Cambridge Pre-U

The Cambridge Pre-U exam in the United Kingdom is a qualification planned by University of Cambridge International Examinations as an alternative to the current A Level qualification, which is considered by many to have become devalued [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/1495184.stm So are A-levels getting easier?] ", BBC News, 16 August 2001. URL accessed on 5 June 2006.] . It is a diploma-type qualification, principally aimed at students aged 16-18, and has recognition for university entrance. [cite news | url=http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/uppersec/preu/recognition | title=Cambridge Pre-U Recognition | publisher=CIE | accessdate=2007-11-24]

Many independent schools have expressed an interest in switching to the examination, which is considered better preparation for University than the A Level; some state schools have also expressed an interest. [ [http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:vC2Po4usWC8J:www.cie.org.uk/CIE/WebSite/NewsAndEvents/NewsArticles/newsarticle.jsp%3Foid%3D17192+Pre-U+EXam+%22Cheadle+Hulme+School%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=uk 403 Forbidden ] ] .

The Pre-U will be launched in September 2008, for first assessment June 2010. Some schools, such as Charterhouse, Dulwich, Winchester College, Shrewsbury and Eton College will replace A-Levels with Cambridge Pre-Us in some subjects, starting from September 2008. It will not be modular like A levels, nor will it have any compulsory principal subjects as the International Baccalaureate does [cite news | date=2006-06-23 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/5111422.stm | title=Alternative A-level exam produced | publisher=BBC | accessdate=2007-03-30] : students have a free choice of three such "Principal Subjects" out of 26. Additional subjects may be taken, though not incorporated into the Diploma. However, an "Independent Research Project" and a "Global Perspectives" portfolio must both be completed in addition to the three "Principal Subjects" for the award of the Pre-U Diploma.

Principal Subjects

* Art and Design
* Biology
* Business and Management
* Chemistry
* Classical Heritage
* Comparative Government and Politics
* Economics
* English
* Further Mathematics
* Geography
* Greek
* History
* History of Art
* Latin
* Mandarin Chinese
* Mathematics
* Modern Foreign Languages
* Music
* Philosophy and Theology
* Physics
* Psychology
* Sports Science

In development:
* "Design & Technology"
* "Theatre Studies"

Grading

In the Pre-U, each Principal Subject is graded on a three-band, six-grade scale:

The full Pre-U Diploma will be graded on the aggregate of the three Principal Subjects, the Independent Research Project, and the Global Perspectives portfolio. The Independent Research Project and the Global Perspectives portfolio are each worth exactly half of a Principal Subject; thus their aggregate forms the equivalent of another Principal Subject. The Pre-U Diploma is graded out of 96 overall; each Principal Subject is graded out of 24, and both Global Perspectives and the Independent Research Report are graded out of 12 each. The two together (GPR) can also be taken as a separate subject. Some schools will do a mix of A-levels and Pre-U Principal Subjects. With such a mix it is still possible to earn a Pre-U Diploma. [cite news | url=http://www.cie.org.uk/docs/qualifications/preu/guide/Pre-U%20guide%20for%20schools.pdf | title=Cambridge Pre-U Guide for Schools | publisher=CIE | accessdate=2007-12-28] .

References

External links

* [http://www.cie.org.uk/cambridgepreu Cambridge Pre-U official site]