Understanding Cambridge students

Cambridge students in the US are from a myriad of backgrounds and contexts. While Cambridge offers a rigorous, international curriculum to challenge high-performers, it also provides a flexible framework with scaffolding and support for students typically underrepresented in advanced coursework, including English language learners.

Regardless of which Cambridge courses or programs they take, being a Cambridge student means being both challenged and supported to move forward in education.

Underpinning all Cambridge curriculum are the five key learner attributes and life skills that students need to develop along with their academic skills to be successful at university and in employment.

Cambridge students approach learning by being confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged.

Read more about Kevin’s experience with Cambridge

The Cambridge learner attributes

Cambridge learners are:

• Confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others
  Cambridge learners are secure in their knowledge, unwilling to take things for granted and ready to take intellectual risks. They are keen to explore and evaluate ideas and arguments in a structured, critical and analytical way. They are able to communicate and defend views and opinions as well as respect those of others
• Responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
  Cambridge learners take ownership of their learning, set targets and insist on intellectual integrity. They are collaborative and supportive. They understand that their actions have impacts on others and on the environment. They appreciate the importance of culture, context and community.
• Reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
  Cambridge learners understand themselves as learners. They are concerned with the processes as well as the products of their learning and develop the awareness and strategies to be life-long learners.
• Innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
  Cambridge learners welcome new challenges and meet them resourcefully, creatively and imaginatively. They are capable of applying their knowledge and understanding to solve new and unfamiliar problems. They can adapt flexibly to new situations requiring new ways of thinking.
• Engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference
  Cambridge learners are alive with curiosity, embody a spirit of enquiry and want to dig more deeply. They are keen to learn new skills and are receptive to new ideas. They work well independently but also with others. They are equipped to participate constructively in society and the economy – locally, nationally and globally.

For a deep-dive into how our learner attributes are infused into both teaching and learning, please view the Developing the Cambridge Learner Attributes guide (PDF, 8MB).

Discover the impact of Cambridge Learner Attributes from our students, teachers, and schools

Case study: Encouraging students to take on responsibility at Parkside Middle School, VA (PDF, 239KB)

Read more about Erika’s experience with Cambridge