Cambridge International A and AS Levels

What are Cambridge International A Levels? International GCE A Levels are provided by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), the world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 14–19 year olds International A Level is a ‘gold standard’ qualification –For over 50 years A Levels have been accepted for entry to universities and institutes of higher education around the world –A Levels are important to employers who often demand them as a condition of employment International A Levels incorporate the best of UK A Levels, but are designed to meet the needs of international students

What are Cambridge International AS Levels? International GCE AS Level was first examined in 2001 It represents the first half of an International A Level course International AS Levels bring flexibility to an International A Level programme by allowing students to: –Follow a staged assessment route to International A Level by taking the International AS Level in one examination session and completing the final International A Level assessments at a subsequent session –Take the International AS Level as either a one or two year course instead of, or in addition to, full International A Levels International AS Level has half the value of an International A Level and is accepted for entry to university courses across the world

Who can take Cambridge International A and AS Levels? International AS Level examinations are usually taken at age 17 International A Level examinations are usually taken at age 18 Students who are taking or have completed Cambridge IGCSEs or Cambridge O Levels will find International A and AS Levels a logical next step

What are the benefits? Good International A and AS Level grades are a key to admission for all the world’s major English-speaking universities and many non-English speaking universities Good grades at International A Level can result in up to one full year of advanced standing or credit at universities in the USA and Canada –International AS Levels carry half the weighting of an International A Level and are typically awarded half the credit value International A and AS Levels offer students a flexible course of study that gives them the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them

What are Cambridge International A and AS Level courses and exams like? International A and AS Levels require guided learning time in class, the library or a resource centre All syllabuses require students to develop analytical skills and the ability to apply knowledge Studying for International A and AS Levels is academically challenging but offers excellent preparation for the next stage of education – study at university or college The course differs for each subject, but throughout there will be a mix of assessment methods, which may include coursework, practical exercises, oral and listening tests, projects and written examinations

When can Cambridge International A and AS Levels be taken? International A Level courses usually take two years to complete and examinations are taken at the end of that period International AS Level examinations are usually taken after a year, either as part of the International A Level course, or as a qualification in their own right Examination sessions are held in June and November each year –Results for June sessions are issued in August –Results for November sessions are issued in January Subjects are graded A through to E - grade A is awarded for the highest level of performance, grade E for the lowest

What resources are available? Each International A and AS Level syllabus is accompanied by a resource list with full details of books and other materials that may be useful in the classroom Teachers are also provided with a range of resources and support materials to equip them with the skills they need to teach International A and AS Level courses These include: –Online support and resources –Textbooks and other classroom materials –Teacher training –Professional development qualifications

About CIE The world’s largest provider of international qualifications for year olds Offers school qualifications such as Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level and International A and AS Level, plus professional qualifications in areas such as IT, business and management Part of Cambridge Assessment Group and part of the University of Cambridge King’s College, Cambridge

About CIE CIE examinations are taken in over 150 different countries Cambridge qualifications are recognised by universities, colleges and employers across the globe CIE is the only not-for-profit examination board to be QCA accredited by the UK government Downing College, Cambridge