An Giang CFL

Important updates about Cambridge English: Young Learners

  Important updates about changes to Cambridge English: Young Learners

   CEFR alignment – number of shields

   One of the key changes to Cambridge English: Young Learners from January 2018 is that it will be aligned to the Common European             Framework of Reference (CEFR) in a more transparent way. This will give an even clearer view of a learner’s level, as shown on the back       of the updated certificate which is available on Brandfolder.

   The progression from Cambridge English: Young Learners to Cambridge English: Key for Schools and further Cambridge English exams is     also clearer. Doing this has led to some shift in the shield thresholds, creating improved and more aligned score reporting. This means that     you will see some changes in your candidates’ results for tests taken from January 2018 onwards, as outlined below:

·         For the Listening paper and the Reading and Writing paper, the proportion of candidates achieving four or five shields is generally expected to remain about the same or rise across all three levels as a result of the adjustments.

·         The number of candidates achieving one shield is also expected to increase for Flyers, while for Starters and Movers there is likely to be an increase in the Reading and Writing paper but a decrease in the Listening paper.

·         Overall, however, the proportion of candidates receiving one or two shields is expected to remain low and the ethos of Cambridge English: Young Learners, to reward achievement, remains key.

·         Work on the alignment of the Speaking paper is in progress but we anticipate that the proportion of candidates achieving five shields will be lower.

   New Statement of Results

   We are introducing Statements of Results for Cambridge English: Young Learners, giving teachers and parents a better understanding of a     child’s strengths and weaknesses, and offering suggestions for how to improve their language skills. The exact timing of when this will be       available is yet to be confirmed. We will keep you informed over the coming months about the launch of this great innovation to the way we     report results to support future teaching and learning.

   Marking criteria for teachers

   Another key innovation in the revised Cambridge English: Young Learners tests is making the marking criteria for Writing and Speaking           papers publicly available. Teachers can now use the criteria to help them feel more confident that their learners are ready to take the tests.     The criteria can be found in the new Cambridge English: Young Learners Handbook for teachers, alongside sample answers, with                   examiner comments, for the Writing papers for Movers and Flyers.

   New Speaking test videos are coming soon.

   Resources to help teachers and parents

   Lastly, don’t forget that there is a range of presentation and seminar materials available on Brandfolder to help you inform teachers and           parents about the revised tests. More teaching materials, such as lesson plans and a second set of sample papers, will also be available       soon.