The alignment of Starters, Movers and Flyers and Key for Schools

Cambridge English presents the results of studies into a comparison of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Starters, Movers, Flyers and Key for Schools. These studies show that Young Learners English (YLE) tests cover pre-A1 to A2 levels. Strong performances at Movers indicate A1 and a strong performance at Flyers indicate A2. The correlation of Key for Schools grades, and shields at YLE is also identified.

We are now able to define the relationship between Flyers and Key for Schools with more precision. Young Learners English exams do not precisely map onto one CEFR level and in consequence a broader range of performances should be expected and managed in the classroom.

The studies were carried out to ensure that scores from all Young Learners English exams could be compared in a simple and clear fashion. This has also made a clear and simple relationship between the Young Learners results and the CEFR. When the exams were aligned and compared the results showed that there is a change of two shields as you move from one level to the next: two shields at Flyers is equivalent to four shields at Movers; and two shields at Movers is equivalent to four shields on Starters.

The link to the CEFR is now precise with each CEFR level representing a range of two shields. For example, CEFR level A2 covers four and five shields on Flyers; and CEFR level A1 covers two and three shields. The alignment diagram, which appears on the back of every Young Learners’ certificate, also shows how young learners’ shields compare to scores for Key for Schools and the Cambridge English scale. The alignment works for listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV0Ha1SnlsE to learn more.

Presenter: Mark Elliott & Kathryn Davies (2018, Jan 24). The alignment of Starters, Movers, Flyers and Key for Schools and the impact on learning [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV0Ha1SnlsE