Good Hope Country Day School is now two months into its implementation of Cambridge International, a highly respected global K-12 curriculum offered by a network of 10,000 schools in 160 countries.
After receiving official approval as a Cambridge International school in May, Good Hope Country Day School provided significant training for teachers over the summer and launched the Cambridge curriculum for all students from the Early Learning Center to 12th grade when school began in August.
Cambridge International is part of Cambridge University in the UK, one of the top universities in the world. Cambridge International is also the world’s only K-12 curriculum created, maintained, and overseen by a university.
“During our search for an international curriculum, we determined that Cambridge International is, in our judgment, the most effective, educationally sound, and globally focused curriculum available in the English language, and it is a great fit for our institution,” said Head of School William Bugg. “The curriculum is rigorous, balanced and recognized by more than 2,200 universities and colleges worldwide.”
Good Hope Country Day School is adopting the Cambridge curriculum over a three-year period. This school year, Upper School students are studying for Cambridge International qualifications in Computer Science, English General Paper, Global Perspectives, Marine Science, Spanish and U.S. History. Students who earn a passing grade on a Cambridge exam may receive college credit from one of the 800-plus U.S. colleges and universities that recognize Cambridge International, as well as hundreds of universities outside the U.S.
In addition, by taking and passing seven or more AS-level Cambridge exams, Good Hope students may earn the coveted Cambridge AICE Diploma of Distinction in addition to their Good Hope Country Day School diploma. From this year forward, all students in 11th grade and below will be eligible to achieve this recognition; current seniors may earn college credits but one year is too short a time to earn this honors diploma.
“Having a common curriculum across grades and subject areas allows for more faculty and student collaboration,” said Alice Sackey-Jaffurs, dean of the Middle and Upper Schools.
“With Cambridge’s math, science, English and Global Perspectives courses providing a K-12 pathway through all the grades, students are developing invaluable critical thinking, literacy and numeracy skills that build seamlessly from one level to the next,” Sackey-Jaffurs said. “I am excited for the future.”
This year, the first year of Cambridge implementation, students in the Middle and Upper Schools are taking Cambridge courses in at least two of their core subject areas.
“The new classes and expanded opportunities are welcomed additions for 7th to 12th grade students,” said Vanessa Velez-Wyche, dean of studies and Cambridge coordinator.
In the 6th grade, students are experiencing first-hand what Cambridge International core classes look like by taking Cambridge English, Global Perspectives, math and science courses simultaneously as a pilot program for the school.
“Mrs. Laurie Bohlke and Mrs. Maureen Gwilliam spent the summer training for the implementation of the pilot program,” said Velez-Wyche. “They have enthusiastically learned the new curriculum and are seamlessly integrating the Cambridge Learner Attributes into their daily lessons.”
Other Lower School students in grades 1-5 are taking Cambridge International’s Global Perspectives, music and computer classes this school year. Next school year, Lower School students will be introduced to one or two additional subjects, and within the next few years, Cambridge will be fully implemented in the Lower School.
“The foundation of the Cambridge curriculum is developing confident, engaged, reflective, responsible and innovative students,” said Nancy Thatcher, dean of the Lower School and college counselor.
“Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through the 6th grade, students develop skills in critical thinking, research and writing in all content areas, including the arts, world languages, computer and physical education. The continuity of the curriculum, K-12, will ensure that students are developing the skills to be life-long learners.”
To learn more about Good Hope Country Day School and the implementation of the Cambridge International curriculum, call 778-1974.
