Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspectives (1129)

We are delighted to introduce Cambridge Global Perspectives for learners aged 11 to 14 years as part of our lower secondary programme. The programme is now available to teach.

We have collaborated with a number of Cambridge Global Perspectives schools to develop the programme. This is to make sure it delivers appropriate progression, assessment of skills and that it is easy for our many diverse schools around the world to incorporate into their existing curriculum. It leads seamlessly from Cambridge Primary, building on learner development, but it can also be offered separately. 

What will students learn? 

The programme develops the skills of research, analysis, evaluation, reflection, collaboration and communication. It strengthens the links across English as a first or second language, mathematics, science and ICT Starters. 

Research says that the earlier students start to develop and practise their skills, the greater the impact on their learning. Making Cambridge Global Perspectives available to younger students will develop and embed cross-curricular skills at an earlier age, supporting them in their studies as they progress to Cambridge Upper Secondary and beyond. 

How is the programme taught? 

Cambridge Lower Secondary is made up of a series of Challenges. There are six Challenges a year. Teachers can integrate the Challenges into their existing teaching or lessons, and do as many as they like. View sample Challenges for Stage 8 and Stage 9 below.

The programme is flexible so schools can choose how they organise teaching, either as one-hour blocks or as a full day, allowing teachers to focus on the Challenge from start to finish. Flexible delivery options is a key characteristic of the programme.

Each Challenge is six hours long, subdivided into a range of activities, and covers a range of skills. The skills are taught through a wide range of topics using a personal, local and global perspective. These topics are the same as the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus, allowing secondary schools to develop and embed cross-curricular skills at an earlier age. Teachers help students to look at a variety of global issues or topics that give a range of contexts.

Cambridge Lower Secondary topics

How is Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspectives assessed?

Throughout the programme, teachers focus on formative feedback on the skills they want students to develop. When a Challenge is completed, teachers can discuss with students ‘what went well’ and how they can improve further, so that students can reflect on, and improve, their performance. 

A Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Global Perspectives assessment is available at the end of the final year to assess learner performance. Students produce an individual research project. It enables teachers and students to assess how skills have developed throughout the programme. Teachers mark the projects before they are moderated in Cambridge. Learners receive a statement of achievement at Gold, Silver or Bronze level and the school receives a feedback report. 

Where are the teaching and learning materials? 

Download resources including Curriculum Frameworks and Teacher Guides from our Cambridge Lower Secondary support site.

Is training for teachers available? 

Face to face and Online training to help you deliver Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspectives is now available. See our Events and training calendar to find a course.

How can we start to teach the programme

The programme is free of charge to all registered Cambridge schools that offer Lower Secondary. If you are already a Cambridge school, you can teach the programme now.

Our top 10 tips for schools introducing Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspectives (PDF, 127KB) will put you on track for success with this skills-based programme.

If you are interested in becoming a Cambridge school complete our Expression of Interest form.