In recent years, the topic of global education and preparation for higher education has become more and more important in the academic community. As a result, many schools around the world are looking to implement international curriculums in their institutions to better prepare their students for future success. Spark school has recently taken an important step in this direction, by becoming accredited by Cambridge International and adopting the Cambridge curriculum.
This change represents a major milestone for our school community, and it offers a wide range of benefits for both students and educators. In this article, I will explore the reasons behind our school’s decision to adopt the Cambridge curriculum, the process we underwent to become accredited, and the potential benefits that this change will bring to our students.
What does it mean to be a Cambridge international high school?
The fact that Spark has become “Cambridge accredited” means that our high school has met certain requirements set by the University of Cambridge, which is a top university in the United Kingdom.
It also means that the school has been officially recognized by Cambridge and has been granted permission to teach Cambridge International curriculum programmes such as Cambridge IGCSE, or Cambridge International AS and A Level.
Ever since it was brought to life, it was obvious that Spark is making a real difference in the lives of our students and now we got our official confirmation. We also proved that we have all the resources and facilities that are needed for an institution to be accepted as a Cambridge school. Because the school bases its curriculum on the four strands of Academics, Well-being, Leadership and Global Education, it also complies with teaching students not only the necessary subjects but also skills they can later use in real life.
As of right now, there are around 10,000 schools in more than 160 countries accredited to offer Cambridge programs. But that means it’s pretty common right? Well, if we want to think about how many schools exist in the entire world, it is estimated that there are currently over 180,000 primary schools, over 100,000 secondary schools, and over 16,000 higher education institutions worldwide – you make the call.
What kind of changes are implemented when a high school becomes Cambridge accredited?
With becoming an internationally accredited school, there will also be some structural changes when it comes to the way of teaching and learning things at Spark. The major changes will happen in the following areas:
Curriculum: focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills. Different from the local/national curriculum.
Assessment types: students will be assessed using Cambridge exams, which are internationally recognized and highly respected.
Teacher training: Teachers will need to be trained in the Cambridge curriculum and teaching methods, and this may require professional development.
Resources: The school will need to invest in resources, such as textbooks and technology, to support the implementation of the Cambridge curriculum.
Apart from the changes that happen immediately, we are also looking at the changes we can bring in the long run. By becoming a Cambridge school, we are proposing to raise the bar even higher when it comes to giving the best possible education to our students.
How does an institution become Cambridge accredited?
There are typically 4 steps involved in the process of becoming an international Cambridge School.
First, the school has to express an interest in becoming a Cambridge International high school. Second, the school needs to submit their application to get reviewed for becoming a Cambridge international school. The next step is for the institution to get a visit from a Cambridge representative – this usually happens in real life but if the school is an online or hybrid school, these visits can also be carried out online to verify all the information submitted in the application form.
The last step is for the committee to come up with a conclusion on whether or not the institution applying is fit to become Cambridge accredited or not.
How is Cambridge education better than traditional education?
While we cannot label Cambridge education as better than traditional education, for some students Cambridge education may be more advantageous for numerous reasons. For example:
- International recognition: Cambridge qualifications are recognized by universities and employers around the world, so students with Cambridge qualifications may have more opportunities to study or work abroad.
- Rigorous standards: Cambridge programmes are designed to be challenging, so students who complete them will have a deeper understanding of their subject areas and be better prepared for university-level studies.
- Flexibility: students can choose the subjects and levels that are most appropriate for their interests and abilities.
- Emphasis on critical thinking: Cambridge programmes place a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Students who have an interest in the future of their education and career might care about these things when choosing an educational plan. While traditional schooling might be fit for some students, it can be very limiting to others who might be held back by the traditional curriculum and teaching methods. For them, Spark is the answer to the problem.
With all this in mind, we are very proud and happy to be able to offer a different learning opportunity to gifted and talented students from all over the world. Thanks to our hybrid ecosystem, we can spread our wings and offer quality education to students no matter where they are from.
Help us spread the word and change the life of a gifted student you know – they are the adults we will be counting on tomorrow, so we should invest in them to raise students who can make our future better!
Cambridge Education FAQ
What is a Cambridge Curriculum?
The Cambridge curriculum is an internationally recognized program of study that is designed to prepare students for university-level education and future careers. It is developed and administered by the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and is used by schools in over 160 countries worldwide.
At its core, the Cambridge curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills. It is a rigorous and challenging program that is designed to inspire students to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop a love of learning.
How is Cambridge Education different from traditional education?
The Cambridge Education model is different from the traditional one as it’s designed to be more flexible and customizable, allowing students to choose from a range of subjects and tailor their studies to their individual interests and strengths. It also places a greater emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning and encourages students to take an active role in their own education.
Why is Cambridge Education beneficial for me?
Cambridge Education can be beneficial both in an academic and personal way as well. From an academic point of view, it gives students the best preparation for university admission, equipping them with all the necessary skills for the future and international recognition.
On a personal level, the skills that students develop while studying in a Cambridge institution are transferable and great to use in real life too. Apart from that, it allows students to create a flexible educational environment with a curriculum that is built upon their own interests, while also allowing them the space to fulfil their passions in their free time.
