Cambridge International Education (abbreviated CIE, informally known as Cambridge International or simply Cambridge and formerly known as CAIE, Cambridge Assessment International Education and CIE, Cambridge International Examinations) is a provider of international qualifications, offering examinations and qualifications to 10,000 schools in more than 160 countries.[2][3] It is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a non-profit and non-teaching department of the University of Cambridge.[4][5]
Abbreviation | CIE |
---|---|
Formation | 1858[1] |
Legal status | Department of the University of Cambridge |
Parent organisation | Cambridge University Press & Assessment |
Website | cambridgeinternational |
Formerly called | (University of) Cambridge International Examinations |
History
editCambridge University Press & Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge.[6] Its assessment organisation was founded in 1858 as the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.[1] It would later on become known as (University of) Cambridge International Examinations, or simply CIE. As part of a restructuring process of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Assessment and Cambridge University Press were merged to form Cambridge University Press & Assessment and CIE eventually became CAIE: Cambridge Assessment International Education.[7][8] Thereafter, CAIE was renamed Cambridge International Education and adopted again the abbreviation CIE.[9]
For more detailed histories go to University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate and Cambridge University Press.
Qualifications
editCambridge University Press & Assessment offers primarily school-leaving qualifications for university entrance such as the Cambridge International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) and Advanced Level (Cambridge International GCE A-levels).[10] In addition, Cambridge University Press & Assessment provides Key Stage examinations for primary and secondary schools internationally.[11]
Recognition
editCambridge qualifications are recognized for admission by all UK universities as well as universities in the United States (Stanford and all Ivy League universities), Canada, the European Union, the Middle East, West Asia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kazakhstan as well as in other countries.[12]
In addition to university admissions, the high standards of Cambridge qualifications are demonstrated through achievements by students worldwide. In December 2024, Cambridge International Education held an awards ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, recognizing outstanding student achievement in the June 2024 examination series[13]. A total of 57 awards were presented to students from 11 Cambridge Schools in Mongolia. Notably, three students received 'Top in the World' awards for achieving the highest score globally in a single subject. Additionally, three students received 'Best Across' awards, 32 students received 'Top in Mongolia' awards, and 19 students were recognized with 'High Achievement' awards. The event highlighted the growing popularity of Cambridge qualifications in Mongolia and the success of its students[14].
Partnerships
editCambridge University Press & Assessment is engaged in partnerships with governments of 25 countries on integrated curriculum and assessment design and professional development for teachers.[15]
Philanthropy
editAs part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Cambridge Assessment provides charitable support for children from troubled backgrounds.[16][17]
Criticism
editThe predecessor organisation of Cambridge International Education was criticized in 2019 for what some claimed were "colonial educational practices" in its literature curricula. A 2019 study said that Cambridge Assessment had privileged European male authors and under-represented female authors from developing countries.[18]
References
edit- ^ a b "Cambridge Assessment – Heritage".
- ^ "Cambridge: About".
- ^ "Cambridge Assessment – Portrait".
- ^ "Inside the secret location that's home to 8 million exam papers". Cambridge News. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015.
- ^ "Who we are". Cambridge Assessment.
- ^ "Colleges and Departments". University of Cambridge. 24 January 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ "CUP and Cambridge Assessment complete merger". The Bookseller. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ "Our Story - Timeline". Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ "Introducing our new name and look". www.cambridgeinternational.org. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
- ^ "Cambridge International A-Levels". Cambridge. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
- ^ "Cambridge International Programmes and Qualifications".
- ^ "Cambridge International Programmes – Recognition".
- ^ Weekly, Mongolia (15 December 2024). "Mongolian Students Shine in Cambridge International Exams". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
- ^ Weekly, Mongolia (15 December 2024). "Mongolian Students Shine in Cambridge International Exams". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
- ^ "Working with Governments". Cambridge Partnership for Education.
- ^ "Philanthropy". S.O.S. Children's Villages.
- ^ "Charity". Street Child United.
- ^ Golding, David; Kopsick, Kyle (1 April 2019). "The colonial legacy in Cambridge Assessment literature syllabi". Curriculum Perspectives. 39 (1): 7–17. doi:10.1007/s41297-018-00062-0. ISSN 2367-1793.