Cambridge International Subjects
At ACG Sunderland, the Cambridge International programme offers a carefully structured range of subjects that grow with your child at every stage of their education. From the earliest years, students are guided through a balanced course of study that builds strong foundations in English, Mathematics, Science and the arts. As they progress into College, this breadth expands to include specialist options such as Computer Science, Design & Technology, and multiple languages, giving each student room to explore and excel. At senior level, the internationally recognised Cambridge IGCSEs and A Levels allow students to study subjects in real depth, preparing them with the knowledge, discipline and qualifications demanded by top universities worldwide.
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
A key strength of the Cambridge curriculum lies in its structure and clarity. Each subject is built on a well-defined syllabus that outlines exactly what students will learn and how they will be assessed, giving teachers, parents, and students a clear roadmap from the start. Because much of the assessment is external and exam-based, teachers can devote more time to teaching, and students can focus on mastering content rather than navigating constant internal assessments.
Cambridge assessments provide percentage scores that convert into precise grades (A*–G at IGCSE, A*–E at A Level), giving families an accurate picture of performance and progress. This clarity is one reason why Cambridge is so highly regarded by universities worldwide — its qualifications are recognised and trusted as evidence of both depth and rigour.
By contrast, NCEA relies heavily on year-round internal assessments graded into broad bands such as Achieved, Merit, and Excellence. While this approach can capture some progress, it often reduces teaching time and can make it harder for parents to gauge exactly how their child is performing. Questions about consistency across schools and grade boundaries have only added to parents’ uncertainty about NCEA’s credibility at higher levels.
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
