BFF Academy has been combining classroom learning with football training since it was established in 2022. Now, the academy is introducing another academic pathway for its students. Its first batch of Class VIII students sat for the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Examination today, marking a new milestone for the academy.
For these Class VIII students, it is their first Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Examination, following the introduction of the Cambridge curriculum earlier this year.. It assesses students’ learning and helps schools identify strengths and areas where they need support.
The students are being assessed in three subjects: English, Mathematics and Science. They sat for Mathematics today, with Science scheduled for 19th October and English on 21st October.
For students and teachers at BFF Academy, the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Examination marks an important milestone after months of preparation and hard work.
“This is my first Cambridge Checkpoint examination, and today we sat for Mathematics. It was challenging because it was a new experience for us. We prepared by studying different materials and practising past-paper questions. I feel we have prepared well for the examination,” said Tenzin Norbu Thinley, a student at BFF Academy.
The results also help schools understand students’ progress as they prepare for the next stage of their education
This includes the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, or IGCSE, usually taken between the ages of 14 and 16.
“The Checkpoint examination will help students prepare for the IGCSE examinations in the coming years. It also helps teachers assess how much students have understood and identify areas where they need to improve,” said Kamal Gajmer, a teacher at BFF Academy.
“We decided to introduce the Cambridge curriculum to provide our students with more academic opportunities. After obtaining the necessary approvals, we started the curriculum at the beginning of 2026. This is the first time our students are sitting for the Cambridge Checkpoint examination,” said Rudra Chhetri, Principal of BFF Academy.
The academy plans to prepare students for the IGCSE examinations, followed by AS and A Level qualifications. These qualifications can help students pursue further studies in Bhutan and abroad.
“Through the Cambridge pathway, our students will have the opportunity to progress to IGCSE and then AS and A Level. These qualifications can open up more options for higher education in Bhutan and abroad. We hope this will help our students prepare for their future academic and career goals,” added Rudra Chhetri, Principal of BFF Academy.
For BFF Academy, the Cambridge Checkpoint examination is a step towards expanding its academic opportunities while continuing to nurture students’ passion for football.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Sonam Pem
