Cambridge Qualifications
All our College students sit the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) examinations exclusively as we believe these rigorous and well-structured qualifications best serve them to become successful global citizens. CAIE qualifications are internationally recognised and highly sought after. They cover a very large range of subjects from within the sciences, languages, humanities and career specific areas such as graphic design.
Cambridge Checkpoint is an examination for Year 9 students in Science, English and Maths that assist teachers to work out the strengths and weaknesses of students preparing for international qualifications like IGSCE and A Level.
Cambridge IGCSE is the world's most popular international qualification for 14 - 16 year olds. Internationally recognised, Cambridge IGCSE brings out the best in students and develops successful learners through a skills-based approach to teaching and assessing.
For most Pinehurst students, the IGCSE course for each subject is a two year programme which commences at the start of Year 10, with final examinations held at the end of Year 11.
Students will sit examinations for up to 8 subjects.
Compulsory for Pinehurst Students:
- English Language and English Literature or ESOL & Mathematics
- At least one of the Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Management
Students are to select a further four subjects from the subjects offered below and will spend four periods a week on each of their subjects, with one period for General Physical Education. We recommend that a student does not take more than three Sciences. (Full details for each subject are available in the Academic Prospectus available from the Headmaster of College.)
- Mathematics - compulsory
- English Language and Literature– compulsory
- Accounting
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Drama
- Economics
- Environmental Management
- Geography
- History
- Mandarin
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Spanish
For many IGCSE subjects, the students will have the option of studying at either core level, or extended level. Extended Level is aimed at grades of A, B, C, although grades of A*, A, B, C, D, E are available to these candidates. Core Level is aimed at grades D, E, F, G although grades C, D, E, E, F, G are available to these candidates. G is a minimum satisfactory performance. Students failing to achieve to a satisfactory level receive a U – Ungraded.
International A Level is one of the most recognised qualifications around the world and accepted as proof of academic ability for entry to universities worldwide. International A Level is the world's most popular international qualification for 17 - 18 year olds.
Cambridge AS Level is typically taken at the mid-point of an A Level programme and is optional. Pinehurst offers AS Level as a qualification to increase the breadth in the curriculum and allow our students to complement other subjects they are studying.
Pre-Requisite
Students must gain a C grade or higher in four IGCSE subjects to be eligible for AS programmes. All students must take AS Language or Literature. Year 12 students are to select 4 additional subjects from the subjects offered from the list below and will spend 6 periods per week on each of their subjects.
The following subjects are offered at AS Level:
- Accounting
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Classical Studies
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Digital Media and Design
- Economics
- English Language
- English Literature
- English (NCEA)
- Environmental Management
- Geography
- Global Perspectives
- History
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
- Spanish
All AS subjects are completed in one year with the exception of Music. The examinations are held in November. (AS Music is examined in June of the following year). Students have the option, if successful, of continuing their studies in Year 13.
Year 13 students are to select 4-5 subjects from the subjects listed below and will spend 6 periods a week on each of their subjects. The following subjects are offered at A2 level:
- Accounting
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Classical Studies
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Economics
- English Language
- English Literature
- Geography
- Global Perspectives
- History
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
- Spanish
Most Pinehurst students study 5 AS Level subjects in Year 12, with AS examinations in November. Students may then specialise to 4 (or 5) full A Level subjects in Year 13. However, the nature of the A/AS Level programme allows plenty of flexibility over the two years for students to study a variety of AS and A Level combinations. Year 13 students may choose new subjects at AS Level or repeat a subject to improve their grade.
Cambridge International Primary Programme gives Pinehurst the framework to develop students' Mathematics, English and Science skills, complementing the New Zealand National Curriculum.