Penryn evolves with innovative dual-curriculum from 2022
In an exciting initiative aimed at opening up more international options and enriching the academic experience of all its scholars, from January 2022, Penryn College will begin with the integration of the Cambridge Curriculum into its current IEB-based programme to create a dual curriculum.
In grades eight in 2022 and nine in 2023, a new dual curriculum, informed by both IEB- and Cambridge-based curricula, will encapsulate the best of both systems to provide a more exciting, enriched experience in important junior years.
From grade 10 in 2024, scholars will have the option of preparing for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations and then opting to study towards AS (advanced subsidiary) or A level (advanced) examinations, or continuing with the IEB to write the Independent Examination Board’s examination.
Frequently asked questions:
How is it possible to cover both the IEB and Cambridge curricula?
The nature of the CAPS curriculum statement, which all South African schools are required to use as a guideline, is broad enough to allow for us to integrate the best skills and principles necessary in grades eight and nine, in building for success at both the IEB Examinations and Cambridge Examinations in the later grades.
Why is a South African school offering the AS or A level examination?
As the global village becomes more prevalent, many of our scholars and their families are looking for access to international institutions and are exploring opportunities in that realm. The Cambridge curriculum is offered in 160 countries and A levels are the highest regarded school-leavers’ qualification for many of the top British, European and international universities.
Conversely, it also opens an opportunity for families from surrounding countries, many of whom use the Cambridge Curriculum, to make an easy transition to study here in a beautiful, safe environment and benefit from the broad range of extracurricular opportunities we offer at Penryn.
What is different about the Cambridge Curriculum?
The Cambridge Curriculum is narrower and more in-depth per subject, as scholars choose fewer subjects, typically five for AS levels and three for A-levels, and therefore, each subject requires engagement at a higher cognitive level.
Cambridge is readily available online. Why study it through Penryn?
The experience of being part of a caring and vibrant school community is invaluable. Being at Penryn means scholars have the benefit of taking part in sport training, tours and fixtures, a vast array of cultural activities from music to drama, and exposure to the spiritual fulfilment integral to our ethos as a Christian school, as well as many other social and developmental benefits.
Will this have an impact on the IEB offering at Penryn?
The IEB is an outstanding examinations board and Penryn takes great pride in our record of a 100% pass rate in our 30-year history. We will continue to offer schooling of the highest calibre and prepare our scholars who have chosen the IEB curriculum to matric, for success in their IEB examinations.
Albert Pienaar, head of college:
At Penryn, our aim has been and will always be for our scholars to complete their school career as well-rounded individuals, well prepared to inspire excellence and make a difference. The educational landscape has evolved tremendously, and for us to provide more diversity of educational opportunities, we have decided to embrace an exciting and enriched concept in education, by offering our scholars the choice of two worlds.
Penryn has an outstanding record of IEB educational excellence and by adding the option of the Cambridge curriculum, which has a proven global track record, we trust and believe that our scholars will be given even more opportunities to fulfil their God-given talents in our own country, the African continent and globally.
