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With a unique learning and assessment journey at its heart, Shining Lights is a dynamic blended course for secondary school students from A1- C1+ which provides the tools and foundations for learners to explore their full potential and stand out in academic studies, exam performance and life.
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A dynamic blended secondary course with a strong focus on exam success and developing life skills
8 levels Levels 1-7: 80 hours extendable to 180 Starter level: 60 hours extendable to 160
Covering CEFR from A1/Starter – C1+
Digital teaching and learning resources on Cambridge One
Shining Lights is underpinned by four pillars:
Integrated learning and assessment
Formative assessment, feedback and recommendations
Problem-based learning
Finds solutions to real-world issues
Oracy
Confident Communicator, active and empathetic listener
Life Competencies
Critical, creative, collaborative, life-long learning
Official Exam Preparation materials
Cambridge exam preparation materials draw on the expertise of a whole team of writers, teachers, assessors and exam experts. Teams at Cambridge English create the tests and every single exam task in our materials is an accurate reflection of what test takers find in the test.
By sparking curiosity and promoting lifelong learning, Shining Lights helps students develop mental resilience, self-confidence, and a growth mindset. This innovative course equips learners to stand out academically, shine in exams, and succeed in their future careers.
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Integrated learning and assessment
Finds solutions to real-world issues
© 2025 Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Oracy tips
appears in every unit and supports students to develop their communication skills more broadly, taking in aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication and social and emotional skills, for example.
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© 2025 Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Why Shining Lights?
Shining Lights takes on the challenge of engaging teenagers – to help them grow, become attentive to their future and interested and involved in global issues. It offers not only thorough official preparation for Cambridge English Qualifications, but also engaging and communicative materials.
The course is underpinned by four pillars:
Students work together to find solutions for an open-ended problem.
Builds collaborative skills and develops both critical and creative thinking.
Optional challenges are highlighted throughout the course, with higher levels focused on sustainability.
Problem-based learning
Speaking, listening, and interpreting are essential for effective communication and collaboration in all areas of life.
These key skills shape students into confident communicators ready for any challenge.
Our unique approach to oracy, developed with Cambridge University’s ‘Oracy Cambridge Centre’, ensures learners master both the art and science of spoken communication.
Oracy
Unlocks students’ potential and empowers them to thrive in society.
Integrated into every unit, developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and learning skills.
Competencies are clearly highlighted, helping teachers nurture essential skills in every lesson.
The Cambridge Employability skills Framework is used in levels C1 and C2 to prepare students for the workplace and career success.
Cambridge Life Competencies Framework
As well as these four pillars, a number of lively features keep students engaged and active
The goal is to inspire action, not fear, empowering students to embrace possibilities for a better future.
Brings sustainability into the language classroom with activities and challenges focusing on solutions and positive change.
Aligned with the Cambridge Sustainability Framework.
Support to achieve sustainability goals
Shining Lights offers teachers and students a full range of digital support on Cambridge One, with three fully interactive extra digital units in each level. You can find these digital units in Presentation Plus in the Teacher’s Resource Bank which also includes other useful digital tools.
A flexible digital offering on Cambridge One
Student’s eBook
Presentation Plus
Practice Extra
Test Generator
Test & Train Mini
Teacher’s Resource Bank
Test & Train Mini
Exam Practice gets students ready for exam day
Short, on-the-go exam tasks
Improves learner performance with expert hints and tips
Boost confidence with instant feedback and unlimited attempts
Live the exam day experience with a full Speaking test video
Live the exam day experience with a full Speaking test video
Teacher’s Digital Pack includes:
Interactive Student’s eBook
Workbook eBook
Practice Extra teacher view
Test & Train Mini Exam Practice teacher view
Test Generator
Presentation Plus
Teacher’s Resource Bank
Personalised Reading and Listening practice
Kahoots
(Levels 1, 3, 5 & 7)
Test & Train Mini Practice Test teacher view
(Levels 1, 3, 5 & 7)
(in all levels except Starter)
Workbook Digital Pack
Student’s Workbook eBook
Student Resources
Practice Extra
Test & Train Mini Exam Practice
(Levels 1, 3, 5 & 7)
Test & Train Mini Practice Test*
(Levels 1, 3, 5 & 7)
Personalised reading and listening practice
*Once assigned by teacher
Students eBook with Workbook eBook and Digital Pack
Student’s Book interactive eBook
Workbook interactive eBook
Student Resources
Test & Train Mini
Personalised Reading and Listening practice
Practice Extra
STEAM
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) pages help students get to grips with their own future in a challenging but exciting world.
STEAM investigations help students to activate and build on their knowledge of STEAM subjects.
STEAM worksheets provided in the Teacher’s Resource Bank help students to manage and make the most of their investigations.
Video
Every unit begins with a documentary video introducing the main topic.
Later in the unit there are grammar videos - which can be used in class and are also ideal for flipped classroom.
Extended activities for oracy are built around video.
Higher levels contain writing videos to learn tips and tricks to improve writing.
MEDIATION
Common European Framework of Languages
Mediation practice is in the Student’s Book from Level 1. Accompanying worksheets are available for each unit in the Teacher’s Resource Bank and work with one of the Unit’s reading or listening texts. Students use key Life Competencies to analyse ideas, opinions and attitudes in the text.
Students work in pairs, or groups and are always active in their interaction which helps to develop their oracy skills.
Assessment and learning work together in Shining Lights to help teachers and students get the most out of every moment of learning.
There are many different types of assessment in Shining Lights - peer assessment, self-assessment, teacher assessment, Test & Train Mini, Personalised Learning, exam tasks and tips, unit check ins, Test Generator.
Personalised Learning (Reading and Listening) is in every level except Starter level.
Teachers have full support to co-ordinate and facilitate each student’s learning environment.
Integrated learning and assessment
Student's eBook
Brings together course audio and video with the coursebook pages
Allows for learning on the go and at home
Accessible on laptop, tablet or mobile devices
Presentation Plus
Digital Presentation tool including Student’s Book (with three extra digital units), Workbook and interactive activities, with three extra digital units
Present the course content, with class audio and video, all at the front of the class
‘One by one’ and ‘show all answers’ functionality
Practice Extra
Make grammar and vocabulary practice more dynamic with games and exercises
Set homework tasks and monitor progress
Learners can work through each unit, with unlimited attempts
Provides opportunities for revising and testing what students have learned
Create your own tests as and when you require them
Check grammar and vocabulary understanding with our Unit Tests
Access End-of-term tests, which cover all four key skills, and an overall End-of-year test
Teacher’s Resource Bank
Discover extra skills, Speaking Test videos and more
Download Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking and Oracy worksheets
Access all audio and video for the course
Optional STEAM investigations, sustainability projects and mediation worksheets
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Why Shining Lights?
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Exam Preparation
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Test Generator
Test & Train Mini
Brings together course audio and video with the coursebook pages
Allows for learning on the go and at home
The goal is to inspire action, not fear, empowering students to embrace possibilities for a better future.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) pages help students get to grips with their own future in a challenging but exciting world.
STEAM investigations help students to activate and build on their knowledge of STEAM subjects.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) pages help students get to grips with their own future in a challenging but exciting world.
Every unit begins with a documentary video introducing the main topic.
Later in the unit there are grammar videos - which can be used in class and are also ideal for flipped classroom.
Extended activities for oracy are built around video.
“When a learner acts as a social agent who creates bridges and helps to construct or convey meaning”
Mediation practice is in the Student’s Book from Level 1.
Accompanying worksheets are available for each unit in the Teacher’s Resource Bank and work with one of the Unit’s reading or listening texts. Students use key Life Competencies to analyse ideas, opinions and attitudes in the text.
Home
Why Shining Lights?
All levels
Exam Preparation
Using Shining Lights
Find out more
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Why Shining Lights?
All levels
Exam Preparation
Using Shining Lights
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Competition
© 2025 Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Brings together course audio and video with the coursebook pages
Allows for learning on the go and at home
Accessible on laptop, tablet or mobile devices
Student’s eBook
Presentation Plus
‘One by one’ and ‘show all answers’ functionality
Present the course content, with class audio and video, all at the front of the class
Digital Presentation tool including Student’s Book (with three extra digital units), Workbook and interactive activities, with three extra digital units
Presentation Plus
‘One by one’ and ‘show all answers’ functionality
Present the course content, with class audio and video, all at the front of the class
Digital Presentation tool including Student’s Book (with three extra digital units), Workbook and interactive activities, with three extra digital units
Presentation Plus
‘One by one’ and ‘show all answers’ functionality
Present the course content, with class audio and video, all at the front of the class
Digital Presentation tool including Student’s Book (with three extra digital units), Workbook and interactive activities, with three extra digital units
Presentation Plus
Present the course content, with class audio and video, all at the front of the class
Digital Presentation tool including Student’s Book (with three extra digital units), Workbook and interactive activities, with three extra digital units
‘One by one’ and ‘show all answers’ functionality
Improves learner performance with expert hints and tips
Boost confidence with instant feedback and unlimited attempts
Boost confidence with instant feedback and unlimited attempts
What are the four pillars?
Why use Shining Lights?
Explore Shining Lights
Watch a video
What are the four pillars?
Why use Shining Lights?
Explore Shining Lights
Watch a video
What are the four pillars?
What are the four pillars?
Why use Shining Lights?
Why use Shining Lights?
Explore Shining Lights
Explore Shining Lights
Watch a
video
Watch a video
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Why Shining Lights?
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© 2025 Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Full practice test at each level
Speaking test videos available in teachers resources
Access to Test & Train Mini
Expertly crafted preparation materials
CEFR-Level exam practice tests
Cambridge English Qualifications
Cambridge English Qualifications are in-depth exams that make learning English enjoyable, effective and rewarding. Our unique approach encourages continuous progression with a clear path to improve language skills. We have qualifications for schools, general and higher education, and business.
One full practice test at each CEFR level Exam practice tasks in all units of the Student’s Book and the Workbook.
The second level in each pair (A2, B1+, B2+, C1+) has complete exam tasks and covers each exam task type twice across each level.
The first level in each pair (A1, B1, B2, C1) has abridged versions of exam practice tasks. Every level has complete exam practice tasks in the Workbook.
The full exam practice test is also available in the Student’s Resources and the Workbook has full exam tasks.
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Why Shining Lights?
All levels
Exam Preparation
Using Shining Lights
Find out more
Home
Why Shining Lights?
All levels
Exam Preparation
Using Shining Lights
Find out more
Home
Why Shining Lights?
All levels
Exam Preparation
Using Shining Lights
Find out more
Get involved
Competition
Integrated learning and assessment
One full practice test at each CEFR level Exam practice tasks in all units of the Student’s Book and the Workbook.
The first level in each pair (A1, B1, B2, C1) has abridged versions of exam practice tasks. Every level has complete exam practice tasks in the Workbook.
The first level in each pair (A1, B1, B2, C1) has abridged versions of exam practice tasks. Every level has complete exam practice tasks in the Workbook.
CEFR-Level exam practice tests
One full practice test at each CEFR level Exam practice tasks in all units of the Student’s Book and the Workbook.
Cambridge English Qualifications are in-depth exams that make learning English enjoyable, effective and rewarding. Our unique approach encourages continuous progression with a clear path to improve language skills. We have qualifications for schools, general and higher education, and business.
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© 2025 Cambridge University Press & Assessment
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Cambridge exam preparation materials draw on the expertise of a whole team of writers, teachers, assessors and exam experts. Teams at Cambridge English create the tests and every single exam task in our materials is an accurate reflection of what test takers find in the test.
Shining Lights combines every moment of learning and assessment to maximise teacher and student performance.
© 2025 Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Using Shining Lights
Shining Lights has ten units, structured in pairs – plus three fully interactive Extra Digital Units in Presentation Plus.
Odd numbered units focus on Problem-based learning (selected examples below):
Even-numbered units focus on Oracy (selected examples below):
Even-numbered unit examples
Learning Aims
Documentary videos
Oracy skills
Striking images
showcase the skills and language that students will learn in the unit.
showcase the skills and language that students will learn in the unit.
to introduce the unit topic.
are clearly set out at the top of every even-numbered unit and the learning starts right here in a group discussion to activate students’ prior knowledge and encourage them to develop linguistic, cognitive, physical and social—emotional skills.
All even-numbered units conclude with Oracy activities, giving students the opportunity to practise and build on the skills they have developed in a guided, communicative oracy task.
Digital interactive
whiteboard activities on Presentation Plus allow you to present the new vocabulary in a heads-up interactive activity.
tasks provide guided practice of Cambridge English Qualifications tasks. Exam Tips give useful and practical advice.
Exam Training
appears in every unit and supports students to develop their communication skills more broadly, taking in aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication and social and emotional skills, for example.
Oracy tips
Odd-numbered unit examples
Every odd-unit ends with the Wrap Up page – students are encouraged to look back at the previous unit and reflect on their learning, all forming part of their formative assessment.
The Wrap Up
At the end of each odd-numbered unit, students complete one of a selection of fun stretch tasks.
Stretch task
The steps for completing the challenge are in four Challenge boxes throughout the unit. Think, Prepare, Develop and Present.
Home
Why Shining Lights?
All levels
Exam Preparation
Using Shining Lights
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Why Shining Lights?
All levels
Exam Preparation
Using Shining Lights
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Why Shining Lights?
All levels
Exam Preparation
Using Shining Lights
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Get involved
Competition
Exam preparation
Odd numbered units focus on Problem-based learning:
Learning Aims
showcase the skills and language that students will learn in the unit.
Even-numbered unit examples
© 2025 Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Learning Aims
showcase the skills and language that students will learn in the unit.
Learning Aims
showcase the skills and language that students will learn in the unit.
Learning Aims
showcase the skills and language that students will learn in the unit.
Digital interactive
whiteboard activities on Presentation Plus allow you to present the new vocabulary in a heads-up interactive activity.
Digital interactive
whiteboard activities on Presentation Plus allow you to present the new vocabulary in a heads-up interactive activity.
Exam Training
tasks provide guided practice of Cambridge English Qualifications tasks. Exam Tips give useful and practical advice.
The Wrap Up
Every odd-unit ends with the Wrap Up page – students are encouraged to look back at the previous unit and reflect on their learning, all forming part of their formative assessment.
The steps for completing the challenge are in four Challenge boxes throughout the unit. Think, Prepare, Develop and Present.
Challenge
