YWIES is a fully accredited Cambridge International Examination Centre (CIC) of the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The school is authorized to conduct the world-recognized International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International A and AS Level Examinations (A / AS Level).
OUPP Years 1 & 2 : Cambridge IGCSE
The IGCSE has been designed for 14–16 year olds. Students who obtain an IGCSE qualification from Cambridge are prepared for further academic success, including progression to A and AS Level study, and will be equipped with the skills needed for immediate employment. Cambridge IGCSE is recognised as evidence of ability by academic institutions and employers around the world.
Cambridge IGCSE provides a broad study programme across a wide range of subject areas. Within the curriculum there is a balanced mix of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. With a choice of Core and Extended papers in most subjects, the Cambridge IGCSE is suitable for students with different levels of ability.
YWIES’ OUPP 1 & 2 students are required to take 7 IGCSE courses, including 4 compulsory courses, 3 electives, Physical Education and Character Education.The compulsory courses include English (Second & First Language), Chinese (First Language & Mandarin Chinese), Mathematics and Combined Science.Elective courses include Information Technology, Music, Geography, Art & Design, History, Economics and Business Studies.
International Recognition
The IGCSE is taken in over 100 countries worldwide and is internationally recognized as being equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom.Grading is on an eight-point scale (A*–G) and grades A to E are equivalent to O Level grades A to E. In some countries, IGCSE qualifications will satisfy the entry requirements for university. In others, they are widely used as a preparation for A Level, AS, International Baccalaureate and US Advanced Placement courses.Grade C in IGCSE English (both First Language and Second Language) satisfies the English proficiency requirements of many universities in the UK and other English-speaking countries.
OUPP Years 3 & 4: Cambridge International A & AS Level
Cambridge International A Level is the world's most popular international examination for 17–18 year olds. It typically takes two years to complete and offers a flexible course of study that gives students the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them. A Levels are highly specialised and a student will normally take three subjects, although occasionally exceptional studentstake four.
International AS Level is typically taken at the mid-point of an A Level programme, to increase the breadth in the curriculum and allow students to complement other subjects they are studying.
There are five passing grades (A–E). Minimum matriculation requirements are at least two pass grades. University courses for which there is not strong demand might accept students with these grades, but typical UK university entrance requirements are closer to three passes at grade C for academic courses in established universities. Very popular courses will often require higher grades. For example, medical schools in the UK often require grades of AAB and the highly selective universities of Cambridge and Oxford ask for at least AAB.
YWIES’ OUPP 3 students are required to take 2 school compulsory courses, 3 A Level courses, Physical Education and Character Education.
The compulsory courses are English and Chinese Language & Literature / Mandarin Chinese. The 3 A Level courses are selected from Mathematics, Applied ICT, Physics/Biology or Chemistry/Economics.
OUPP 4 students are required to take 1 school compulsory course, 3 or 4 A Level courses, Physical Education and Character Education.
The compulsory course is English; The A Level courses are selected from Chinese Language & Literature / Mandarin Chinese, Mathematics, Physics / Music / Art & Design, Chemistry / Economics, Biology / Applied ICT.
International Recognition
International A Level is the “gold standard” of academic qualifications by universities around the world because:
1. International A and AS Level qualifications are recognized by universities as equivalent in value to UK A and AS Levels.
2. Good grades at A and AS Level can result in one full year of advanced standing or credit at universities in the USA and Canada.
3. Good A and AS Level grades are vital for admission to all the world’s major English-speaking universities and many non-English speaking universities.
Chinese University Preparation Programme (CUPP)
CUPP aims to prepare international students for Chinese universities.
After completing two-year IGCSE, international students who are interested in studying in Chinese universities are offered individualized lessons to prepare for the entrance examinations of the Chinese universities. We have had a number of international students who are now attending some of the most prestigious universities in China.