What is a Portfolio of Evidence?
A Portfolio of Evidence is a collection of student work that can be used when Cambridge International exams cannot take place in a country or region.
Instead of sitting the normal exam, a student’s school submits selected pieces of work to Cambridge. Cambridge examiners then mark this work and use the marks to award the student’s final grade. According to Cambridge International, schools are asked to submit three substantial pieces of evidence for each student when exams cannot take place.
In simple words, a Portfolio of Evidence is a backup way for Cambridge to assess students fairly when normal exams are disrupted.
When is a Portfolio of Evidence used?
A Portfolio of Evidence is not used all the time. It is only used in special situations where exams cannot go ahead.
This may happen because of serious disruption in a country or region. For example, if schools are unable to run exams safely or properly, Cambridge may move affected students to the portfolio route.
Students should remember that this decision is usually handled by Cambridge International and the school. It is not something an individual student normally chooses by themselves.
What does the portfolio include?
A portfolio usually includes three substantial pieces of work for each student in each subject. Cambridge describes a substantial piece of work as something that has taken at least one hour of focused work to complete.
This work may include things such as:
- past paper answers
- class tests
- mock exam work
- assignments completed during the course
- practical or subject-based tasks, where suitable
The exact type of evidence may depend on the subject, syllabus and Cambridge guidance for that exam series.
Who marks the Portfolio of Evidence?
The school collects and submits the work, but the school does not award the final grade.
Cambridge International states that the portfolio is marked by Cambridge examiners. The marks are then used to calculate the student’s final grade for that syllabus.
This is important because it means the result is still assessed externally by Cambridge, not simply decided by the teacher.
How does it affect students?
A Portfolio of Evidence can affect students in several ways.
1. Your classwork becomes more important
When exams are running normally, many students focus mainly on the final exam. But with a Portfolio of Evidence, work completed during the course may become part of the final assessment.
This means students should take class tests, mock exams and written tasks seriously. Even if they seem like normal schoolwork, they may later become useful evidence.
2. Consistent effort matters
A student who works steadily throughout the year may benefit from having stronger evidence available. If a student only starts studying close to the final exam, they may have fewer good pieces of work to include.
The portfolio system rewards preparation, regular practice and responsible study habits.
3. Attendance and participation are important
If students miss lessons, tests or assignments, they may have fewer pieces of evidence. This can make it harder for the school to prepare a strong portfolio.
Students should try to complete all important schoolwork, especially in exam years such as Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, AS Level and A Level.
4. It can reduce pressure from one final exam
For some students, the portfolio route may feel less stressful because the grade is not based on one exam day only. It gives Cambridge examiners more than one piece of work to review.
However, this does not mean it is easier. The work still needs to show the student’s real ability.
5. Missing evidence can cause problems
Cambridge explains that, for the portfolio route, it cannot create a calculated assessment for a missing piece of evidence because the portfolio entry is treated as a single component with 100 per cent weighting.
This means students should not ignore school tasks. Every serious piece of work may matter.
What should students do?
Students preparing for Cambridge International exams should:
- complete all classwork and assessments carefully
- keep their work organised
- take mock exams seriously
- ask teachers how evidence is being collected
- avoid copying, cheating or using unfair help
- follow school instructions closely
Malpractice rules still apply to the Portfolio of Evidence route. Cambridge says preventing and detecting malpractice is just as important for portfolios as it is for normal exams.
Is the Portfolio of Evidence easier than exams?
Not really. It is different, not easier.
In a normal exam, students show their knowledge in one timed paper. In a Portfolio of Evidence, students show their ability through selected pieces of work completed during the course.
Both routes require preparation, honesty and strong subject knowledge.
Final thoughts
A Portfolio of Evidence is Cambridge International’s alternative assessment method when exams cannot take place. It allows students to receive a grade based on real work they have completed during their course.
For students, the main lesson is simple: do your best throughout the year, not only before the final exam. Class tests, mock exams and assignments can all become important evidence of your ability.
Students should always follow their school’s guidance and check official Cambridge International information for the latest rules for their exam series.