01 Oct 2025
The latest edition of 'What’s new from Cambridge?' was shared with schools last week, announcing the publication of more than 25 updated Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and International AS & A Level syllabuses (including 11 Cambridge IGCSE Modern Foreign Languages) for first exam in 2028. These syllabus updates were made in close consultation with subject experts and schools to ensure our programmes continue to develop the knowledge and skills students need for the future.
One area of particular focus was Literature in English at Cambridge IGCSE and O Level. During the consultation, we asked schools whether students should be permitted to bring their prose and drama texts into the exam for both examined papers. Advocates of this open text approach said it enables exams to test analytical skills rather than rote memorisation. Others raised concerns that it might lead to wasted exam time as students lean too heavily on referring to the text in front of them.
To explore this further, we carried out research comparing student outcomes in the current Drama papers for the Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English syllabus (Paper 2 Closed text) and Paper 3 (Open text). The research showed no difference between the open and closed text exams, and no sign that candidates waste time or don’t finish. Candidates in open text exams used slightly more frequent, longer, and closer references to the text, and the references selected were stronger.
Taking this research together with teacher feedback that open text exams reduce student anxiety and improve the testing experience, we have revised the assessment approach in favour of open text. 'Schools have told us they think that open text best allows their students to show what they have learnt and encourages skills development rather than memorisation of quotes,' says Hazel Carmichael, Head of English for International Education at Cambridge.
More climate change education and digital assessment options
We have updated other syllabuses as part of our commitment to empower students to tackle climate change. For example, the Design & Technology syllabus at Cambridge IGCSE will include more emphasis on sustainability, and learners who take Pakistan Studies will engage with key environmental issues at Cambridge IGCSE and O Level. Working with climate experts from the University of Cambridge, our curriculum experts have also designed a Climate Change Education Framework. It is part of our commitment to embed climate change education across the curriculum.
Our journey towards digital assessment is also progressing. Cambridge International AS & A Level Media Studies and Cambridge IGCSE Spanish have both been updated to included digital exam components for first teaching in 2026.
And that's not all
As well as revised syllabuses, the latest edition of 'What's new' updates on a range of initiatives to help us better prepare students for the future – from AI support to professional development and new classroom resources.
Don’t forget that you can also sign up for our webinars on 13 October 2025 to explore the full findings of our major new report, 'Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world'.
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To help teachers plan ahead, we provide advance notice of changes to syllabuses at least a year before first teaching. If you'd like to be emailed the latest news and details of syllabus changes for your subject area, sign up today.