Cambridge Education and the International Curriculum
The Cambridge international curriculum sets a universal standard for education. We explain its four-stage structure and the skills it gives students for our parents.
The Cambridge international curriculum sets a universal standard for education and is recognised by leading universities and prominent institutions around the world. In this flexible, developmentally supportive and culturally diverse curriculum, students develop a conscious curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. In this article, we look at how the curriculum works for our parents.
What Is the International Curriculum?
- More than 10,000 schools in over 160 countries follow the Cambridge international curriculum.
- The curriculum is international in its philosophy and approach.
- Students are educated for skills that are accepted and recognised worldwide.
- Students who move between Cambridge schools can continue their education in different countries by following the same curriculum.
Four Stages, a Spiral Approach
From primary school to the pre-university years, Cambridge education progresses seamlessly through four stages. Each stage builds on the one before, and every curriculum adopts a "spiral" approach that draws on prior learning. The content is nourished by up-to-date knowledge from experts' international research and consultation with schools.
The Cambridge Journey
Cambridge Primary
A broad and balanced foundation in primary school.
Cambridge Lower Secondary
Gradual deepening in middle school.
Cambridge Upper Secondary
High school level quality with IGCSE.
Cambridge Advanced
University preparation with AS & A Level.
Knowledge, Understanding and Higher-Order Thinking
Cambridge programs combine in-depth command of a subject with higher-order skills. They value deep subject knowledge and the conceptual understanding that enables a student to make connections between the different aspects of a topic. They encourage students to develop skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, independent research, collaboration and presenting an argument. These are sustainable, lifelong skills that make learning enjoyable.
In a Cambridge education, the student develops a conscious curiosity and a lasting passion for learning.
Choice and Flexibility
Cambridge education makes it possible to shape the curriculum around the school's culture, its values and the student's needs. Cambridge IGCSE and O Level offer more than 70 subjects, while Cambridge International AS & A Level offers more than 55.
In brief
- The Cambridge curriculum offers a universal standard in over 160 countries.
- The four-stage spiral structure builds each level on the one before.
- The aim is understanding and higher-order thinking skills rather than rote learning.
To see the stages in detail, take a look at our Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary and Cambridge Upper Secondary articles, and for the program as a whole, visit our Cambridge education page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Cambridge curriculum replace the national curriculum?
No. The curriculum is designed to be flexible enough to be shaped around the school's culture and the student's needs; it runs alongside the national curriculum.
If we move to another country, will our child's education be interrupted?
Students who move between Cambridge schools can continue their education in different countries by following the same curriculum.
What does "spiral approach" mean?
It is the way each curriculum deepens and reinforces topics gradually, building on prior learning.
Gökkuşağı Koleji · A curriculum of universal standard.