Our IGCSE and A-Level School in Auckland, Henderson


Our school in Henderson, West Auckland offers the Cambridge International Pathway from the Primary years, which provides a solid foundation for the key examination stages of this programme: the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), in Year 11, and Advanced Levels (A-Levels) in Years 12 and 13. With this world-class curriculum, students receive an education of the highest calibre, delivered by passionate teachers who are specialists in their subject fields.

Every year, our college students achieve outstanding results in their Cambridge International examinations, making ACG Sunderland the top academic school in West Auckland. Students at ACG Schools receive more Cambridge International awards than any other school in New Zealand.

Best Cambridge education in Auckland
 

Why Study IGCSE and A-Levels at Our School in Auckland?


Our International General Certificate for Secondary Education course at ACG Sunderland is exceptional, with students achieving outstanding IGCSE exam results every year. Not only do students gain a solid foundation in a wide range of subjects through our personalised approach, but they may also supplement the core IGCSE curriculum with enriching optional subjects, overseas experiences and exciting activities that complement their studies and personal interests.

In addition to our excellent IGCSE reputation, our school in Auckland is renowned as an exceptional A-Level provider after years of successful results, leading to Cambridge International awards for our best students. Awards range from Top in New Zealand to Top in the World in IGCSE, AS and A-Levels (including Top A-Level Student in New Zealand) and the prestigious Best Across Three A-Level Subjects.

A-Level students receive tailored support from the very outset of their Cambridge Advanced Pathways course, being fully immersed in an environment that provides them with personalised guidance, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and interaction with A-Level subject experts, all of which ensures they can achieve exceptional results in their A-Level exams. 

Benefits of the Cambridge International Curriculum


The Cambridge International Pathway sets a global standard for education and includes four key stages: Primary; Lower Secondary; IGCSE, AS and A-Levels. Cambridge curricula and qualifications are highly regarded by top universities and employers worldwide, leading our students to the world's most prestigious institutions.

The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum is a challenging, engaging programme, offering solid preparation for A-Level success. The advantages of pursuing this final stage of the Cambridge International Pathway include a deep understanding of subjects that align with students' university and career aspirations, securing acceptance into top universities in New Zealand and abroad, and acquiring essential future-ready skills.

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Cambridge International Programme


The Cambridge International Curriculum provided at ACG Sunderland is designed by Cambridge Assessment International Education, a department of the world-renowned University of Cambridge.

The Cambridge International programme begins in Year 1, leading to the IGCSE course in Years 10 and 11 and the international AS/A-Levels in Years 11 to 13. As the penultimate High School programme, the Cambridge IGCSE offers individuals the chance to exercise autonomy by selecting optional subjects to learn alongside the core curriculum depending on their interests and future career prospects. The IGCSE curriculum is broad yet balanced, providing students with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to succeed in our Cambridge International A-Level course, which is considered an excellent pre-university route.

At our school, pupils of all abilities are supported throughout their learning journey and access enriching opportunities to extend their skills during class-based projects or work experience placements. Our Cambridge curriculums are taught alongside an engaging extracurricular programme that allows students to put their recent knowledge to practical use.

Cambridge International Subjects


The Cambridge International programme covers a wide range of subjects at different stages of our students' educational journey. The subjects we teach ensure students take a balanced course that prepares them well for upcoming academic stages. These years form an essential base for senior study and qualifications. 

 

Cambridge International Assessment


Cambridge International is characterised by its exam-based assessments and clear benchmarking. We believe an end-of-year exam system allows teachers and students to explore questions to a depth and a quality that educators involved in internal assessment benchmarking simply do not have the time for.

 

Cambridge International Grading System


The Cambridge International Grading System grades all work completed and submitted by students for assessment. This standardised grading system gives students a clear and comprehensive assessment of their knowledge and skills. 

IGCSE grades are assigned based on performance in practical tests, exams and coursework. 

Grades range from A* to G (A* is the highest mark and G is the lowest).

The A-Level Grading System is slightly different, as grades range from A* to E. A* is the highest grade.

 

Cambridge International vs NCEA


The Cambridge curriculum has the advantage of offering a more efficient use of classroom time when compared to the NCEA. A significant portion of the course is evaluated through external end-of-year examinations, allowing teachers to dedicate more time to teaching and less to grading. In Cambridge International assessments, students receive a percentage score, which is then converted into a clear overall grade ranging from A* to G (or A* to E in Advanced Levels), providing students with a straightforward performance indicator.

In contrast, the New Zealand NCEA curriculum relies on year-round internal assessments. Student work is categorised into broader 'bands,' such as 'Achieved,' 'Merit,' or 'Excellence.' Due to the frequent assessment schedule, educators delivering the NCEA programme often allocate substantial time to assessment preparation, delivery, moderation, and grading.

 

The Difference Between Cambridge AS and A-Levels


Thousands of learners worldwide secure places at leading universities every year with Cambridge International AS and A-Levels, a qualification for students between 17 and 18 years of age. The Cambridge International A-Level (Advanced Level) is typically a 2-year course, while the Cambridge International AS-Level course (Advanced Subsidiary Level) is 1 year. An AS-Level contains half the content of the corresponding A-Level. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS-Level and extended to a Cambridge International A-Level. The syllabuses develop a deep understanding of subjects and independent thinking skills.

 

Lower College Subjects


Lower College Subjects (Years 7-10) include:

  • English
  • Foreign language (Spanish)
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social science
  • Music
  • Art
  • Drama
  • Physical Education
  • Design and echnology
  • Computer science

 

IGCSE Subjects


In Year 11 of IGCSE, students usually take 7 subjects.

Subjects include:

Compulsory (students must choose one)

  • English language, English literature, mathematics

Optional

  • Art and design
  • Computer science
  • Coordinated science: physics, chemistry, biology, psychology
  • Design and technology
  • History
  • Physical education
  • Spanish
  • Music

 

AS and A-Level Subjects


From Year 12, students usually take 4 subjects a year. Year 12 courses generally consist of AS-Level subjects. However, students may also choose A-Level subjects provided they meet the entry criteria. Year 13 courses may include either AS or A-Level subjects.

Subjects include:

Compulsory

  • English language and English literature

Optional

  • Art and design
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Classical studies
  • Computer science
  • Design and technology
  • Marine science
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physics
  • Physical education
  • Spanish

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Explore how our school's innovative Cambridge International pathway supports students to achieve outstanding results and steers them towards admission to prestigious universities worldwide.