USA Sees Steep Rise in Students Taking Cambridge Qualifications

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University of Cambridge International Examinations

Jun 20, 2012, 09:00 ET

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

The number of students entered for Cambridge qualifications by schools in the USA has risen significantly over the past year. Schools in the USA made over 35,000 examination entries for Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level, seeing a rise of 36% since 2011.

Cambridge schools in the USA are part of a global learning community of 9000 schools in 160 countries. Cambridge programmes and qualifications are recognised by universities and employers worldwide, enabling thousands of learners with Cambridge to enter the world's top universities.

Cambridge IGCSE subjects which are the most popular among students in the USA are US History, English and Biology. Cambridge International A Level subjects which are most popular are Thinking Skills, English and History.

Sherry Reach, Regional Manager for the USA and Canada, University of CambridgeInternational Examinations said, "Our programmes and qualifications have a proven reputation for providing students in the USA 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 the USA shows that schools are aware of the value of this approach and the importance of an international education in today's global economy."

Jacques Bentolila, Principal of Ronald W. Reagan / Doral Senior High School, Miami, Florida said, "Our students are able to develop creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving skills, through Cambridge programmes and qualifications, equipping them well for the next stage of their education and life in the 21^st century. This provides an unparalleled learning experience and a global platform for all my students who are now placed in the best universities across the globe."

Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, at Duke University, USA said, "One of the things we look for is a sense that when students have completed their secondary school studies is their ability to analyse, look at a text critically, make connections between subjects and write effectively. We notice that Cambridge students (obviously those who have done well) come with those skill sets and we value them greatly."

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.