International English Testing
(PET, FCE, CAE, CPE)

At Markham, we place great emphasis on teaching English to the highest international standards.  All students are entered for the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations as they pass through the school. These are the most widely-taken and prestigious English as a Foreign Language examinations in the world. The fees for all international examinations at Markham are included in the tuition. There are no additional fees incurred.

Preliminary English Test (PET)

PET is a pre-intermediate level examination, at Level B1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. PET covers the four main language skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking, using material from real-life situations. Successful candidates receive a certificate from the University of Cambridge. This certificate is recognised by employers in many countries, and recognised by universities in some countries as an initial qualification in English. 

PET is also a useful preparation for higher level exams, such as FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English). This examination used to be taken at Markham by students at the end of Secondary 1. 

By 2000, the majority of students were achieving the top level Pass with Merit and the examination was moved to Primary 6. In 2005, as all Primary 6 students were passing the examination, it was moved again to Primary 5.  This examination is an important benchmark for families interested in a truly bilingual education for their children.

First Certificate in English (FCE)

FCE is an intermediate level examination, at level B2 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. FCE has five papers: Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking. FCE indicates sufficient proficiency in English to be of practical use in clerical, secretarial and managerial jobs in many industries, in particular tourism, where contact with English speakers is required. Successful candidates receive a certificate awarded the University of Cambridge and recognised by universities and employers throughout the world.

The FCE has also worked its way down the school.  The examinations began in Secondary 5 but in 2006, for the first time, all Secondary 3 students were entered. In 2007 the pass rate was over 92%.

Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and the Certificate of Proficiency in English

CAE is the second highest level Cambridge ESOL examination, at level C1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Although the level of language skills required is not as high as for CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English), CAE recognises the ability to communicate with confidence in English and deal with most aspects of everyday life. Successful candidates receive a certificate awarded by the University of Cambridge recognised by thousands of universities and employers throughout the world.

At Markham, students write the Certificate of Advanced English at the end of Lower Sixth National Programme. In 2006, the pass rate for the students entered was over 93%.

CPE is the highest level Cambridge ESOL examination, at level C2 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. CPE is important for students who want to develop a career abroad which requires a high level of language skills, for example, medicine, teaching, engineering, etc. Successful candidates receive a certificate awarded by the University of Cambridge recognised by thousands of universities and employers throughout the world. Success at this level represents a significant personal achievement. CPE is regarded as a qualification to teach English as a Foreign Language.

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