The aim of using Cambridge Assessment English language exams as an external measurement system is to provide feedback to students, teachers and parents about the children’s English language development.
Since the spring of 2018, passing Cambridge test results have been built into the students’ official English grades – a system called Cambridge +1 – as follows:
– In the upper school in Grades 5, 6 and 8:
Provided they meet or exceed the passing score on the Cambridge final exam in their grade (level A2 for Grade 5, level B1 for Grade 6 and level B2 for Grade 8), the student’s year-end mark in English is increased by one.
For example, if a student’s marks across the school year average out to a year-end mark of 4, but he or she scores at or above the passing score on the relevant Cambridge final exam for his/her grade level in May, then that year-end mark rises to a 5.
– In Grade 7:
If a student achieves a score at B1 level on the B2 test slated for Grade 7, then the student’s year-end mark in English is increased by one.
– In Grade 8 at mid-year:
If a student achieves a score at a level of B1+ at the end of Grade 7 on the B2 test given in spring, then Cambridge +1 is automatically activated for the mid-year final mark in English in Grade 8 as well as for the end-year mark in English in Grade 7.
If a score at a level of B1+ is not reached at the close of Grade 7 on the B2 test given in spring, then the student may take an official mock exam in December of Grade 8. If a level of B1+ is reached on that exam, then Cambridge +1 is activated at mid-year in Grade 8.
– In the above grades students who have already earned a 5 based on their in-class marks are awarded a mark of 5d (5 with distinction).
So the results of the Cambridge Final Exams every spring will affect – and lift – the students’ end-of-year grades in English. We believe that the opportunity for a better year-end grade will be a great source of motivation – and a just reward – for your children.