South Africa Sees Steep Rise in Students Taking Cambridge Qualifications

CAMBRIDGE, England, June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The number of students entered for Cambridge qualifications by schools across South Africa has risen significantly over the past year. Schools in South Africa made over 16,000 examination entries for Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level, seeing a rise of 21% since 2011.

There are now over 100 Cambridge schools in South Africa and more than 9000 schools in 160 countries make up the Cambridge learning community worldwide.

Cambridge IGCSE subjects which are the most popular among South African students are Maths, English and Business Studies. Cambridge International A Level subjects which are most popular are Maths, English and Biology.

Mark Barber, Regional Manager for South Africa, University of Cambridge International Examinations said, "Our programmes and qualifications have a proven reputation for providing students in South Africa and around the world with an excellent preparation for university, employment and life. We support schools to develop students who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged.  This approach fosters an active learner who has a love of learning, is self-directing and engaged at all levels with their education. The increasing numbers of students taking our qualifications in South Africa shows that schools are aware of the value of this approach and the importance of an international education in today's global economy."

Allen van Blerk, Principal of St CharlesCollege (Pietermaritzburg) said, "The Cambridge Curriculum is balanced and well-designed. It sets out to prepare students to excel in their tertiary studies and demands an independent work ethic. This is a huge advantage for our students. I constantly hear reports from past students that they are among the few who are managing well at University. This is the best feedback a Principal can receive."

Cambridge IGCSE is the world's most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic ability and is taught by over 2600 schools worldwide.

Cambridge International A Level, typically for learners aged 16 to 19, is regarded as a passport to success in education, university and employment. It is taken by thousands of learners every year who gain places at leading universities worldwide. It develops a deep understanding of subjects, as well as independent learning and constructive thinking skills - abilities which universities value highly and is taken in over 125 countries.

Notes to editors

• University of Cambridge International Examinations is the world's largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5−19 year olds. Our qualifications are taken in over 160 countries and recognised by universities, education providers and employers across the world.

We are part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a not-for-profit organisation and a department of the University of Cambridge. We share in their mission of providing excellence in education.

Our programmes and qualifications develop successful learners and support the economic performance of countries where we work at national level.

• For more information about University of Cambridge International Examinations visit http://www.cie.org.uk

• Fastest growing Cambridge IGCSE subjects in South Africa in 2012:

     Mathematics, Business Studies and Economics

• Fastest growing Cambridge A Level subjects in South Africa in 2012:

     English, Business Studies and Economics

SOURCE University of Cambridge International Examinations

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