Homeschooling with

Cambridge
Home-educate with confidence using Cambridge
Curriculum, foundation to A-levels.

Karin Janse van Rensburg

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No content in this booklet is intended as professional advice and should not be relied upon to make
(or defer from making) any decision with regard to education or otherwise.

The content is protected by intellectual rights of either the author or attributed sources and may not
be reproduced or distributed. Please share the link to the download page for this free e-book should
you want to share it.

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Contents Introduction
Whether you have been homeschooling for a while and have
decided that you children are ready to transition to Cambridge
Introduction 3 Secondary, or want to start their home-education journey on the
What is Cambridge? 5 solid foundation of Cambridge Primary, this guide is for you!

Do I need to register anywhere? 8 Cambridge International Primary and Secondary can be used as a
stand alone learning program for your home, or as the backbone
How do we transition to Cambridge? 9
of your eclectic program, building towards an international
Which books do I need? 10 school leaving qualification.

How can we assess progress? 24

Will Cambridge fit our homeschooling

Start with the end in mind.
philosophy? 25
Home Education is about the holistic development of your children
How do the examinations work? 26
and you are the best person to guide them on their journey of
Will the university accept a Cambridge discovery and development. Providing your children with the option
qualification? 27 to further their education on tertiary level provides them with the
most options in pursuit of their career or self-employment goals.
Cambridge International Curriculum builds towards an
internationally accepted school leaving qualification and prepares
children best for the critical thinking that is required in life,
university and the Cambridge exams. Choose to use a learning plan
to best prepares them towards those exams. Cambridge Pathway
does just that.

Which school leaving qualification are you pursuing and which

learning materials will best prepare them for that goal?

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4
 What is Cambridge?

Source:www.cambridgeinternational.org

Cambridge Pathway
Cambridge International curriculum was developed by The University
of Cambridge in the UK for international, multilingual students aged 5
to 19. The age ranges are a guideline and children can progress at their
own pace.

The Cambridge Pathway described above leads

seamlessly from primary to secondary and pre-university years. Each
stage builds on the learners’ understanding from the previous one, but • Primary: Foundation to Year (grade) 6
can also be offered separately.
Children have the chance to acquire the knowledge and skills they need • Lower Secondary (checkpoint): Years (grades) 7-9
to achieve at university and beyond, in the comfort of their home, as a
self study program. (see our online shop for available subjects)
• IGCSE
• Advanced (AS then A)

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Why Cambridge
The curriculum was developed by Cambridge University Press
based on the syllabus of Cambridge International
Examinations. They consulted with top Universities (including

International? Harvard, Stanford and Cambridge) to make sure it builds

understanding: a firm grasp of key concepts and developing
the skills they need to succeed at university.
Success in Cambridge qualifications often gives students admission to
the world's best universities - in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Key concepts are core ideas to learning that help learners
Germany, South Africa and beyond. It scores higher on SA Universities’
admission score than the SA Senior Certificate. develop a deep understanding of subjects. They learn to make
links between concepts and open up new ways of thinking,
“Cambridge Assessment International Education prepares understanding and interpreting the core things they learn.
school students for life, helping them develop an informed Good teaching facilitates learning, it does not lecture but
curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of the rather establishes:
University of Cambridge. • greater depth and breadth of subject knowledge
Our international qualifications are recognised by the
world’s best universities and employers, giving students a • confidence, especially in applying knowledge and skills in
wide range of options in their education and career. As a not- new situations
for-profit organisation, we devote our resources to delivering
• fluency to talk about their subject conceptually and show
high-quality educational programmes that can unlock
how different aspects link together
learners' potential.” Cambridge International Examinations
• a level of mastery of their subject to help them enter
higher education.
Cambridge programmes focuses on mastering subjects in
depth and developing skills for study and work in future. It is Higher order thinking skills are developed within subject
focused, with a few things that are taught well and in great disciplines – problem solving, critical thinking, independent
depth, rather than trying to do more without mastery. research, collaboration, presenting arguments – as well as how
to link knowledge between subjects. Introduction to this way
of thinking from Primary age establishes theses skills as a
Deep subject knowledge is vital in order to learn to solve natural way of learning.
problems, to apply what was learnt with understanding to
new situations. Building year on year in developmentally
appropriate digestible portions of knowledge and
understanding . Cambridge International A Level are especially
geared towards deep subject knowledge, because most Deep subject knowledge, conceptual
learners aim to go to university, where deep subject understanding and higher order thinking
understanding is vital.
skills through enquiry based lessons.

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 Do I need to
register anywhere?
Cambridge International Curriculum is a self study
program. Registration with Cambridge as a primary or
secondary student using the self study program is not
available for private candidates. Only Cambridge
Registered Schools are affiliated with Cambridge and have
to adhere to very high standards.

The only Cambridge examinations taken are

IGCSE and A-levels. These are written at the
British Council or various private schools
registered as Cambridge Examination centres.

Home Education is a legal option in South Africa (see the

policy for registration) and many parents have registered
with the Department of Education (DOE) using the
Cambridge Primary or Lower Secondary curriculum. Please
visit the DOE website or contact your nearest branch of the
DOE for more information on registration as a home-
educator. Parents can also register with the home
educator’s legal defence fund, which offers legal advice to
parents of the homeschooling community in SA. 8
 How do we transition to Cambridge?
Transitioning from CAPS: Homeschooling families naturally the their minds will be trained in the critical
agree that Cambridge year levels align with SA School thinking and scientific analysing skills woven into the
grades with regard to developmental readiness. Eg. if hands-on lessons. It is best to view the excerpts of the
your child has successfully completed grade 5 using books per year to gauge which level will suit your child
CAPS, he could start with Cambridge year 6 the best. Please click on the “look inside” link on the
following year. UK Children start formal education a product pages to view excerpts or email us at
year earlier and will finish their A-levels a year earlier [email protected] for more info.
than SA Schools. It is more important that a learner
writes their exams when they are emotionally and Transitioning from Afrikaans to Cambridge:
academically ready, rather than finishing school at 18
years of age. Each child is unique and develops at their The International curriculum was developed for
own pace, this program makes it possible that they English Second Language learners. The program has
can progress at their own pace. This gives parents the additional resources to aid in vocabulary development
opportunity to facilitate subject learning at different in science and math. The Global English Program has
levels eg Mathematics year 5 and English at year 4. audio CDs to help learners pronounce words. The
second language program extends to year 9 building
Transitioning from eclectic or unschooling: Many the learner’s proficiency and confidence so that they
Homeschooling families transition to Cambridge in are able to transition to English First Language at
order to gain a qualification for entry into tertiary or IGCSE level.
further education and training. If you follow an
unschooling or eclectic approach you will benefit from
using Cambridge Math, Science and English as the
backbone to your program throughout primary to A-
levels. This curriculum is not the same as doing
schooling at home and can fit into a multitude of
homeschooling approaches and philosophies. The The hands-on, easy to follow, low prep lessons fit
English program is set out in unit studies which have into the home education philosophy. It is suitable
many suggested internet links to further explore the
suggested topic. The program is also enquiry based, to different learning styles and abilities, making it
making it ideal for eclectic or relaxed home-schooling. the ideal program to use at home.
The earlier children transition to Cambridge the more
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 Which books do I need?

Afrikaans First Language or Second Language can be Contact us if you require other indigenous language
added. Some Universities in South Africa require two materials. We are registered with the leading publishers and
languages for local students. can supply other learning materials than those listed on our
website. [email protected]
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 The Teacher’s Resources are at the heart of the
program and worth the investment. Each lesson
starts with an enquiry and is differentiated (adjusted
to include different ability learners). Common
misconceptions and multiple strategies for mastering
a concept is set out in an easy to follow lesson plan.
Answers to the learner book and activity book work is
also in the Teacher Resources.
Learner Books can be completed in a standard writing note book. They
have a very basic summary of the key concepts from the Teacher
Resources lessons and help children practice and apply what was learnt
during the lesson. Parents can opt to do the English and Science work
orally for students who are not strong in their handwriting. It is not a
heavy reading based program, making it excellent for students of various
reading abilities. The learner books are not comprehensive enough to be
used as a stand alone learning source and work best with the Teacher
Resource and activity books.

Activity Books have space for practical written work based on the
lessons. These are especially helpful for learners who are not strong at
handwriting.

Skills builders are additional books in science and math that provide
additional support to understand key concepts and builds vocabulary.

Challenge books are additional Math and Science activity books for
more able learners

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 Foundation year
Suggested essentials for Foundation:
• For English First Language OR English Global
(second language):
• Phonics Workbook A
• Mathematics:
• Starter books A, B and C
• Penpals handwriting series:
• Foundation 1 Teacher Resource;
• followed by Foundation 2 Teacher Resource,
together with foundation workbooks one, two
and three
 
Suggested Additional books:
• Reading adventures  (banded pack of graded
readers) click link below to map which band would
suit your childFor each subject you will need:
• Letterland early learning Teacher Manual, workbooks,
music and story books are a wonderful addition to
Cambridge and transitions well to Cambridge
Primary English First or Second Language. We are
suppliers for the full range of Letterland Products,
please enquire if you would like info on our full
range.

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 Year 1
Suggested essentials for Foundation:
• For English First Language OR English Global
(second language):
• Phonics Workbook B
• Teacher’s Resource year 1
• Learner Book year 1
• Activity Book year 1
• Mathematics:
• Teacher’s Resource year 1
• Learner Book year 1
• Penpals handwriting series:
• Teacher Resource year 1
• practice book year 1
• Workbook single copy year 1
• Science
• Teacher’s Resource year 1
• Learner Book year 1
• Activity Book year 1
 
Suggested Additional books:
• Mathematics and Science skills builder for second
language learners or those needing additional
support
• Mathematics and Science challenge for learners who
can achieve beyond the standard requirements
• Mathematics games book
• Reading adventures  (banded pack of graded
readers) see page 11 below to map which band
would suit your child.
• ICT Starters
• Click Start year 1 Teacher Book and Student Book

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 Years 2-6
Suggested essentials for years 2-6:
• For English First Language OR English Global
(second language):
• Teacher’s Resource
• Learner Book
• Activity Book
• Mathematics:
• Teacher’s Resource
• Learner Book
• Penpals handwriting series:
• Teacher Resource
• practice book
• Workbook (single copy)
• Science
• Teacher’s Resource
• Learner Book
• Activity Book
 
Suggested Additional books:
• Mathematics and Science skills builder for second
language learners or those needing additional
support
• Mathematics and Science challenge for learners who
can achieve beyond the standard requirements
• Mathematics games book
• Reading adventures  (banded pack of graded
readers) see page 11 below to map which band
would suit your child.
• ICT Starters
• Click Start years 2 - 6: Teacher Book and Student
Book
• Afrikaans First or Second Language
(Onderwysersgids, leerderboek, leesboek,
Woordeboek Sonder Grense, intermidiêre
woordeboek en werkboek.)
• Oxford International History and Geography
(Teacher’s guide, workbook, student book)

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Reading adventures is a banded reading program.
Download the parents guide and mapping chart
to see which level will best suit your child.
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 Penpals for Handwriting
Teach your child to write with
Foundation year:
Cambridge Penpals for
handwriting: Foundation year • Foundation 1 Teacher Book
to year 6.
• Workbook 1 patterns
This program focuses on print to • Foundation 2 Teacher Book
joined up writing rather than
• Workbook 2 long-legged
cursive. This modern and easier
giraffe and curly caterpillars
approach to handwriting
transitions quickly from print to • Workbook 3 one armed
robots and zig zag monster
joined up. The letters are very
similar in both print and joined up
Years 1-6
styles so that the child does not
have to learn a new Alphabet style
• Teacher Resource
when progressing through the • Practice Book
stages. • Work Book single copy
• Work book pack of 10 (of the
Each year has a Teacher’s guide, same booklets for a class
Practice book and work book. setting)

There are also remedial books • Intervention book 1 (letter

formation and introduction
available for assisting in letter
to joining)
formation, joins and fluency.
• Intervention book 2 (securing
Phonics and spelling support is joins and legibility)
given through repetition of sounds
• Intervention book 3
and words learnt in the Phonics Developing speed and
and English Learner books. fluency)
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Python Coding
Learn the basics of coding • Can be completed at your
quickly! This lively book is an own pace. Further time
introduction to the world of can be spent exploring
different ways of
coding and to Python 3 – a completing the challenges
fantastic language to start and making adaptations.
coding with. Young • Full support, source code
programmers will learn how to and answers are provided
code and customise several fun on the companion website.
applications including their
This series consists of 6
own Magic8Ball and an Etch A
books (no additional
Sketch® game. The fun teacher guide or student
challenges and Quick Quizzes books)
help to consolidate new skills
and the companion web site
provides the full source code for
all the projects and challenges
as well as help for readers.

Suitable for complete

beginners.

• Designed and written for

children at Key Stage 2
and 3 (ages 7-14), offering a
foundation for Key Stage 4
(ages 14-16).
• Takes a project-based
approach, allowing
students to progress at
different paces.
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ICT Starters
Help your students learn multimedia and
essential ICT skills, from programming – provide a
steady step-by-step
Microsoft Office® basics to approach.
animations and websites. • A practical activity at the
Children acquire skills such as end of each module
working with text, images and provides task-based
learning where students
graphs, emailing, using search can consolidate all of their
engines and programming. skills.
This program is designed for • Opportunities for
reflection allow students
learners aged 7 to 14 years of
to monitor their learning
age. and consider what and
how they have learnt.
• A ‘Before you start’ section
links back to prerequisite This program consists of 4
knowledge, ensuring books which you can work
students are prepared and through with your child, at
ready to tackle the their pace. (No additional
module. teacher or learner books)
• A strong emphasis on e-
safety throughout the
series encourages students
to stay safe on the internet.
• Fun activities – including
creating images, exploring

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Click Start
Learn to understand the reinforced in the interactive CD-
latest trends in the field of ROMs. Click Start, books 9 and 10
extend the learning to cover the
Information and
concepts of Windows 7, MS Office
Communication Technology.
2007, HTML, XML, programming
Books 1 to 5 focus on the languages, such as, C, C++, and
fundamentals of computer Java.A ‘Before you start’ section
science. This includes knowledge links back to prerequisite
of software, hardware, networking, knowledge, ensuring students are
MS Office, MSWLOGO. Books 6 to prepared and ready to tackle the
8 extend the learning to Flash, module.
HTML, QBASIC, Visual Basic,
Photoshop, communication and The series consists of
networking, and the concept of one student book and
programming languages like C++
and Java; and train students to
one Teacher Book per
protect computer system against level
various computer virus. Years 9
and 10, are two additional levels in
the Click Start series. The books
are based on Windows 7 and MS
Office 2007 with extensive
updates on Windows 8 and MS
Office 2010.

There are sections in each chapter

marked with CD icons which
indicate that the topic has been

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Afrikaans First Language or Second Language can Contact us if you require other indigenous language
be added. Some Universities in South Africa require materials. We are registered with the leading
two languages for local students. publishers and can supply other learning materials
than those listed on our website.
[email protected]

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 Years 7-9
Suggested essentials for checkpoint:
• For English First Language OR English Global (second
language):
• Teacher’s Resource
• Course Book
• Work Book
• Mathematics:
• Teacher’s Resource
• Course Book
• Practice Book
• Science
• Teacher’s Resource
• Course Book
• Work Book
• Click Start (year 7-10)
• Teacher’s Book
• Student Book
 
Suggested Additional books:
• Science skills Builder or Challenge activity books
• Math Skills Builder or Challenge activity books
• Python coding club
• Afrikaans First or Second Language (Teacher’s guide, learner
book, reading book, woordeboek sonder grense senior fase
woordeboek en werksboek)
• Oxford Geo123 geography program (Teacher’s guide, student
book and workbook )

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Cambridge IGCSE® is the world’s most popular international introduce cross-curricular perspectives. Clearly defined learning
curriculum for 14–16 year olds and is offered by Cambridge outcomes and content mean Cambridge IGCSE is compatible
Assessment International Education. It incorporates the best in with other curricula and is internationally relevant and sensitive to
international education for learners at this level, develops in line different needs and cultures.
with changing needs, and is regularly updated and extended. IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge Assessment
Cambridge IGCSE teachers can draw on excellent resources, International Education.
training and advice from subject experts. It is part of the
Cambridge Secondary 2 stage. Choose from 48+ Subjects in the fields as described above.
Cambridge IGCSE encourages learner-centred and enquiry-based
approaches to learning. It develops learners’ skills in creative Exam syllabuses are updated every few years, be sure that you
thinking, enquiry and problem solving, giving learners excellent purchase the titles for the year that you will be writing the
preparation for the next stage in their education. Schools can exams. Click here to view the books for IGCSE or email us with
build a core curriculum, extend it to suit their learners and your booklist. [email protected]

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Cambridge International AS and A Levels are internationally Choose from 27+ Subjects in the fields as described above.
benchmarked qualifications providing excellent preparation for
university education. They are part of the Cambridge Advanced stage.
Exam syllabuses are updated every few years, be sure that you
Learners find Cambridge International AS and A Levels very flexible. purchase the titles for the year that you will be writing the
Learners have the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them exams. View the AS and A level books here .Please email us
– they either follow a broad course of study, or specialise in a particular with your booklist. [email protected]
area.

Cambridge International AS and A Level syllabuses have been created

specifically for an international audience. The content of International
AS and A Levels is carefully devised to suit the wide variety of
Cambridge schools worldwide and avoid any cultural bias. The structure
and administration of Cambridge International AS and A Levels are also
designed to meet the needs of Cambridge schools and learners around
the world.

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 How can we assess progress?
Summative and
used to tests and preparation for exams. Taking an exam
requires specific skills such as reading the question well,
answering what was asked and checking your work to

formative assessment: name a few.

You can download the UK SATs for free from this website,
Formative: Given throughout the learning process, the marking rubriks are also available.
formative assessments seek to determine how students
are progressing through a certain learning goal. This is Preparation for exams at home: Make sure that all the
done throughout instruction and can be done without topics given in the exam paper were covered. Cambridge
tests. Curriculum is compiled in such a way that revision of Math
topics is done during the last term.
Summative: Given at the end of the year or unit,
summative assessments assess a student's mastery of a You will need to revise science concepts before taking the
topic after instruction. This is usually done at the end of a exam. It will be helpful for the learner to make a summary
learning unit and is normally administered through exams of the vocabulary learned during the year. The science
and tests. exams focus on understanding rather than memorisation.

Cambridge formative assessment is build in the Practice spelling for the SPAG test to make sure the words
program. The Primary English Teacher’s resources have are known.
PCMs which measures different outcomes. They aid the
children in self-evaluation and self-correction. They are Ensure the child is well, rested and in a quiet space. Keep
included as part of the planning of written and oral work to the instructions on the exam instruction page and
and can be kept by the parent as a measure of the child’s make sure that you do not help them interpret or answer
progress. This is a clearer picture of true development, as a the work. After marking you can give them feedback on
test only gives a snapshot of the child’s knowledge on a their mastery or choose to keep it for your own feedback.
specific day. It will help you see which areas to work on and recap in
the next year.
Cambridge Summative assessments:Primary Science
learner books have check your understanding sections at
the end of each unit. Learners can complete these as a You can download the UK SATs for free from this
self-evaluation.
website, the marking rubriks are also available.
The only Cambridge external exams available are at IGCSE Click on the optional SATs for years 3-5
and A-levels. You can however make use of the UK
National Assessments as a gauge of their progress at the
end of each year. This could be helpful in getting children 24
 Will Cambridge suit our homeschooling philosophy?
Flexible Low Prep Easy To Follow Lesson Plans
The program can be done as a stand alone curriculum or The Teacher’s Resources have lessons for every concept
only the core subjects. This allows the freedom to add with multiple strategies for Math concepts, common
other interests and non-academic pursuits to your learning misconceptions and check their understanding sections.
journey., while giving you peace of mind that you will not The printables on the CD Rom can be printed at the
have learning gaps to overcome later. beginning of the year and kept in a file, ready for use.
There is a list of equipment needed for each lesson at the
Child Centred
beginning of the unit or lesson. Most of these items will
Each child is unique and needs their learning plan to be already be in your homeschooling craft drawers and can
shaped for their learning needs and development. easily be obtained. You don’t need to invest in high cost
Cambridge International is differentiated to accommodate kits to help children visualise concepts.
various ability levels in each subject. The child can master
concepts at their own pace. The English learner books can Unit Studies
be used as discussion points and only the activity book The English Primary Program makes use of unit studies. It
used for writing if the child is not strong in handwritten introduces language learning through various interesting
work. topical texts. The topics can easily be researched further by
following the internet links or additional reading
Enquiry Based
suggestions.
Every lesson starts with an enquiry. Children learn to ask
questions and find answers. The child learns from real life, Culturally Sensitive The program was developed with a
by gathering information in his or her environment, sorting, multicultural international audience in mind.
presenting and analysing data to reach a conclusion. This
all happens so naturally and gently that the child is not Cambridge is suited for many homeschooling
aware that they are not just learning content, but how to philosophies; it supports holistic, child
learn. centred, real life learning that is equated with
Home Education.

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 How do the examinations work?
Decide on a field of study and AS and A levels and search the relevant titles for the
If your child knows their desired career path then you can specific exam by clicking on the published resources link in
identify a specific Course at a University and request their the left hand menu. If you are making use of a tutor then
entrance requirements. Only a few subjects will be needed they will be able to provide you with a list of titles and ISBN
at AS and A levels, with more subjects on IGCSE level. The numbers
University will be able to say exactly which subjects are
Once you have your list of books you can purchase them
required at which level.
online on our website or email us the booklist at
If your child does not have a clear field then they can [email protected]
choose a broad field of study. An Educational
Prepare for the exam
Psychologist , career guidance counsellor or psychometrist
will be very helpful in guiding you with this decision. You can work through the study materials on your own or
make use of a tutor or service provider. Some students
Deciding on your subjects may be influenced by exam
choose to skip IGCSE and do A-levels directly. IGCSE and
centres in your area. Not all exam centres are able to
A-levels usually take 2 years each to prepare for, however
provide all the examinations, ie. Practicals for biology of
the learner can work at their own pace and complete the
chemistry might not be available at every centre. Please
exam when they feel ready.
contact your exam centre before deciding on your
subjects, to see what is available in your area. Register for your exam
Choose your exam syllabus Find the examination centre closest to you where the
Exam Syllabuses are updated every few years. Please subjects of your choice can be written and register for the
ensure that you choose the book titles applicable to the exam. University exemption requires the subjects to be
year in which the learner is going to write the exams. completed within a two sitting rule. See the next page for
more info on University exemption.
You can download the syllabus from the Cambridge
Assessment International Examination website for IGCSE

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Will the university accept a Cambridge
Qualification?
Parents found that the The Two-Sitting Rule for
Universities South Africa
Cambridge A-level exemption purposes in terms
qualification scores of Cambridge qualifications
higher on South African applies to exemptions by Conditions and requirements to gain exemption
means of Cambridge for entry to South African public universities
Universities’ application International AS Levels,
scores than a National Cambridge AICE Diploma and
Cambridge HIGCSE.
Senior Certificate. Most
Universities will accept Candidates qualifying for the
above exemptions for
the Cambridge
Bachelor Degree purposes
Certificate directly, need to meet the minimum
however you should requirements in two
examination sittings.
contact your University of Examinations taken in the
choice to find out about same calendar year are
their application process. regarded as ONE sitting.

Where a subject is only

This document outlines the examined in either the Oct/
minimum requirements for Nov or the May/June session,
the following or preceding
exemption into South Oct/Nov or May/June session
African Universities and will be regarded as the same
sitting, e.g. Afrikaans
how to choose subjects to
Language is not offered by
receive your exemption. Cambridge in the June
session and Portuguese
Explanation of the Two- Language, Turkish, German
etc. are not offered in the
Sitting Rule: October session.
27
 We wish you every success with your
homeschooling journey and the opportunities
Cambridge will unlock for your future!
Please visit our website to view the titles in this
booklet and many more at
www.homeschoolbooks.co.za

If you have any questions or would like to connect please send us an email at

[email protected]

We look forward to hearing your success stories!

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