The Leading Cambridge International Pathway in New Zealand

Years 1 to 13


At ACG Parnell, we offer the globally recognised Cambridge International Pathway from Primary Years through to Year 13, providing a seamless learning journey that builds strong foundations from an early age. Starting in the Primary Years, students are gradually prepared to excel in internationally recognised qualifications like IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A Levels (Advanced Levels), setting them up for lifelong academic and personal success.

This rigorous and adaptable curriculum fosters independent thinking, critical analysis, and a global mindset, equipping students with essential 21st-century skills. As an excellent alternative to New Zealand’s national curriculum (NCEA), the Cambridge International Pathway supports diverse learning styles and aspirations, empowering every student to thrive.

Best Cambridge International Education in New Zealand
 

Why Choose Our Cambridge International School in Auckland, NZ?


ACG Parnell students consistently achieve exemplary results in Cambridge International examinations, earning more awards than any other school in the country each year—including Top in the World, Top in New Zealand, and High Achievement Awards for outstanding subject performance. These accomplishments reflect our commitment to nurturing every student’s potential and delivering a high-quality education.

With expert guidance, students secure exceptional pass rates—including 100% for A Levels—a high percentage of A* grades at both IGCSE and A Levels, and strong university entrance outcomes, with over 95% gaining places at their first-choice universities. Nearly half of our graduates attend leading overseas institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities, making ACG Parnell one of New Zealand’s top Cambridge schools for global university placements.

Beyond academics, our students have access to over 90 co-curricular activities across ACG Parnell's purpose-built campuses. From sports and the arts to leadership and innovation, we nurture well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world.

Benefits of the Cambridge International Programmes


Choosing the Cambridge International Curriculum in New Zealand means giving your child access to a prestigious, globally recognised education—one that inspires curiosity, builds a solid knowledge base, and cultivates the skills essential for success at university and beyond.

Cambridge programmes are highly regarded by schools, universities, and employers worldwide as a mark of strong academic and personal achievement. IGCSE and A-Level qualifications are accepted by universities both in New Zealand and internationally, giving students a significant advantage to pursue their ambitions anywhere.

Our Cambridge International Pathway in Auckland offers a carefully designed progression that builds on prior learning and deepens understanding year after year. With a strong emphasis on clear international benchmarks and exam-based assessment, it provides transparent, reliable measures of progress while preparing students for bright, global futures.

Auckland Schools with Cambridge International

Future-Ready Skills

Cambridge IGCSE Programme

Internationally Recognised Qualifications

IGCSE in Auckland

World-Class Pathway

Our Cambridge International Programme for Years 1 to 13


The Cambridge International Pathway at ACG Parnell begins in Year 0 or 1 with Cambridge Primary (Years 0–6), followed by Cambridge Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), Cambridge IGCSE (Years 10–11), and Cambridge International AS & A Levels (Years 12–13). The Primary and Lower Secondary programmes lay a strong academic foundation for success in senior study and qualifications. With a dynamic and engaging curriculum, the IGCSE stage fosters active inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Finally, the A Level programme is carefully aligned with the academic standards and expectations of leading universities around the world.

IGCSE Examinations in New Zealand

Cambridge International Primary Years Curriculum


The Cambridge Primary Years programme provides a strong foundation for all subsequent learning, focusing on developing global awareness alongside essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and scientific thinking. Students engage with a broad and balanced curriculum that includes English, Mathematics, Science, and other subjects delivered through inquiry-based learning approaches.

The programme encourages curiosity and creativity while building fundamental knowledge and understanding across key learning areas, laying the groundwork for smooth progression into Cambridge Lower Secondary and beyond.

Our specialist teachers create engaging learning experiences that appropriately challenge students while ensuring they develop confidence and positive attitudes towards learning. Regular assessment and monitoring ensure that each child’s progress is carefully tracked, with additional support or extension provided as needed. The programme seamlessly prepares students for the next stage of their Cambridge International education, while also fostering independence and self-directed learning skills.

Cambridge International School Programmes

Cambridge International Lower Secondary Curriculum 


Cambridge Lower Secondary builds upon the Primary foundation, introducing students to more specialised subject areas taught by expert teachers at our premium Titoki Campus. The curriculum covers English, Mathematics, Science, and other subjects with increasing depth and complexity. Students develop research skills, analytical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to work independently, while continuing to build the broad educational base essential for senior study.

This stage of the Cambridge Pathway focuses on consolidating previous learning while introducing new concepts and methodologies. Regular homework and ongoing assessments help students develop effective study habits and time management skills. The Cambridge Lower Secondary programme lays a solid foundation for IGCSE studies, empowering students to explore their passions and nurture their talents across a wide range of disciplines.
IGCSE Subjects

Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum


The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) marks a pivotal step in students' academic journeys, typically undertaken in Years 10 and 11 and leading to globally recognised qualifications.

Our IGCSE programme in Auckland offers remarkable flexibility, with a wide range of subjects that reflect diverse interests, strengths, and future goals. Students generally study six IGCSE subjects, with English and Mathematics as core components. They can choose from optional subjects across the sciences, humanities, languages, and creative arts, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience that supports their future studies and career aspirations.

High-achieving Year 10 students may have the opportunity to begin IGCSE subjects early. Similarly, AS Level subjects may be available from Year 11, provided your child meets the entry criteria.
Cambridge Curriculum Schools in Auckland

Cambridge AS and A-Levels Curriculum


Our senior students in Years 12 and 13 follow the esteemed Cambridge A Level programme, widely considered the gold standard for university preparation worldwide. Students may choose to study subjects for one year to achieve AS Level qualifications or continue for two years to earn full A Level credentials, offering flexibility to align with their academic aspirations and university requirements.

We offer an impressive selection of 23 AS courses and 18 full A Level courses, giving students ample choice to specialise in their areas of interest and strength.

Most students take four subjects each year, with Year 12 courses typically comprising AS subjects and Year 13 including either additional AS or A2 components. This structure allows students to explore a broad range of subjects in Year 12 before concentrating on their strongest areas in Year 13. Our expert teachers provide comprehensive support and guidance, ensuring students reach their full potential in these highly regarded qualifications.

Cambridge International Programme Subjects


Our well-regarded Cambridge International Primary Years curriculum at ACG Parnell includes English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, alongside creative and physical education. Specialist teaching in Music, Physical Education, and Languages—with Spanish introduced in Year 5—supports multilingual development, creativity, and well-rounded growth.

In Years 7 to 10, the curriculum expands through specialist subject teaching across English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Languages. Students can study Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin), subject to prerequisites, developing valuable communication skills for our interconnected world. Creative arts, technology, and physical education ensure balanced development across all learning areas while preparing students for the challenges of IGCSE.

At our Cambridge school in Auckland, an extensive range of IGCSE subjects—taught by expert teachers—caters to diverse interests and university entrance requirements. English Language, English Literature, and Mathematics are core subjects, with students selecting three optional subjects from the following: Accounting, Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Chinese, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Economics, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Physics, and Spanish. We recommend that students choose at least one science subject to keep future A Level and university options open.

Students usually take six IGCSE subjects, plus Leadership (one period per week).

A Level subject choices build on IGCSE foundations while allowing for greater specialisation. The comprehensive A Level offering at our Cambridge school in Parnell spans both traditional academic disciplines and modern subjects aligned with a wide range of career pathways. Students are required to take either English Language or English Literature, and in addition, select three subjects from a broad range, including: Accounting, Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Drama, Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Psychology, and Spanish.

In Year 12, students typically take AS subjects. In Year 13, they may continue with A2 components or take additional AS subjects. Most students study four subjects each year. To select a foreign language subject, students must meet prerequisite requirements through prior study.

Learn More About Our Leading Cambridge International Pathway in Auckland


Cambridge International Teachers

Our Cambridge International teachers, from Years 1 to 13, are highly skilled subject specialists who bring both expertise and passion to their teaching. They possess deep subject knowledge and know how to engage and inspire students to go the extra mile and take intellectual risks.

Our educators are carefully selected for their academic excellence, communication skills, and pedagogical expertise—qualities essential for delivering effective Cambridge instruction. They know their students well, recognising individual learning needs and aspirations while upholding the highest academic standards.

In addition to subject mastery, our teachers are experts in the specific requirements of Cambridge examinations. They work closely with students to support success across all assessment components. To ensure their teaching reflects current best practices and evolving examination expectations, our educators engage in regular professional development and maintain strong connections with Cambridge International.

Cambridge International Assessment

The Cambridge International pathway culminates in externally marked IGCSE examinations in Year 11 and A Level examinations in Year 13, both of which lead to globally recognised qualifications.

Our Cambridge International programme in Auckland features primarily exam-based assessments with clear benchmarking standards that ensure consistency and fairness worldwide. The end-of-year examinations at each level encourage deep, high-quality engagement with subject content, enabling reliable measurement of student achievement.
While some subjects include internal assessments, the overall system balances rigour with flexibility to capture a comprehensive understanding of student learning. These assessments provide valuable feedback that helps teachers monitor progress and make informed decisions about individual learners’ educational needs.

Cambridge’s structured assessment frameworks support schools in reporting learner development to parents and thoroughly prepare students for university study as well as future academic and personal challenges.

IGCSE and A-Level Grading Systems

Cambridge International uses a standardised grading system that provides a clear and internationally recognised measure of student achievement.

At IGCSE, grades range from A* (highest) to G, with U indicating ungraded performance. At A Level, grades range from A* to E, with U also indicating ungraded work. These grades are based on performance in written examinations and, in some subjects, practical assessments or coursework components.

These grading systems provide students with clear performance indicators while offering universities reliable measures of academic achievement. Percentage scores are converted into overall grades, ensuring transparency and consistency across all subjects and examination sessions. This approach supports university admissions processes and provides students with qualifications that are widely understood and respected worldwide.

Cambridge International vs NCEA

Cambridge International offers a more efficient use of classroom time compared to NCEA, with external end-of-year examinations allowing teachers to focus on delivering exceptional education rather than continuous internal assessment. Students receive percentage scores converted into clear overall grades, providing transparent performance indicators that are easily understood and accepted by universities and employers globally.

A common misconception is that Cambridge is only suited to high-achieving academic students. In fact, the pathway is designed to support a wide range of abilities and learning styles, offering flexibility that allows each student to pursue subjects aligned with their strengths, interests, and aspirations.

The Cambridge system’s international recognition and consistent standards make it particularly valuable for students considering overseas university study. This rigorous approach develops deep subject knowledge and independent thinking skills that prepare students exceptionally well for tertiary education and future careers in competitive global environments.

The Difference Between Cambridge AS and A-Levels

Cambridge International AS Level is a one-year course that covers half the content of the corresponding A Level, which is a comprehensive two-year programme. Typically taken by students aged 16 to 17, AS Level qualifications can stand alone, allowing students to demonstrate achievement in subjects they may not pursue to full A Level.

These globally recognised qualifications can be used for admission to leading universities worldwide. Their flexible design supports diverse learning styles and academic goals, empowering students to tailor a programme that suits their strengths and aspirations while upholding Cambridge’s rigorous standards.

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Discover how our globally recognised Cambridge International pathway in Auckland can open doors to top universities and careers around the world.