The Cambridge International Examination is popularly known for its international qualification and its reputation in several countries around the world. CIE is actually part of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom – which is one of the best institutions not only in Europe but in the world at large.
Cambridge Home Schooling South Africa
Coming back home in South Africa, it is noticed already that the most famously used international matric by homeschool folks in the country is really the Cambridge matric. Here, many students subscribe to two Cambridge courses, which are:
- IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
- AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary)
While the former is equivalent to a South African Grade 11, the latter is equivalent to a South African Grade 12. There are home-schooled learners in the country that want to get admission to study courses with a high entrance level such as medicine. Such only have to keep on with A-Levels which is a grade 13 equivalent in South Africa. It should however be noted that A-level subjects are not necessary for University exemption in the country.
The IGCSE (Grade 11)
Many learners start off with the IGCSE when they are still young teenagers, opting for a minimum of 5 subjects from the subject list on the Cambridge website. This is equivalent to grade 11 in South Africa, and it’s actually a replacement for O Levels in many places. Also, IGCSE usually takes 18 months – 2 years to wrap up, and it is internationally recognised as being equivalent to the GCSE in the UK.
AS Levels (Grade 12)
This follows IGCSE and as such, the students are usually advanced in age than those in the first category. The Cambridge AS Levels usually take 18 months to 2 years to wrap up and it’s actually equivalent to the South African Grade 12. Subject to opt for actually varies depending on if the learner desires to get just a Matric Pass or maybe a full university exemption.
How Much Does Cambridge Home Schooling Cost?
Here is an approximate of the total costs for getting a matric:
Cambridge Fee is around R30,000+ (approximately 3 years for IGCSE (typically done Gr 10) and AS-levels (typically done Gr 12).
N.B: It should be noted too that the above fee doesn’t include other things you are to spend money on, such as laboratory work, classes, tutor support, textbooks. It should only take care of your exam costs.
How To Prepare Well For Examination
Actually, when you check the Cambridgeinternational.org website, you see that the subjects comes with past exam papers, a syllabus overview, and also prescribed books that were endorsed by Cambridge. It is also necessary to add that these books here can be bought directly from the publishers or even online stores around.
A homeschooler can decide to study with the help of a tutor or even on their own. If you are working with a homeschooler, it is much appropriate to opt for folks who has finished the Cambridge exam themselves; someone who is experienced and can teach you appropriate techniques and skills.
It is preferable to work with a tutor, as you won’t have to keep falling into avoidable mistakes on the path. A good tutor will even help you to settle for which textbooks to use. Please note that there are several curriculum suppliers in the country that prepare students for the Cambridge International Examination.
It is also advised that students should ensure they join a Cambridge homeschool support group. Here, it is possible to exchange valuable information on books.
How to Write Examination
You should be aware that exams are conducted twice a year. It can be via the chosen curriculum supplier around. Even an independent learner can decide to register and write at a registered Cambridge examination centre around them. It should be noted that there are private schools that also allow independent candidates to do the exams with their own students.
If you want, you can even do your exam at the British Council in your home town. Generally, irrespective of what method you decided to opt for, everyone should be aware that exams are conducted in May/June and October/November each year.
You are to pay your exam fees in advance (they charges a per subject paper exam fee). Don’t forget too that there may be other fees attached in addition to this – usually depending on where you decided to do your own exam.
Is Cambridge Recognised In South Africa And Advantages
There are several benefits attached to getting Cambridge qualifications in South Africa. First, it gives one very easy access to universities in the country and abroad (it is however necessary to contact the institution for their own admission requirements). Don’t forget that the standards of Cambridge are high, as the institution itself has a lofty reputation. Hence, as a student with such qualifications, you get to enjoy prestige out there, and admiration too. Additionally, you can easily obtain a bursary too. This is very cool and very nice.
Finally, they offer superb preparation for the challenges of university, which is helpful too. Hence, don’t allow the sacrifices hinder you from being part of this. Yes, it can be expensive quite alright, particularly for those working with tutors. Also, the study will be pretty intense, particularly when exams approach (you won’t even have time for some other things of interest). But it’s fine. The benefits are usually immense. Many times, to get something tangible, one has to give a whole lot. You stand to get first-class knowledge in your field of interest, and you can also get an enviable reputation when you eventually pass your exams. At the end of the day, you should be glad you made appropriate efforts
Related:
- Best Courses To Study Without Matric
- How To Register For Homeschooling in South Africa
- Where Can I Study Nursing Without Matric
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cambridge is popularly recommended, as it is actually an internationally known qualification that has an enviable standard. It propels students to work hard and is also helpful when it comes to easily getting accepted to study courses like medicine and physiotherapy.