Search this site:
Go to our other sites:	Select... Teacher Support CIE Direct Cambridge Training Hub Cambridge Primary Cambridge Secondary 1 Examinet Cambridge Students CBT Support

• Home
• About Us
• Education
• News
• Events & Training
• Ask CIE

• Vocational
• Teaching
• Syllabus Materials
• Recognition
• Validation
• Bilingual

Cambridge International AS and A Level Cambridge Advanced

Overview

Every year, thousands of Cambridge International A Level students gain places at good universities worldwide – including the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

That's because universities worldwide recognise Cambridge International AS and A Level as an excellent preparation for a university education. Some US universities give up to a year's credit as a result.

Cambridge International AS and A Level is an internationally benchmarked qualification, taken in over 125 countries.

Cambridge International AS Level

Cambridge International AS Levels have half the content of the corresponding Cambridge International A Level and may be completed in one year. Schools can offer Cambridge International AS Level as a qualification in its own right or as a stage on the way to Cambridge International A Level. Students can study Cambridge International AS Level alongside other subjects to increase breadth in the curriculum and build further knowledge and understanding to other subjects they are studying at Cambridge International A Level.

International Recognition

International AS Level and A Level have widespread international recognition as educational qualifications. This recognition is because:

• Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications are recognised by universities as equivalent in value to UK AS and A Levels
• Good grades at AS and A Level can result in one full year of advanced standing or credit at universities in the USA and Canada
• Good AS and A Level grades are vital for admission to all the world's major English-speaking universities and many non-English-speaking universities
• AS and A Level are rigorous programmes that encourage high academic standards
• AS and A Levels have a high profile amongst English-medium international schools around the world

Flexibility

Schools and students find Cambridge International AS and A Levels very flexible. Schools can offer almost any combination of the wide choice of subjects available. Students have the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them – either follow a broad course of study, or specialise in a particular area.

Students can choose from a range of assessment options:

Assessment Options
Option 1	Take all papers of the Cambridge International A Level course in the same examination session, usually at the end of the second year of study
Option 2	Take a 'staged' assessment route – take the Cambridge International AS Level in one examination session and complete the final Cambridge International A Level at a subsequent session*
Option 3	Take the Cambridge International AS Level only. The Cambridge International AS syllabus content is half an A Level programme.

* The staged assessment route is not possible in all subjects. The outcomes awarded for AS language syllabuses cannot be carried forward to A Level.

International Relevance

Cambridge International AS and A Level syllabuses have been created specifically for an international audience. The content of International AS and A Levels is carefully devised to suit the wide variety of Cambridge schools worldwide and avoid any cultural bias. The structure and administration of International AS and A Levels are also designed to meet the needs of our schools and students around the world.

Assessment

International AS and A Level examination sessions occur twice a year**, in June and November, with results issued in August and January respectively.

International AS and A Level use a wide range of assessment processes and techniques to supplement formal written examinations – orals, practicals, projects and coursework of differing types are all used in various subjects where they are the most effective and appropriate means of measuring attainment.

** Some subjects are only available in June or November.

Reporting of achievement

Each subject that a Cambridge international student takes at AS and A Level receives a separately certificated grade. From 2010, the Cambridge International A Level will be reported on a grade scale from A* grade, awarded for the highest level of achievement, to E, indicating the minimum required performance. Cambridge International Centres should note there is no A* grading in the certification of Cambridge International AS Levels, which will continue to run from Grade A to Grade E.

Performance Feedback

International AS Level provides valuable feedback on performance, identifying strengths and weaknesses prior to any final assessment. Taking the Cambridge International AS Level examination part-way through the Cambridge International A Level course provides feedback that students can use to set learning goals for the second half of the course. It can also provide students with the motivation and momentum to complete their programme of study.