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Cambridge International A & AS Level

Overview

International A Level is recognised worldwide as a requirement for entry into higher education. Study and examination at A Level give students in-depth knowledge and lifelong skills that prepare them for success in higher education and employment.

International AS Level is typically taken at the mid-point of an A Level programme and is optional. Schools can offer AS Level as a qualification in its own right to increase breadth in the curriculum and allow students to complement other subjects they are studying.

International Recognition

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

Flexibility

Schools and students find A and AS 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 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 international AS Level in one examination session and complete the final international A Level at a subsequent session*
Option 3 Take the international AS Level only, either at the end of a one-year or two-year course. The international AS syllabus content is half an A Level programme.

By studying a broad selection of international A and AS Level subjects, students can benefit from the additional award of the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma.

* 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

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

Assessment

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

International A and AS 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.

Subjects are graded A through to E. Grade A is awarded for the highest level of achievement, grade E for the lowest, and a U grade (ungraded) is issued for papers that do not meet the requirements of the assessment. In some circumstances, a candidate who has been entered for international A Level but not reached the standard of a grade E will be awarded a compensatory international AS Level in the subject.

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

Performance Feedback

International AS Level provides valuable feedback on performance, identifying strengths and weaknesses prior to any final assessment. Taking the international AS Level examination part-way through the 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.