Record Number of U.S. Students Complete Internationally Benchmarked Cambridge International Examinations
Since 2015, exam participation has increased by nearly 60 percent; 31 states and Washington, D.C. are now offering Cambridge programs.
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambridge International Examinations, the world's largest provider of international education programs, announced that more U.S. students participated in the Cambridge Advanced program than ever before, completing a record number of Cambridge International AS and A Level exams in 2017, an increase of 23 percent over the prior school year—and nearly 60 percent since 2015. States with the largest growth in exam participation this year included Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, and Washington.
The growth in program participation in the U.S. has been driven by strong interest among U.S. districts for rigorous alternatives to traditional dual-credit programs, and a growing emphasis on a desire to raise standards, and encourage students to develop transferable skills like critical thinking and collaboration—the skills they need to succeed in a global economy.
The Cambridge Advanced program has been developed by Cambridge International Examinations, which is part of the University of Cambridge in England, one of the world's top five universities. It is part of an internationally benchmarked program that allows students to earn college-level credit in high school. Cambridge uniquely provides an instructional system across four stages (Primary through Advanced) aligning rigorous curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment for all students in grades K-12.
"Considering the versatility and academic benefits of Cambridge courses, it is exhilarating to see the Cambridge program growing at such a rapid rate in Palm Beach County and across the country," said Geoff McKee, Instructional Superintendent at the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida. "This program is stimulating creativity, intellectual curiosity, and academic growth for both students and teachers. The diversity of offerings and ownership of learning allow students at all levels to experience immense benefit from participation in the Cambridge curriculum."
Cambridge has also seen a large increase in the number of schools with a Cambridge program since 2015, up 28 percent. Cambridge English General Paper and Global Perspectives, which encourage learners to explore issues of global significance, were among the fastest growing subjects in terms of exams taken by students in U.S. schools.
"The interdisciplinary nature of the Cambridge curriculum provides students with the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to succeed in college," said Greg Roberts, Dean of Admissions at the University of Virginia. "It is exciting to see more students pursuing rigorous educational opportunities that expose them to our global community. They're arriving to higher education prepared and curious."
Demand for Cambridge International Examinations has also accelerated as the number of U.S. colleges and universities that recognize Cambridge International exams has increased in recent years. More than 600 U.S. colleges and universities, including all members of the Ivy League, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Duke University, New York University, University of Washington, and University of Virginia now accept Cambridge exams for credit and placement. Earlier this year, the North Carolina State Board of Education announced that Cambridge courses now fulfill North Carolina high school graduation requirements and will carry advanced grade weighting with the University of North Carolina and North Carolina Community College Systems.
Each year, nearly 1 million students study in Cambridge programs worldwide, making more than 2 million exam entries. Globally, entries for Cambridge AS and A Level exams grew 10 percent this year. Outside the U.S., Cambridge's programs are offered at more than 10,000 schools in over 160 countries.
About Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge International Examinations prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge. Our international qualifications are recognized by the world's best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career. As a not-for-profit organization, we devote our resources to delivering high-quality educational programs that can unlock learners' potential.
SOURCE Cambridge International Examinations
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article