About Cambridge Global English
Cambridge Global English is a comprehensive K-6 ELA/ELD program that seamlessly integrates reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language development. It is the core curriculum used across all grades at Riverbend Primary.
Cambridge builds a strong literacy foundation through close reading, text-dependent questions, and evidence-based writing — aligned to rigorous international standards.
Cambridge Program Components
Reading/Writing Workshop
Whole-group and small-group instruction with shared reads, mini-lessons, and interactive read-alouds.
Literature Anthology
Grade-level complex texts for close reading, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry selections.
Leveled Readers
Approaching, On Level, Beyond, and ELL readers for differentiated small-group instruction.
Your Turn Practice Book
Independent practice pages reinforcing comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and phonics/spelling skills.
Weekly Instructional Routine
Each Cambridge week follows a 5-day instructional routine built around a weekly concept and essential question.
Introduce the Concept
Build background, introduce vocabulary, read aloud, and shared reading
Close Reading
Literature Anthology close read, text-dependent questions, comprehension strategy
Reread & Respond
Reread for deeper analysis, grammar instruction, vocabulary practice
Extend & Integrate
Paired selection, text connections, research and inquiry, writing
Review & Assess
Weekly assessment (Fresh Read), spelling test, fluency check, writing wrap-up
Cambridge Assessment Ecosystem
The Cambridge assessment system provides four tiers of data to inform instruction and track student growth.
Diagnostic / Placement
Start of year — determines Approaching, On Level, or Beyond placement. Tests phonics, decoding, and oral reading fluency.
Weekly Assessment (Formative)
Every Friday — Fresh Read (cold text) testing the week's comprehension skill and vocabulary strategy. Use formatively for ESL learners.
Unit Assessment (Summative)
Every 6 weeks — summative Cold Reads covering all unit skills plus a writing prompt. Split over two days for student stamina.
Benchmark Assessment
2-3 times per year — cumulative tests (e.g., Units 1-3, End of Year). Used for standardized reporting.
Performance Levels:
Approaching
0-59% — Needs intervention
On Level
60-79% — Meeting expectations
Beyond
80-100% — Exceeding expectations
Cambridge Differentiation
Cambridge provides built-in differentiation at every point of instruction — ensuring all learners are supported at their level.
Approaching Level
Scaffolded texts, graphic organizers, sentence frames, and additional phonics/decoding practice.
On Level
Grade-level texts with guided practice, comprehension questions, and vocabulary extension.
Beyond Level
Complex texts, independent research projects, analytical writing, and leadership opportunities.
English Language Learners
Visual supports, vocabulary pre-teaching, native language connections, and oral language practice.
Grade Coverage at Riverbend Primary
Grade 1
Cambridge Grade 1
Grade 2
Cambridge Grade 2
Grade 3
Cambridge Grade 3
Grade 4
Cambridge Grade 4
Grade 5
Cambridge Grade 5
✨ Why Cambridge Works
✓ Evidence-based literacy instruction
Close reading, text complexity, and writing from sources
✓ Built-in differentiation
Approaching, On Level, Beyond, and ELL support
✓ Comprehensive assessment system
Diagnostic, Weekly, Unit, and Benchmark tiers
✓ Digital and print resources
Cambridge ConnectED platform + print materials
✓ Phonics and fluency
Systematic phonics instruction and fluency practice
✓ Cross-curricular connections
Science, social studies, and arts integration
Get Started!
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