Cambridge International School

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Cambridge International at DHS

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Durban High School is an approved Cambridge International school that offers a unique opportunity to provide our boys with up to date, quality education of the highest international standards.

The Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE) is a world-class international education programme that gives students an excellent opportunity to apply to tertiary education institutions worldwide. The highly respected syllabus allows students to develop a deeper understanding of subjects and, through refined and interactive teaching techniques, they are given the skills to be able to explore their chosen subjects at a more complex level.

Cambridge students are encouraged to work independently in their studies and to take the initiative in additional research and extra reading for their courses. In doing so, they develop and enrich their knowledge about the subject matter and are exposed to a university approach to their academic work, which is beneficial for their tertiary education.

mini-Nonpareil Academy (3)
“Cambridge programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by subject experts, rooted in academic rigour and reflect the latest educational research.”

Cambridge Assessment International Education

DHS offers three international qualifications namely, IGCSE, AS Level and A Level Programmes.  On completion of their selected course the boys write examinations set and marked by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board in the UK.  Throughout the year they receive continuous support from the highly experienced and qualified DHS Educators/Facilitators who have undergone professional training and development to ensure quality teaching and learning is achieved.

Grade 8’s begin mainstream education in the DHS Nonpareil Academy where they are guided in the basics of autonomous learning, ie, learning to work independently and being given the freedom to do so. Their self-motivation and time management skills are utilised to complete the syllabus in the same process used to teach/facilitate the Cambridge system. If they achieve an aggregate higher than 80% at the end of Grade 8, they may then choose to switch over to the IGCSE – Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Cambridge Courses Offered

DHS offers the following Cambridge Courses:

IGCSE Course:

  • (Equivalent to Grades 9, 10 & 11)
  • This course, offered internationally in over 160 countries, is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It helps students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in subject content and intellectual enquiry. There is a range of subjects available and, at DHS, the subjects we can accommodate are offered. Students have the flexibility to study the subjects they are best at and enjoy.
  • This means the IGCSE is a great foundation for further study, including the Cambridge International AS and A Level. An IGCSE qualification replaces the old “O” Levels and is recognised by leading universities around the world. Prospective employers view it as a valuable certificate of achievement.

AS Level Course:

  • (Equivalent to Grade 12)
  • The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level is equivalent to year 12 of South African schooling. It is typically a one year course and may be taken as a qualification in its own right or as a way to progress to the Cambridge International A Level.
  • The grades awarded are A to D, with an ‘A’ pass being awarded to students showing the highest level of achievement and ’D’ for a minimum satisfactory performance.  If the AS level route is chosen to attend a South African University, subjects passed at a minimum of a ‘D’ aggregate will qualify.

A Level Course:

  • (Equivalent to first year University)
  • The completion of the AS Level at an acceptable pass enables progression to the
  • Cambridge A Level. Acceptance into the A Level Course will be on the recommendation of the School.
  • The A Level is typically a two year course. Good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit.
  • The Cambridge programme fosters the growth of independent, confident and responsible young adults through the intensive nature of the syllabus and the peer-to-peer teaching that takes place. It prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning that will stay with them through school, university and beyond.
  • Boys who become a part of the Cambridge Programme remain fully integrated in School life and participate in the day-to-day events and activities.
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Subject Choices

The first 8 Cambridge Boys

IGCSE Course
(Grade 9 & 10)

English Home Language
Afrikaans First Additional Language
Cambridge International Mathematics

Physics                         Biology
Chemistry                    Mathematics
Geography                   History
Computer Sciences    Economics
Accounting                  Business Studies
Art & Design                Drama

AS & A Level Courses
(Grade 11 – 12)

English Home Language
Afrikaans First Additional Language

Physics                         Biology
Chemistry                    Pure Mathematics
Geography                   History
Computer Sciences    Economics
Accounting                  Business Studies
Art & Design                Drama

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