Cambridge Academic Programming
Cambridge programmes and qualifications have a proven reputation for providing excellent preparation for university, employment and life. They provide a valuable international benchmark of learner performance.
We offers a curriculum that integrates Cambridge learning objectives and assessment strategies into Ministry-approved Ontario courses. The result is that students are learning the skills and subject matter they need for success in university and have the ability to take their knowledge further in achieving advanced level qualifications granted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).
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How do students earn Cambridge qualifications?Cambridge qualifications are awarded to students who successfully complete a series of papers evaluated by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Unionville Academy designs courses to cover both Ontario and Cambridge content, students must register for and successfully complete all CIE syllabus components to earn IGCSE or GCE qualifications. Cambridge examinations are written October to November and May to June. Students generally write exams in the May to June series.
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Why pursue Cambridge qualifications?Cambridge qualifications are respected as a significant academic achievement by universities and employers worldwide. Students who complete A Level examinations with a good standing can qualify for advanced standing and possibly credits towards their undergraduate degrees. Cambridge syllabuses are well organized and CIE provides past exams and marking schemes. There are countless resources online to help students prepare for these exams making it an excellent choice for self-motivated and self-directed or homeschooled students to earn advanced academic credentials. Students can apply to most universities with five IGCSE and three A Level (or six AS Level) qualifications allowing students to fast-track. Cambridge gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge and abilities on the international stage and experience the most widely used academic qualification process in the world.
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How do students register for Cambridge exams?There are two types of students who can register for Cambridge exams: School Candidates and Private Candidates.
Policies and Regulations Regarding Cambridge Examinations:
CIE regulates that all centres must have a Complaints Process and an Internal Appeals Process. Please see Unionville's Cambridge Written complaints and Examinations Internal Appeals Process below.
Unionville’s Written Complaints Procedure Regarding CIE Courses of Study
Stage 1 – Invigilator/Course Teacher
Many complaints in regards to examinations or course work marks can be resolved at the invigilator/course teacher level. This can be done during the examination if you feel it is of immediate concern, or your can request a brief discussion following the exam. If the complaint is not resolved at this stage, please move to stage two.
Stage 2 – Exams officer/Assistant Head of School
Complainant makes a written complaint to the Exams officer. The Exams officer will carry out an investigation and will respond in written form to the complainant. An in-person discussion will follow if required.
Stage 3 – Head of Schools / Head of Centre
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the resolution of Stage 2, the Head of Schools or Head of Centre will be involved in the investigation. The complainant must again submit a written complaint outlining what the issue is and why they were dissatisfied with the solutions suggested in Stage 2.
Stage 4 – The Final Meeting
If the complainant is still dissatisfied after stage 3, a formal meeting will be arranged between the invigilator/course teacher, the exams officer, the Head of Schools/Head of Centre and the complainant. A decision will be made by the Head of Centre as to how to proceed following this meeting.
Examinations Internal Appeals Process
CIE’s Rules and Regulations mandate that CIE centres must have an internal process that allows candidates to challenge decisions made in regards to enquires about results or any appeals submitted to CIE.
Internally Assessed Work:
Unionville teachers who are the leaders of the Cambridge Syllabus are familiar with both CIE standards of evaluation and are also qualified and competent in their subject matter. Unionville is committed to ensuring assessment and evaluation of candidates is produced and authenticated using Cambridge standards and syllabus requirements. When work is distributed to a variety of teachers, internal moderation and standardization will be administrated by the syllabus leader and overseen by the exams officer to maintain standards.
If a student wishes to appeal an internally assessed component they must follow this appeals procedure:
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Appeals should be made as early as possible and at least three weeks prior to the final paper of the examination series.
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Students should first raise their concern to the subject teacher. If no resolution is arrived at, the student should pass the concern on to the syllabus leader. The syllabus leader will consult the Exams officer if required. If the issue remains unresolved, the student should initiate the Cambridge Written Complaints Procedure.
Policy of Enquiries about Results (EaRs):
Any student who wants to question a mark/grade awarded by an awarding body upon issue of results should follow the following procedure:
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Contact the Examinations Officer as soon as possible in writing (at least 10 working days before the published deadline for EaRs). The Examinations Officer will advise on the options available from CIE to query the mark/grade and the costs and timelines involved in this process.
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Students should be aware that EaRs can result in marks/grades being raised, confirmed or lowered. Students must sign a consent form to confirm that they understand the consequence of an EaR. Consent forms will be issued by the Examinations Officer.