PETERHOUSE : PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS

SHONA

In line with government policy all B block pupils are now studying Shona. Some will write the Zimsec examination in 2004, which is a 'First Language' examination. Those that cannot cope with this level are being taught it as a 'Second Language' and they will write an appropriate examination at the end of the A block. We believe firmly in the principle that all Zimbabwean pupils should be taught to converse in both English and one of the indigenous languages.

IGCSE AND O LEVEL

We are teaching the Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses in all subjects except Shona, Divinity, Commerce, Technical Graphics and Woodwork as they are not offered or examined by Cambridge; and English Literature in which we will set and certify our own internal examination for the third successive year in 2003 at PH. We would like to see pupils writing Cambridge examinations in all the other subjects. Wherever possible we will teach a common syllabus so that Zimsec is still an option should parents choose that route. Subjects where this cannot apply are Design & Technology and History. Lower set pupils writing Zimsec would also be disadvantaged by not having the 'Core' option that Cambridge offers.

ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (AS) LEVEL

Cambridge offers what they call a 'Staged Assessment' at A level. This means that pupils can write about half of each examination at AS level and then complete their A level by writing the A2 papers a year later. If they are not satisfied with their initial AS grades they may rewrite these papers at the same time as the A2 papers.

In 2002 most of our Fifth form pupils studied and wrote AS level examinations in four subjects. This year we have reduced the minimum number of subjects to three (though several pupils are studying four) and we are not encouraging the writing of AS level examinations. The AS results from 2002 indicated that many of our pupils did not cope with the demands of four subjects.

From the experience we have gained, and from discussions with other local schools, particularly at workshops run by Cambridge, we have come to the conclusion that pupils will be well advised to write the AS level along with the A2 papers at the end of the Sixth form year, in other words writing the full A level in a single session after two years. The disadvantage of having to learn more information for the combined examination is compensated for by the fact that the pupil is writing the AS papers after two years of A level study, when his skills are better developed.

Our general policy is to discourage pupils from writing AS level examinations at the end of the Fifth form year. Some parents may feel that (regardless of the additional cost) the writing of a public exam in the Fifth form will help their son or daughter remain focused and working. Those pupils studying four subjects in the Fifth form may wish to write one of them at AS level before dropping it. In order to cater for those wishing to write one or more subjects at AS level we will make every effort to complete the AS syllabuses before the November examinations. Unfortunately preparing pupils for both the staged assessment and the full A level in English Literature makes it necessary to study an extra two texts but this will not disadvantage them.

ADVANCED LEVEL

We are teaching the Cambridge syllabuses in all subjects. We would like to see pupils writing Cambridge examinations in all subjects but the option of writing Zimsec is also available if parents wish to choose that route. With the exception of English Literature the syllabuses are sufficiently similar. Pupils who wrote AS level in 2002 must decide whether they will carry that grade forward or write the full A level (combined AS and A2) this November. This may be a difficult decision for some and pupils would be well advised to discuss the matter with their teachers. Writing AS level in June and A2 in November is not a viable option.

An option that Cambridge offers in most subjects, which may be worth considering, is to rewrite the AS along with the A2 in November and request that Cambridge use the better of the two AS grades achieved.

Cambridge brought to our attention towards the end of last year that Divinity and French AS grades cannot be carried forward. Pupils who wrote these AS levels last year will have to write the full A level in November.

EXAMINATION FEES

Cambridge examination fees must be paid in pounds sterling and payment must be made before entries are submitted. The Cambridge examination fees for 2003 are:

IGCSE
Subject fee £19.20 (i.e. 8 IGCSE subjects cost £153.60)

ADVANCED LEVEL
Candidate fee £8.00 (payable per candidate regardless of number of AS, A2 or A level subjects being written)
AS (only) £16.00 (per subject)
A2 (only) £16.00 (per subject)
A level (AS & A2) £26.00 (per subject)

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION (SECRETARIAL)

Full package £73.00 (for 3 core exams and 2 modules)

Peterhouse has an examination trust account in Guernsey into which Cambridge examination fees should be paid directly. Details of the account are:
Bank: Natwest Bank
Account Name: Peterhouse Library and Examinations Account
Account Number: 45235821
Branch Sort Code: 60 09 20
Address: PO Box 55, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4BE, UK

It is essential that when payment is made a copy of the deposit or electronic transfer is sent to our accounts department. Payment for November examinations and the submission of documents to the school must be made before 30 June. If we have not received evidence of payment by that date your son/daughter will not be entered for the Cambridge examinations. In order to facilitate you in making this payment invoices or letters of advice will be sent to you well before the due date. You may however, if you wish, make payment before then using the costs given above, possibly phoning the school to check on the amount due.

If you have difficulties with this method of payment you should contact our Accounts Department who will try to assist you though they will not be able to accept payment in Z$.

In addition to the sterling payment candidates are charged Z$800 per A level subject and $600 per IGCSE subject to cover administration, courier and stationery costs. Pupils submitting abnormal quantities of course work in Art, Design & Technology and Office Administration will be charged extra according to the weight and DHL charges in operation at the time. All these charges will be included on the normal school statements issued at the end of each term.

JUNE EXAMINATIONS

It is our policy to discourage the writing of examinations in June. We do not allow pupils to write any subjects 'early' as they will not have completed the syllabuses or be properly prepared in June. Those rewriting IGCSE and AS subjects are strongly advised to write in November when they have had a full year to improve on the original grades. A major disadvantage of writing in June is that the results are released after the closing date for the November entries.

ZIMSEC EXAMINATIONS

As in previous years, it is our intention to enter all candidates for a full set of Zimsec examinations. The reason that we do this is that it acts as a safeguard or insurance policy if Government policy makes it difficult for us to make Cambridge entries. The Zimsec entries cost a relatively small amount (Z$1,000 per A level and Z$100 per O level subject). These entries are made during the first term. Despite entering most pupils for both Cambridge and Zimsec examinations we do not let them write both as the pressure during the examination period would be too great, numerous timetable clashes would occur, and it is contrary to the regulations of examination boards to write the same subject in the same session with more than one board.

SOME IMPORTANT DATES

January 30 Publication of Cambridge November 2002 results
February 10 Final date for Cambridge June 2003 entries
February 17 Final date for Zimsec June 2003 entries (date to be confirmed)
March 21 Final date for Zimsec November 2003 entries (date to be confirmed)
March 31 Cambridge November 2002 certificates expected June 30 Final date for proof of payment of Forex component for Cambridge exams
July 31 Final date for Cambridge November 2003 entries
August 29 Publication of Cambridge June 2003 results (date to be confirmed)
October 31 Cambridge June 2003 certificates expected

If you have any queries about examinations at Peterhouse please contact either Mr Shaw (preferably by e-mail at peterdos@zol.co.zw) or Mr. Munjoma at Peterhouse Girls.

David Shaw
(Director of Studies)
February 2003

ACADEMIC RESULTS