the exams.

1 2

Advises and processes applications to Cambridge for students with

special needs through access arrangements. If children have dyslexia, autism

and/or other conditions that mean they need extra time, Emkan can process

an application, with appropriate medical evidence.

Distributes login details to

enable students to download

their results. In case students

want to request a remark or

recheck, Emkan processes an

enquiry of results (EAR) applica-

tion.

Ensures that teachers have full

access to the CIE Teacher Support

site which provides full access to

past papers, mark schemes, exam

reports, discussion forums and

syllabus related questions.

EMKAN EDUCATION ACTS AS A 'ONE-STOP SHOP' FOR ALL MATTERS

RELATING TO CAMBRIDGE EXAMINATIONS

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INTRODUCTION TO EMKAN EDUCATION

WHAT ROLE DOES EMKAN PLAY IN THE CAMBRIDGE EXAM CYCLE?

Emkan Education is an education advisory and school development

company based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with offices in Riyadh and Dubai. We

provide a wide range of educational services to private and public institutions;

we work with school operators, educators and investors alike supporting them

with the development of schools, establishment of new schools, building capabili-

ties of schools and providing training services. We also specialize in developing

curriculum and customizing educational content. We work closely together with

our partner Cambridge to deliver quality programmes, qualifications and other

services for Cambridge schools.

Emkan aims to support all its schools in facilitating procedures relating to

registration, conducting exams and processing the distribution of results and

enquiries.

A*

A

B

C

D

E

90-100

80-89

70-79

60-69

50-59

40-49

INTRODUCTION TO SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS

AGE GROUP

CURRICULUM CONTENT

Cambridge

International

Examinations is owned by Cambridge University. Cambridge offers a suite of assess-

ments from primary to secondary grades. This booklet focuses on Cambridge Second-

ary 2 (IGCSEs) and Cambridge Advanced ('A- & AS Levels') courses.

COURSES OFFERED

GRADING

IGCSEs and international 'A Levels' are interna-

tional curricula but also allow teaching to be

placed in a localised context, making them relevant to diverse regions around the world.

They are also suitable for students whose first language may not be English. 'A Level'

Science subjects also include assessment in the laboratory. All Cambridge syllabi focus

on developing 21st Century skills.

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HigherEducation

Cambridge IntAS & A Levels (16-19)

Cambridge Secondary 2(14-16) IGCSE and O Level

Cambridge Secondary 1 (11-14)

Cambridge Primary (5-11)

Figure 1: Factsheet at cie.org.uk

Cambridge provides syllabi and assessments for all school years

from 1-12. Many schools offer the full set of courses and assess-

ments. However, schools are free to select the syllabi and assessments that they wish.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is designed for 14

to 16 year olds, although students of any age can take them. In the UK students general-

ly take 7-9 exams. Students wishing to proceed to A Levels should achieve at

least 5 IGCSEs and no less than a B in the subjects they wish to

take at A Level.

AS and A Levels are designed for 16-19 year olds but, as

with IGCSEs, can be taken by students of any age. In the

UK students generally take 3 or 4 AS and A Level

courses.

Cambridge examinations are widely recognised

as evidence of learning and suitability to the

labour force by academic institutions and

employers around the world.

Cambridge offers a wide range of subjects. The table below

lists most popular subjects at different Levels.

The choice of subjects will depend on factors such as availability at school, choice of job (e.g. for

medicine, Biology is a 'must') and parent/student preference. You can check with your school to

see which subjects they actually offer, as well as the fees structure.

Grading is on an eight-point scale (A* – G) and grades A to E are equivalent to

O Level Grades A to E. In some countries, IGCSE qualifications will satisfy the

entry requirements for university. In others, they are widely

used as a preparation for A- and AS Level, International

Baccalaureate and US Advanced Placement courses. Letter

grades for A Levels can be given equivalent numerical grades

per the table opposite, taken from the Cambridge website

(cie.org.uk). PUM refers to the percentage uniform mark.

Grade C in IGCSE English (both First Language and Second

Language) satisfies the English proficiency requirements of

many universities in the UK and other countries that follow the

UK education system.

Cambridge also holds an annual celebration of their most

successful students in each major city. These are high profile

events and the receipt of such an award adds tremendous value

to student’s CVs and clearly assists in applications to university. Cambridge awards are offered to

the best in each subject in their city, country and even the world. There are also awards for the

best across a range of IGCSEs and A levels. They look great on university applications.

SESSIONS

IGCSEs

AdvancedSubsidiary (AS)

Advanced (A)

SUBJECTSHOW MANYSUBJECTSTO TAKE

YEAR OFASSESSMENT

2 times per year

2 times per year

2 times per year

7-9

2-4

2-4

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Arabic 1st, Arabic Foreign English 1st, English 2nd, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies

Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies

Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies

A Levelgrade

PUMrange

Figure 2: Cambridge factsheet at cie.org.uk

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RECOGNITION AND PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY THE CIE EXAMINATION CYCLE

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the

world's most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year-olds. It devel-

ops successful students, giving them excellent preparation for their next steps

in education, including progression to A- and AS Level study, and equips them

with skills for employment later in life. Cambridge IGCSE is recognised by

universities and employers worldwide. It is taken in over 100 countries world-

wide and is internationally recognised as being equivalent to the GCSE in the

United Kingdom.

UK high stakes examinations offer an ideal route to universities across the

globe owing to their wide recognition. It is no surprise that universities around

the world, including US Ivy League universities (such as Yale) and more specifi-

cally the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent, accept A- and AS Level

qualifications.

Private universities across Saudi Arabia also offer entrance based on the UK

route. For most universities (as in the UK), 3 A Levels are sufficient. Many

private sector Saudi universities require 2 'B' grades at AS Level for admission

to the preparatory programme or 2 'A' grades at A Level for direct admission to

the medical faculty and 2 'B' grades at AS Level for admission to the Business

faculty. Saudi universities also require a 12th grade report in all cases.

If you would like more specific information on which institutions accept IGCSE,

please use the Recognition Search (www.cie.org.uk).

Parents and students do need to check whether universities they wish to apply

to have their own additional requirements set by their Ministries of Education.

There are two main sessions; May/June and October/November. The most

popular session for taking exams in KSA is in May/June. Students can spread

out their exams over both or more sessions but bear in mind that UK universi-

ties like students to take all their exams in one sitting. Statements of results

are issued in August.

Within a week of the official release, CIE sends Provisional Statement of Results

which can be used for university admission. Final certificates are issued 2/3

months later.

If any student feels that their release is not valid, they can request through an

EAR process, a recheck or remark. Fees are involved here. Parents can get a

copy of their child's marked exam script.

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FAQS FOR SCHOOL EXAM COORDINATORS

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT TASKS THAT I NEED TO BE AWARE OF TOENSURE THE SMOOTH RUNNING OF EXAMS?

HOW SHOULD I DEAL WITH PARENTS AND STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?

Send forecasts of student numbers (no names) by subject to Emkan, when

requested

Issue registration forms to students with codes and fees, approved by

Emkan

Register students on CIE Direct, using password provided by Emkan

Issue receipts to parents/students for all monies received and get parents

to sign for all subject information and personal details of students to

avoid the school being liable for errors

Make sure students have Statements of Entry and they know and

comply with any Cambridge regulations for entry into the exam hall

such as passports

Exam registration can be a stressful experience for students. Deal with

them in a very friendly way and ensure they are confident that the codes

entered are correct

Record all email addresses and mobile numbers for all parents and

students who register. You may need to contact them urgently

WHAT IF THE STUDENT'S NAME ON THE APPLICATION FORM FOR EXAMS IS SPELT DIFFERENTLY TO THE NAME ON FILE?

Students usually like the name to be spelt as per their passport, as it helps

university applications later. Always check with the student and get them to

sign after entering data on CIE Direct.

WHAT IF A STUDENT WANTS TO CHANGE PERSONAL DETAILS OR REGISTRATION DETAILS AFTER SUBMISSION ON CIE DIRECT?

This can be done, though there may be a late penalty charge, as per the fees list

provided by Emkan to the school.

CAN THE SCHOOL CHARGE ITS OWN ADMINISTRATION FEE, SEPARATE FROM THE PRICE LIST SET BY EMKAN?

Yes, the school can do that.

WHO SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ENTRIES AND PROCESSING OF RESULTS AT THE SCHOOL?

The school exam coordinator can delegate the operations to a trusted employ-

ee such as a secretary, who is organized, has good communication skills and is

IT literate. The coordinator should review all entries before submitting and have

ultimate responsibility for the accuracy of submissions.

You need to be aware of the following steps:

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HOW DO I KNOW WHEN EXAMS ARE SCHEDULED?

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT ZONE WE ARE IN?

Exams are given Key Times for each country and these are found on the

website by plugging in e.g. Saudi Arabia. Key Times specify the exact timing

for morning and afternoon session e.g. 11 am and 3 pm respectively

The Cambridge timetable can be found online 6 months before the start of

the exam session

All schools in Saudi Arabia are in zone 3 and timetables are color-coded green.

CAN PARENTS WITH CHILDREN WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS GET SPECIALARRANGEMENTS?

HOW CAN I CONNECT TO CAMBRIDGE DIRECTLY INSTEAD OF THROUGH OTHER AGENCIES?

Yes, there is provision to get modified exams and offer extra time

through Access Arrangements. Details are in the documents; 'How to

apply for access arrangements' and 'How to apply for modified papers'

Deadlines are given in the following table on pg (10)

WHEN RESULTS ARE RELEASED (IN AUGUST), IS IT NECESSARY FOR A SCHOOL OFFICIAL TO BE ON DUTY?

WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR 2017/18?

Yes. When generating passwords for students to get results, the name of a

school official e.g. the secretary must be entered. If there are queries after

results and processing of Enquiries About Results (EAR), the nominated school

official must be on duty to facilitate.

Cambridge is very active on social media and you can connect on their:

SESSIONS SUBJECTSEstimated entries data collected from schools

Final timetable of exams posted by CIE

Exam coordinators receive training from Emkan in exam entries on CIE Direct in identifying syllabus and options codes, generating reports etc.

Deadline for applying for modified papers and non-delegated access arrangements

Check all entries with exams officer

Late entries deadline

Deadline for schools to fill out forecast grades on CIE Direct

Timetabled exam period

Issue login details to all candidates from CIE Direct

Receive Statements of Results

Deadline for enquiries about results (EAR)

Dispatch of certificates

Final entries deadline. Entries from schools and private candidatesneed checking before submission on CIE Direct

Release provisional grades - available on CIE Direct - to students. Download broadsheets and component grades sheets

Awards ceremony. Cambridge announces award winners and a celebration is held

Late Dec, 2017

Mid-Jan, 2018

Mid-Feb, 2018

Late Feb, 2018

Mid-Apr, 2018

End of Apr, 2018

End of Apr to firstpart of Jun, 2018

Before end of time-tabled exam period

Start to mid-Aug,2018

Late Aug, 2018

Late Sept, 2018

Mid-Oct, 2018

Jan, 2018

Start Oct, 2017

Late Oct, 2017

TASK/EVENT APPR. TIME

www.twitter.com/CIE_Education www.facebook.com/cie.org.uk/