Internationella Engelska Skolan is recognised by Cambridge International Education as an accredited school organisation. This means IES students can choose to study for and take the Cambridge IGCSE exams (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular examination for 14 to16 year-olds.
Cambridge International Education is part of the International Education Group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which in turn is part of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge works with more than 10,000 schools in 160 countries and provides a globally recognised, flexible education framework for children from 3 to 19 years of age (Cambridge Pathway). The Cambridge exams, including the Cambridge IGCSEs and the International AS & A-Levels, are recognised by more than 2,350 universities all over the world, including all British universities and more than 1,000 in the US.
“Studying a Cambridge course is an extra challenge for our students, and gives them a sense of how education is conducted internationally. It’s also a natural complement to the international atmosphere of IES schools, with students and teachers from many parts of the world,” says Mr Granström.
“The education is free, but Cambridge charges an administrative fee for taking the exams, which is partially subsidised by IES,” he adds.
IES is the largest Cambridge provider in Sweden
Cambridge works with more than 10,000 schools in 160 countries which offer its programmes and exams. Currently, 38 of those are IES schools, the majority of which offer Cambridge IGCSE exams every year. IES students are amongst those who achieve the best results internationally when it comes to taking the Cambridge IGCSE exam in English as a second language.
“More students are showing an interest in the Cambridge programmes, so we’re constantly expanding the number of schools that offer this opportunity. During the 2023-2024 academic year, three more of our schools gained Cambridge accreditation, and another two have been added this year,” says Mr Granström.
Students mostly study for Cambridge outside of regular teaching hours, in accordance with the Swedish curriculum. The programme is flexible in that some students take the exams without studying extra, and some study the Cambridge syllabus but choose not to take the exams. Last year around 500 IES students tested their knowledge through exams in at least one subject. The studies are primarily intended for students in years eight and nine, although Cambridge also offers programmes for younger students.
“Most students choose to study English as a first or second language, but more and more are choosing other subjects too, such as mathematics and science which are taught entirely in English.
“Many students are attracted by international studies and careers, but far from all of them. Some of them are looking for a higher level of school studies while others want to expand and try out their English proficiency. It’s also important to emphasise that Cambridge IGCSEs demand extra effort from both students and teachers,” comments Mr Granström.
Upskilling for teachers and school leaders
For students to be able to succeed in their Cambridge studies, it is important that teachers teach according to the Cambridge requirements and can support students in their learning process. Cambridge provides on-going training for teachers and school leaders, for instance via online subject-specific courses and in-person training events.
“During the 2023-2024 academic year we provided in-person training days with trainers from Cambridge for teachers in Sweden, and we intend to continue with these. Cambridge has a fantastic, wide range of online courses but we know that meeting in person is an important and greatly appreciated opportunity for exchanging ideas and experience about teaching,” says Mr Granström.
Skellefteå International school offers Cambridge-only studies
IES Skellefteå is the only IES school in Sweden that offers an entirely international school unit, Skellefteå International School, in addition to the school’s regular education that follows the Swedish curriculum. Students in this unit of the school learn solely in English and follow Cambridge’s international curriculum entirely. Special criteria must be met by the students for them to be allowed this form of education, i.e. outside of the Swedish education curriculum. As an example, they may only be staying in Sweden for a limited amount of time, or they may have attended school abroad for a longer period and want to complete their compulsory education in Sweden, or they may be about to relocate from the country. Some 60 students currently study at Skellefteå International school.
"A MAJOR BONUS THAT WE OFFER CAMBRIDGE"
With 52 languages spoken amongst the 800 students and with teachers from 17 countries, IES Solna is a shining example of diversity. According to the principal Suzanne Gavin, it is a major bonus to be able to offer Cambridge education and exams in this international environment. “We have many students from countries where people have a high level of English, such as India, who very much appreciate having this possibility,” she says,
SUZANNE GAVIN, PRINCIPAL IES SOLNA