This subject is designed for learners who have English as a second language. Developed in conjunction with Cambridge Assessment English, it is based on the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), used across the world to map learners’ progress in English. This subject can be used in any cultural context.
What will students learn?
Learners will communicate confidently and effectively and develop the critical skills to respond to a range of information, media and texts. Cambridge Lower Secondary English as a Second Language develops a solid foundation for the further study of English as a Second Language, and for study through the medium of English.
Divided into three stages, the curriculum framework covers knowledge, skills and understanding in five strands:
- Reading
- Writing
- Use of English
- Listening
- Speaking.
The course supports progression to our Cambridge IGCSE and O Level English as a Second Language courses.
How is the programme taught?
The curriculum supports an integrated approach to planning and teaching to develop effective communication skills in English. The five strands of the Curriculum Framework, and their respective learning objectives, work together to support the development of knowledge, skills and understanding.
The Use of English strand provides learners with the linguistic features they need to be able to understand and use when engaging with the language receptively (Reading and Listening) and productively (Writing and Speaking). Learners will revisit and engage with language at deeper levels and in different contexts.
How is Cambridge Lower Secondary English as a Second Language assessed?
We offer two testing options: Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Tests and Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint.
Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Tests provide detailed information about the performance of each learner for stages 7, 8 and 9 of the curriculum. The tests help teachers to compare the strengths and weaknesses of individuals and groups and share feedback with learners and parents. They are marked by teachers in your school and come with a unique reporting and analysis tool.
Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint English as a second language tests skills, knowledge and understanding at the end of the programme. Tests are marked in Cambridge to provide an international benchmark of learner performance. Feedback reports show how a learner has performed in relation to the curriculum, their learning group, the whole school, and against all learners who have taken tests in that series around the world.
Learn more about these assessments.
Support to help you deliver the course
Visit our Cambridge Lower Secondary support site to download a wide range of resources to help you plan and deliver the course:
- Assessment materials including progression tests and past Checkpoint papers
- Curriculum Framework
- Schemes of work
- Online and face-to-face training
- Teacher Guide.
We also work with a range of third party publishers to produce high-quality endorsed resources to support Cambridge Lower Secondary English as a Second Language.