Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) offers three exams designed specifically for young learners aged between 6-12 years. These exams are; Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers and A2 Flyers.

Let’s look at each of these in more depth:

Pre A1 Starters – most suited for young learners at the very beginning of their English language journey. The Pre A1 Starters exam is intended for a child whose English ability is very limited, e.g. they might only be able to say their name and age in English.

A1 Movers – for young learners with a small amount of English knowledge and confidence. The A1 Movers exam is intended for a child who is able to interact a little in English, e.g. answer simple questions about their everyday life.

A2 Flyers – for young learners with an increasing amount of English knowledge and confidence. The A2 Flyers exam is intended for a child who is able to interact at a more advanced level in English, e.g. they can build and link sentences, and talk in some detail about the things they have done.

Before registering for an exam, students first complete a simple, free, placement test to decide which exam they should sit – this is to ensure that it is neither too hard, nor too easy! The results of these tests are matched to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) – a globally recognised system of bench-marking English language ability.

The official CEFR is made up of 6 levels – starting at A1 and A2, which indicates ‘up to’ a basic level of   knowledge, B1 and B2, which indicates a more independent level of knowledge, and C1 and C2 which indicates a  proficient to advanced level of knowledge. Young learners are however assessed on an adapted scale, and are typically found to have skill levels which place them in Pre-A1 Starters, A1 Movers or A2 Flyers.

Cambridge Assessment Exams (CAE), have been developed to assess the four key English literacy skills of; Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking - these are the very same key skills that we teach at I Can Read – meaning that these exams are well suited to I Can Read students.

The exams have been designed to provide young learners with a fun and enjoyable experience, they are stimulating, interactive, activity-based, and are fair. The exams use colourful images, age appropriate materials and allow for young learners to be introduced to international exams in a comfortable and non-threatening environment.

For Young Learners, there is little emphasis placed on ‘passing or failing’. All students are presented with official Certification and a Statement of Results from Cambridge. This Statement of Results, highlights individual areas of strength and also areas requiring further study.

Sitting a Cambridge Assessment English exam comes with many benefits for a child’s current and future educational success. Benefits such as:

1. They provide a clear, internationally recognised means for how to measure what our children are actually learning and achieving in their English studies. Learning and Assessment go hand-in-hand, but often it is hard for schools, teachers, parents and learners to clearly see where and how their English lessons are going. Sitting a CAE exam offers a globally accepted indication of how a child is really performing. A CAE exam result takes away the guess-work.

2. They provide pleasant exam experiences. This allows young learners to gain confidence to take further exams – effectively reducing the stress and reluctance that often accompany exams.

3. This pleasant exam experience, also helps motivate young learners to want to continue learning English, so that they get to re-experience that ‘sense’ of success, as their learning is validated and celebrated. Sitting CAE exams, gives students something ‘concrete’ to strive for.

4. They encourage both teachers and learners to focus on all required English skills, ensuring that their teaching and learning is balanced and complete.

5. They provide learners, teachers and parents with specific and expert feedback on a child’s areas of strength, and if necessary, those areas requiring further remedial intervention – allowing teachers/learners to drill down and focus on those areas most requiring it.

6. They are designed to be developmental, allowing young learners to work their way from exam to exam, as they gain new English skills.

It is well accepted in many parts of the world, that learning English and gaining the right qualifications, can give a child, both a head-start in life, and more importantly can open doors to future exciting opportunities.

Should you be interested in finding out more about I Can Read, and Cambridge English Exams, or if you are keen to register your child for an exam, please contact us through this website or visit your local ICR Centre – for more information on the ICR centre nearest you, please refer to our ‘locations’ page on this website.

*Please note that exams are conducted according to strict health and safety protocols. Exam Centres adhere to correct physical distancing, mask wearing, hand-washing and regular deep cleaning of the exam environment. The health of our students and staff is of utmost importance to us!

Inge Wilhelm
November 2021