Indonesia Sees Steep Rise in Students Taking Cambridge Qualifications

CAMBRIDGE, England, June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The number of students entered for Cambridge qualifications in schools across Indonesia has risen significantly over the past year. Schools in Indonesia made over 23,000 examination entries for Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level, seeing a rise of 30% since 2011.

There are now over 140 Cambridge schools in Indonesia. More than 9000 schools in 160 countries make up the Cambridge learning community worldwide.

Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level subjects which are the most popular among Indonesian students are Mathematics, Biology and Physics.

Ben Schmidt, Director for Asia Pacific, University of Cambridge International Examinations said, "Our programmes and qualifications have a proven reputation for providing students in Indonesia and around the world with an excellent preparation for university, employment and life. We support schools to develop students who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged.  This approach fosters an active learner who has a love of learning, is self-directing and engaged at all levels with their education. The increasing numbers of students taking our qualifications in Indonesia show that schools are aware of the value of this approach and the importance of an international education in today's global economy."

Mr. James Nicholas Bird, Principal of Taman Rama School, Bali said "The rapid growth of Cambridge international schools in Indonesia is testament to Indonesian parents' belief in the Cambridge IGCSE examination which has established itself as the credible internationally-recognised qualification. Our students' results are improving each year. Those who complete Cambridge International A Level go on to find successful placements at overseas universities in Australia, Singapore, Europe and America."

Cambridge IGCSE is the world's most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic ability and is taught by over 2600 schools worldwide.

Cambridge International A Level, typically for learners aged 16 to 19, is regarded as a passport to success in education, university and employment and is taken in over 125 countries. It is taken by thousands of learners every year who gain places at leading universities worldwide. It develops a deep understanding of subjects, as well as independent learning and constructive thinking skills - abilities which universities value highly.

Notes to editors

• University of Cambridge International Examinations is the world's largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5−19 year olds. Our qualifications are taken in over 160 countries and recognised by universities, education providers and employers across the world.

We are part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a not-for-profit organisation and a department of the University of Cambridge. We share in their mission of providing excellence in education.

Our programmes and qualifications develop successful learners and support the economic performance of countries where we work at national level.

• For more information about University of Cambridge International Examinations visit http://www.cie.org.uk

• Fastest growing Cambridge IGCSE subjects in Indonesia in 2012:

     English, Mathematics and Biology

• Fastest growing Cambridge A Level subjects in Indonesia in 2012:

     Biology, Mathematics and Physics