HBHS Scholars Top NZ Cambridge Results

Bahr Youssuf (2011, Yr 13) gained 'Top in New Zealand' in the recent IGCSE examinations for Co-ordinated Sciences.  He is joined by Robert West (2011, Yr 13), who achieved the top New Zealand result in AS Geography, and Thomas Simpson (Year 13) who was joint third for 'Best Across 4 x AS levels.  These boys, their families and teachers have been invited to celebrate their success in a formal event being staged in Auckland on 16 February. 

What are the Cambridge examinations?

Cambridge International Examination (CIE) provides three general secondary qualifications: the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) at Form 5/Year 11; International Advanced Subsidiary (AS) at Form 6/Year 12; and International Advanced Level (A Level) at Form 7/Year 13. Together they constitute a fully integrated set of secondary qualifications.

A range of assessment methods are used but with the emphasis strongly on external examinations. Coursework, and thus internal assessment, is part of many subjects, either as a compulsory element or as an option. Coursework marks and samples of student work are submitted to Cambridge for external moderation to ensure accuracy and comparability of assessment.

IGCSE provides a strong foundation for higher level, pre-university courses of study. AS courses are essentially the first half or core component of full A Level courses. (The second, more advanced component, is known as A2). They allow staged assessment in the A Level programme; the opportunity to build up to a full A Level in a subject. At the same time they constitute a worthwhile, stand-alone qualification for those who choose not to take a full A Level. By passing a number of AS courses students of lower-to-average ability are able to gain an entry qualification for tertiary study. Full A Levels are based on rigorous challenging courses. Internationally they are regarded as a 'gold standard' qualification.

Universities around the world recognise AS and A Level as University Entry Qualifications. Recently the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee confirmed that New Zealand students will be able to use CIE qualifications to gain entry to New Zealand universities.

Hamilton Boys' High School offers NCEA to all students, and CIE to those students who would benefit from participation in this programme.  Please contact Deputy Principal Stuart Hakeney for further information on this subject.