School and college students globally have achieved outstanding results in the first ever sitting of the CISI’s new A-level equivalent exams
Of a total of 54 global candidates who sat the two units which comprise the CISI Certificate in Finance, Risk & Decision Making, 36 achieved the overall award, a 67% pass rate.
The Certificate in Finance, Risk & Decision Making is a Key Stage 5 level 3 equivalent qualification, carrying up to 120 UCAS points when taken in conjunction with the Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment. Archbishop Beck College in Liverpool began teaching this qualification to students from six local colleges in September 2013.
The qualification is composed of two units: Money, Economies & Uncertainty, which explores the characteristics and functions of money, giving candidates a practical grasp of macro-economics. The second unit, Investment Decision Making, Accounting & Governance equips candidates with the means to apply their knowledge at the micro level, in a business context.
"I would advise anyone who wants to work in the financial sector to undertake the opportunity"Rachel Bailey, aged 17, pictured right, the highest scoring student at Archbishop Beck College said: “The past year has by no means been easy. Balancing three AS levels and the CISI Diploma has been difficult but I made sure I worked hard in all aspects to achieve results I could be proud of.
“When I logged on to discover I had achieved the grades I wanted I was ecstatic, as investment is the area I would like to work in and I wish to study Economics at university.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working towards the first part of the Diploma and I am looking forward to carrying on with my studies this year. I can’t wait to begin my research essay and hopefully maintain the marks I have achieved. I would advise anyone who wants to work in the financial sector to undertake the opportunity as I have been able to speak with business professionals, undertake work experience and make my personal statement stand out, especially when applying for a course focused on the economy and the financial sectors.”
Joanne Welsh, teacher of the CISI Level 3 Certificate in Finance, Risk & Decision Making at Archbishop Beck College said: “As expected, the CISI examinations were written to an exceptionally high standard meaning students should pat themselves on the back for their achievements.
“This year has undoubtedly put them in an extremely strong position because they have shown commitment to a course other than their A levels. This is something that will help them stand out from others when completing application forms, regardless of whether it is an application for university (this will really make their personal statement stand out) or an application for an apprenticeship in the industry.
“Additionally, by studying this qualification, they have opened up opportunities for themselves in the future.”
Sri Lanka successTwenty six candidates in Colombo, Sri Lanka also sat the CISI Certificate in Finance, Risk & Decision Making. Dulmini Sathya Sri Dharmapala, aged 19 and Tiara Balasuriya, aged 20, were the two highest scoring candidates from Lanka BPO Academy.
Dharshana Illamperuma, Director & Chief Lecturer at Lanka BPO Academy said: “I am pleased with the excellent performance of students from Lanka BPO Academy having obtained the world’s number 1 and 2 positions during the July sitting of the CISI Finance, Risk & Decision Making exam.”
CISI Managing Director Ruth Martin said: “The results show that this new qualification can be taken globally by young people in full time education with excellent results. We congratulate these students and also their teachers and families who have played key supporting roles in their success.”
The CISI Certificate in Finance, Risk & Decision Making is a route to a number of outcomes available for students depending on their career and study goals. It can lead to higher level qualifications which can be taken as part of an Advanced Apprenticeship in Providing Financial Services, for UK students.
In addition many universities are accredited to offer CISI qualifications and offer exemptions to students who apply with CISI qualifications, such as the CISI Certificate in Finance, Risk & Decision Making, and who intend studying finance based degrees. For overseas students this can offer an alternative route to university into the job market.