Most students and parents ask queries from the experts of Litera Centre, as to what are CAIE and Pearson Edexcel. They often feel that both of these are similar to each other and have minimal differences.
However, that is not the case. Litera centre presents you with a detailed description of both these examination bodies through this blog. So, keep reading and make yourself education-savvy.
What is Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)?
Introduction to CAIE
CAIE (informally known as Cambridge or Cambridge International) is a non-teaching department of Cambridge University that provides international qualifications to its students and is a part of the Cambridge Assessment.
This department was founded in the year 1858, and presently it has grown in size as well as stature. More than 10,000 schools spread across 160 countries now offer the certifications and qualifications offered by CAIE to their students.
The Cambridge Pathway
CAIE comprises a flexible, meaningful, and comprehensive educational system from K-12, which is known as Cambridge Pathway.
There are four stages in a Cambridge Pathway, which correspond the Elementary School, Middle School, High School, and Advanced Academics when we compare it with a typical or traditional educational structure.
The Four Stages
| Stages | Description | Age Group |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Primary | It comprises Ten Subjects and Four Assessments (explained below) | 5+ |
| Cambridge Lower Secondary | It comprises Ten Subjects and Four Assessments (explained below) | 11+ |
| Cambridge Upper Secondary | Cambridge IGCSE (70+ subjects) Cambridge “O” Level Cambridge ICE Certificate | 14+ |
| Cambridge Advanced | Cambridge International AS & A Level (55+ subjects) Cambridge AICE Diploma Cambridge IPQ | 16+ |
The First Two Stages
Subjects Taught
In the first two stages, students are taught the following ten subjects, which vary in difficulty as the stages progress:
- Art & Design
- Computing
- Digital Literacy
- English
- English As A Second Language
- Global Perspectives
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Science
Different Assessments
To measure the performance as well as the potential of the learners, Cambridge Pathways comprise four different types of assessments, all of which serve different purposes and reasons. These assessments are:
| Assessment | Major Goal | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge CEM | To measure the potential of a student | This is a computer-based assessment Benchmarks are developed and comparative analyses are performed |
| Classroom Assessment | To let teachers give a formative feedback | This type of assessment is available only for the following subjects: a) Art & Design b) Digital Literacy c) Music and d) Physical Education This is done throughout the year and it is analyzed how students’ performance can be improved |
| Cambridge Progression Tests | To monitor the progress of the students | This type of assessment is available only for the following subjects: a) English (as a first or second language) b) Mathematics c) Science Usually performed at the end of the year where detailed reports about the performance of the students are developed |
| Cambridge Checkpoint | To check for achievements | This type of assessment is available only for the following subjects: a) English (as a first or second language) b) Maths c) Science and d) Cambridge Global Perspectives In this assessment the following reports are received: Schools Diagnostic Feedback Report Students Statement of Achievement |
The Cambridge Upper Secondary
After completing the Cambridge Lower Secondary, (not mandatory) students can opt for either:
- Cambridge IGCSE
- Cambridge “O” Level
The Cambridge Advanced
This is the last stage of the Cambridge Pathway that prepares the students for attaining higher education from colleges and universities. The students are required to study Cambridge International AS & A Level to complete this stage.
What is Pearson Edexcel?
Edexcel is an examination body, which was established in the year 1996. It was acquired by Pearson in the year 2005, and since then it is better known as Pearson Edexcel.
This body regulates school examinations following the British Curriculum and offers various internationally recognized qualifications, which are:
- GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
- “A” Level
- BTEC Nationals
- International GCSEs and Edexcel Certificates
- International Advanced Levels (IAL)
- Functional Skills
- BTEC Firsts
- BTEC Higher Nationals
- BTEC Tech Awards
- LCCI
- BTEC International Level 3, etc.
The qualifications offered by the Pearson Edexcel are suitable for learners in the age bracket of 8 to 19 years.
How Does CAIE and Pearson Edexcel Differ?
| Parameters of Difference | Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) | Pearson Edexcel |
|---|---|---|
| Whom does it regulate? | It is regulated and run by The University of Cambridge | It is owned by Pearson, which is a British multinational corporation |
| What does it offer? | It offers Cambridge Pathway, which has four different stages. | It offers several internationally recognized qualifications. |
| What are some popular Stages/ Qualifications? | The four stages of a CAIE are: Cambridge PrimaryCambridge Lower SecondaryCambridge Upper SecondaryCambridge Advanced | The popular qualifications offered by Pearson Edexcel are: GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) “A” LevelInternational Advanced Levels (IAL)BTEC Nationals, etc. |
| Which age groups does it cover? | CAIE has programs for students starting from the age of 5 and going until 19 | Pearson Edexcel covers students between the ages 8 and 19 |
| How the future holds for students? | The students after clearing the four stages of the Cambridge Pathway can opt for higher studies at colleges and universities. | The qualifications offered by the Pearson Edexcel are recognized by employers as well as universities. Hence, after attaining them you can either opt for higher studies or go for employment/ apprenticeship. |
What is the difference between IGCSE and Edexcel?
Most of the students remain confused between these two terms. Let us simplify them and explain to you the meaning between them:
| IGCSE | Edexcel |
| The IGCSE is a qualification, which exists in the third stage (Cambridge Upper Secondary) of the Cambridge Pathway. | Edexcel is a brand name, which offers several qualifications to its students. |
| It is advised that the students take and clear this examination after passing the second stage of Cambridge Pathway, which is Cambridge Lower Secondary. | It is owned by Pearson and is commonly known as Pearson Edexcel. |
| It is one of the most popular international qualifications accredited by the University of Cambridge. | In the United Kingdom, it is the only private body, which has an examination board. |
| The students between the ages of 14 and 16 years take this examination. | Edexcel is suitable for students between 8 and 19 years |
*It must be noted that after clearing the IGCSE examination, the students get a CIE or IGCSE certification from either CAIE or Pearson Edexcel.
Frequently Asked Questions
what is CAIE ?
CAIE stands for Cambridge Assessment International Education. It is a prestigious board that conducts international examinations. Students worldwide pursue CAIE qualifications like IGCSE and A-Levels.
what is CIE and Edexcel ?
CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) and Edexcel are international examination boards. They offer a wide range of academic qualifications like IGCSE and A-Levels. Many students worldwide opt for CIE or Edexcel curricula for their secondary education.
what is the difference between CIE and Edexcel ?
CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) is part of the University of Cambridge, while Edexcel is owned by Pearson.
Edexcel curricula tend to have more emphasis on coursework, while CIE focuses more on final examinations.
The grading systems and assessment patterns differ slightly between the two examination boards.
what is the difference between Edexcel and Cambridge?
Edexcel and Cambridge are two prominent international examination boards that offer a range of academic qualifications. While Edexcel is owned by Pearson, Cambridge qualifications are provided by Cambridge Assessment International Education, a subdivision of the University of Cambridge.
References
- https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/usa/about-cambridge-international-us/the-cambridge-pathway/
- https://help.cambridgeinternational.org/hc/en-gb/articles/115004449425-What-is-the-difference-between-Cambridge-IGCSE-and-Cambridge-O-Levels-
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge_Assessment_International_Education
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edexcel
- https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications.html
