What is the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Global Perspectives?
Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Global Perspectives recognises learner achievement and is intended for the final year of lower secondary education, Stage 9. Learners work individually to write a Research Report that must be between 800 and 1000 words. The Research Reports are marked by teachers and moderated by Cambridge International. It is similar to the Individual Report component of Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives and so, unlike other Cambridge Lower Secondary subjects with Checkpoint assessments, there are no written tests provided for Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspectives. You can find all of the information you need about the assessment in Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspectives Checkpoint Instructions.
Why is the Checkpoint assessment a Research Report?
At the end of Lower Secondary, the individual Research Report prepares learners for their next stage of learning and is particularly useful for those going on to study Cambridge IGCSE or O level. It is often the first long formal piece of writing that they submit to Cambridge and writing it gives them confidence to show that they are ready for the next stage.
Does Cambridge mark the Checkpoint Research Report?
Teachers mark the work and Cambridge moderates the marking. To help teachers we have developed an easy to use, upload and marking system. Schools have given us favourable feedback about the process as being quick and the system as easy to use.
Is the Global Perspectives Checkpoint the same as the other Checkpoint assessments?
Here are some of the ways that they are the same:
- Checkpoint is available at the end of Primary (Stage 9).
- There are two Checkpoint exam series in May and October.
- Entries are made by the Exams Officer using Cambridge International Direct.
- Entries are the same price for all subjects.
- Checkpoint entry is optional.
And how they are different:
- There is no Global Perspectives test paper that you receive from Cambridge.
- There is not a time limit on how long learners spend doing their Checkpoint work (although we do offer guidance in our free online training available on the support site).
- There is no paper to return to Cambridge. Work is uploaded in the Checkpoint area of the Online Learning Area. We give you access to this when we process your entries.
- The Global Perspectives Checkpoint is marked by teachers and moderated by Cambridge.
- It is not necessary to tell us about candidate special considerations.
When is Global Perspectives Checkpoint offered?
It is offered in the two Checkpoint exam series in May and October each year.
Why don’t you need to know about special considerations for Checkpoint?
As this Checkpoint assessment is not a timed test there is no extra time for us to allow. Teachers decide how much time to give learners to work on their Research Reports whether in class or at home or a combination of both.
How much do entries for the Cambridge Checkpoint Global Perspectives cost?
All the Checkpoint subjects, including Global Perspectives are the same price.
Is there any information for teachers to help them mark the Checkpoint Research Reports?
Yes, we provide step-by-step guidance for this and our system for submitting and marking work is easy to use.
Do learners need to use a particular citation format when referencing sources?
Learners are awarded marks for citing sources of relevant factual information but we do not ask them to use a particular format.
How much time do learners have to complete the Research Report?
Preparing for Checkpoint takes the same lesson time as two Challenges (approximately 12 hours).
If we decide not to offer Checkpoint, we have a gap of two Challenges in our timetable. Do you provide extra Challenges for those schools who do not take Checkpoint?
We have carefully designed the programme to offer assessment where it is appropriate. We think that it is important that learners have the opportunity to demonstrate their skill development at the end of lower secondary.
Checkpoint is optional so you can offer it if it suits your school. If you choose not to offer it, you can look at other options, for example extending the time you spend on the other Challenges in Stage 9.
Where can I find out more information about Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspectives and Checkpoint assessments?
There is more information about Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspectives on our website and support site.
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