Qualifications

World-Class Qualifications

BIS students work towards internationally recognized Cambridge qualifications throughout their educational journey. These qualifications are respected by universities and employers worldwide, providing students with credentials that open doors to higher education and career opportunities globally.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is the world's largest provider of international qualifications, with over 10,000 schools in more than 160 countries offering Cambridge programs. Our students join a global community of learners working towards the same high standards of academic excellence.

The Cambridge Pathway at BIS

Our students follow a clear progression through the Cambridge pathway, with qualifications and assessments at key stages that build on previous learning and prepare for the next level.

Cambridge Checkpoint (Ages 11 and 14)

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint (end of Year 6) and Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint (end of Year 9) are diagnostic assessments that provide detailed feedback on student progress in English, Mathematics, and Science. These are not formal qualifications but valuable tools for monitoring progress and identifying strengths and areas for development.

Checkpoint tests are marked by Cambridge and results are reported on an international scale, allowing comparison with Cambridge students worldwide. The detailed feedback helps teachers, students, and parents understand achievement levels and plan next steps in learning. Checkpoint results also inform subject choices for IGCSE and identify any support needs.

Cambridge IGCSE (Ages 14-16)

The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the world's most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds. Developed over 30 years ago, IGCSE is now taken by students in over 150 countries and is recognized by leading universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic achievement.

Students typically study 8-10 IGCSE subjects over two years (Years 10-11), taking external examinations at the end of Year 11. The program offers a broad curriculum that allows students to specialize while maintaining breadth in their education. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, and Sciences, with students choosing additional subjects based on their interests and future goals.

IGCSE Grading System

IGCSE examinations are graded from A* (highest) to G, with grades A*-C considered strong passes. Universities worldwide recognize these grades as evidence of academic readiness for advanced study. The grading is criterion-referenced, meaning students are assessed against defined standards rather than compared to other students.

• A* and A - Exceptional achievement, demonstrating comprehensive understanding and ability to apply knowledge
• B and C - Good achievement, showing solid understanding and competent application of knowledge
• D and E - Satisfactory achievement, demonstrating basic understanding
• F and G - Foundation level achievement

IGCSE Recognition

IGCSE is recognized as equivalent to national secondary qualifications in many countries, including the UK (GCSE), USA (high school diploma), and Mozambique (Certificado de Habilitações Literárias do Ensino Secundário Geral). This recognition makes IGCSE an excellent choice for internationally mobile families and students planning to study abroad.

Cambridge AS Level (Age 16-17, Year 12)

Cambridge Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level represents the first year of the A Level program and the first half of the full A Level course. Students typically study 3-4 subjects at AS Level in Year 12, building on IGCSE knowledge with significantly greater depth, complexity, and independence.

AS Level is a standalone qualification in its own right, with external examinations at the end of Year 12. Results are reported separately and also contribute to the final A Level grade. AS Level allows students to experience advanced study before committing to full A Level, and provides universities with an indication of student potential during the application process.

AS Level Grading

AS Level examinations are graded from A (highest) to E. AS Level grades are reported on UCAS applications and considered by universities, though the full A Level grade is what matters most for final university offers.

Cambridge A Level (Ages 16-18, Years 12-13)

Cambridge International A Level is widely regarded as the gold standard qualification for university admission worldwide. A Levels are specifically designed to prepare students for university study, developing deep subject knowledge, critical thinking, independent learning skills, and intellectual maturity that universities value most.

Students typically study 3-4 subjects to full A Level over two years (Years 12-13). The program is rigorous and demanding, requiring sustained effort, genuine interest in chosen subjects, and high levels of independent study. A Level examinations at the end of Year 13 assess the entire two-year course, testing mastery of subject content and ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations.

A Level Grading System

A Level examinations are graded from A* (highest) to E. The grading is rigorous and internationally standardized, ensuring consistency and fairness. Universities worldwide understand A Level grades and use them as primary criteria for admission decisions.

• A* - Outstanding achievement, demonstrating exceptional understanding and ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize at the highest level. Required for most competitive university courses.
• A - Excellent achievement, showing comprehensive understanding and strong analytical skills. Highly competitive for university admission.
• B - Very good achievement, demonstrating thorough understanding and good application of knowledge. Meets entry requirements for most university courses.
• C - Good achievement, showing solid understanding. Acceptable for many university courses.
• D and E - Satisfactory achievement, demonstrating basic understanding. May be acceptable for some university courses or foundation programs.

A Levels and University Admission

A Level grades are the primary factor in university admission decisions in the UK and many other countries. UK universities make conditional offers based on predicted A Level grades (e.g., AAB or A*AA for competitive courses). Students must achieve the required grades in their final A Level examinations to secure their university place.

In the USA, Canada, and other countries, A Levels are highly valued and may earn university course credit, allowing students to enter at advanced standing or complete degrees faster. Many top US universities consider A Level results equivalent to or exceeding AP (Advanced Placement) examinations.

Global Recognition and Acceptance

Cambridge qualifications are recognized by over 1,400 universities and employers globally, including the world's top institutions. Cambridge works closely with universities, governments, and employers worldwide to ensure qualifications meet international standards and are understood and valued.

United Kingdom

Cambridge IGCSE is recognized as equivalent to UK GCSE by UK universities, colleges, and employers. Cambridge A Levels are the standard qualification for UK university admission and are considered the gold standard by UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, and all Russell Group institutions.

United States

Cambridge IGCSE is recognized as equivalent to US high school courses. Cambridge A Levels are highly valued by US universities and often earn college credit. Top US universities, including Ivy League institutions, actively recruit students with strong A Level results. Many universities grant advanced standing or course credit for A Level grades of A, B, or C.

Europe and Worldwide

Cambridge qualifications are recognized throughout Europe, including by universities in Portugal, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, and other countries. They are also accepted in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and over 160 countries worldwide. The Cambridge Recognition Database provides detailed information on how specific universities recognize Cambridge qualifications.

Quality Assurance and Standards

Cambridge qualifications maintain the highest standards through rigorous quality assurance processes. Examinations are set and marked by subject experts, with multiple layers of checking to ensure accuracy and fairness. Cambridge is regulated by Ofqual (the UK qualifications regulator) for qualifications delivered in England, ensuring international standards align with UK standards.

As a Cambridge International School (Centre Number: MZ030), BIS undergoes regular quality assurance visits and must meet Cambridge's strict standards for teaching, assessment, and student support. This ensures that our students receive education of the highest quality and that their qualifications have full international credibility.

Support and Resources

BIS provides comprehensive support to help students achieve their best in Cambridge examinations. Our experienced teachers receive regular Cambridge training, we use official Cambridge resources and past papers, and we conduct thorough exam preparation including mock examinations and exam technique training. Students also receive guidance on subject choices, university requirements, and how to maximize their qualifications for their chosen pathways.