By : Dr Asif Khan (Head of Mathematics Department PISJ)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/ (Dedicated Teacher from Middle east Zone)
The Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint is a
series of diagnostic tests designed for students at the end of the lower
secondary stage (typically Year 9 or around age 14). It serves
as an international benchmark to assess learners' strengths and weaknesses
before they transition to upper secondary qualifications like Cambridge IGCSE.
Core Subjects & Assessment
Tests are available for the following core subjects and are
marked externally by Cambridge International, except for Global Perspectives:
- English (First
or Second Language)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Global
Perspectives: Learners produce a research report marked by teachers
and moderated by Cambridge.
Scoring & Performance Bands
As of May 2023, Checkpoint results use a 0 to 50
scale (replacing the old 0.0 to 6.0 scale). Student performance is
categorized into six bands:
- Outstanding (41–50)
- High (31–40)
- Good (21–30)
- Aspiring (11–20)
- Basic (1–10)
- Unclassified (0)
Key Exam Dates
Tests are traditionally held twice a year during specific
"windows":
- May
Series: April to early May.
- October
Series: October to early November.
1. Cambridge Checkpoint Overview
• Purpose: Assesses learners' strengths and weaknesses before progressing to IGCSE or
other courses.
• Subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives (optional).
• Grading: Reported on a scale of 0.0 to 6.0 (with 6.0 being the highest).
• Exam Sessions: May and October each year.
2. Old vs. New Course Codes
Cambridge periodically updates its syllabus, leading to changes in course codes. Below are
the old (discontinued) and new (current) codes:
| Subject | Old Course Code | New Course Code |
| English | 1111 (discontinued) | 0861 (current) |
| Mathematics | 1112 (discontinued) | 0862 (current) |
| Science | 1113 (discontinued) | 0863 (current) |
| Global Perspectives | N/A (introduced later) | 1129 (current) |
adjustments in content and assessment style.
3. Syllabus Topics (Current Codes: 0861, 0862, 0863, 1129)
a) English (0861)
• Reading: Fiction & non-fiction comprehension, inference, language analysis.
• Writing: Narrative, descriptive, argumentative, and persuasive writing.
• Grammar & Vocabulary: Sentence structure, punctuation, word usage.
Key Reference:
Cambridge Lower Secondary English Curriculum Framework (0861)
b) Mathematics (0862)
• Number: Integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios.
• Algebra: Expressions, equations, sequences, graphs.
• Geometry: Angles, shapes, symmetry, transformations.
• Statistics & Probability: Data handling, averages, probability.
Key Reference:
Cambridge Lower Secondary Mathematics Curriculum Framework (0862)
c) Science (0863)
• Biology: Cells, ecosystems, human body systems, reproduction.
• Chemistry: States of matter, elements, acids & bases, chemical reactions.
• Physics: Forces, energy, electricity, magnetism, space.
Key Reference:
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Curriculum Framework (0863)
d) Global Perspectives (1129)
• Research Skills: Analyzing global issues (e.g., climate change, poverty).
• Critical Thinking: Evaluating sources, developing arguments.
• Collaboration: Group projects and presentations.
Key Reference:
Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspectives (1129)
4. Exam Format
• English (0861):
o Paper 1: Non-fiction & fiction reading (50 mins).
o Paper 2: Writing (50 mins).
• Mathematics (0862):
o Paper 1 (45 mins) & Paper 2 (45 mins) – Calculator allowed in one.
• Science (0863):
o Paper 1 (45 mins) & Paper 2 (45 mins) – Multiple-choice and structured
questions.
• Global Perspectives (1129):
o Research project & written exam (varies by school).
5. How to Prepare?
• Use Cambridge-approved textbooks (e.g., Hodder, Collins).
• Solve past papers from the Cambridge website.
• Follow the curriculum framework for detailed topic breakdowns.
