Advanced Secondary School
A and AS Level Subjects Activities School Timing

International A Level and Advanced Subsidiary Qualifications

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

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:
 
OPTION 1: Take all papers of the 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 AS Level in one examination session and complete the final A Level at a subsequent session*
 
OPTION 3: Take a 'staged' assessment route - take the AS Level in one examination session and complete the final A Level at a subsequent session*
 
 
By studying a broad selection of A and AS Level subjects, students can benefit from the additional award of the 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 to meet the needs of our schools and students around the world.

Assessment

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

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 A Level but not reached the standard of a grade E will be awarded a compensatory AS Level in the subject.

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

Performance Feedback

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 to meet the needs of our schools and students around the world.

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