Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level) and Advanced Level (A Level) are subject-based qualifications usually taken in the final two years of high school. AS Level is typically a one-year programme of study, while Cambridge International A Level typically takes two years.

Most subjects follow a staged assessment starting with AS Level and continuing with an A Level. The syllabuses are international in outlook but retain local relevance. They have been created specifically for an international student body with content to suit a wide variety of schools and avoid cultural bias. The contexts or examples used in syllabuses and exam question papers are culturally sensitive in an international context.

A Level is the most common and natural progression after students finish their IGCSE. A Level is an excellent choice for students who have a clear idea of which subjects they excel in. For example, a student who is strong in Maths and weak in English Literature would benefit from focusing on Maths and dropping English. Focus on specific subjects is not possible with the IB or many other curriculums, which have a much broader study area.

Aimed at 16–19-year-old students before university study, AS & A Level are taken by hundreds of thousands of students in more than 125 countries every year. In the UK, these are taken in Years 12 and 13 of the secondary school curriculum.

The most important criteria for choosing A Level subjects are:

• Looking at what you are likely to enjoy and be good at. If you enjoy a subject or have an ability in it already, you are more likely to do well.
• Are there any particular subjects you may need? If you have a particular career, job, or further study in mind, you may need to choose specific A Level subjects to meet entry requirements.
• How open do you want to keep your future study and career choices?

There are no compulsory subjects with A Level. Instead, students are free to choose the subjects that interest them the most or feel will benefit them for their future studies or careers. Students typically study three to four subjects.

Students have the option of selecting 3 or 4 subjects to study online, from a wide variety of courses available through high-quality online providers.

It is most important to finish with strong grades at the end of 2 years, and students traditionally find that completing 3 subjects over 2 years is challenging but reasonable.

The most common path is to start with 4 subjects in the first year and choose to discontinue one subject. In this case, the student would still receive a 1-year AS Level qualification for the discontinued course and aim to finish the second year strong with high grades in the remaining 3 A Level subjects.

Trying to finish with 4 A Level subjects is less common and should only be considered for the most dedicated and diligent students.

A Level students will be assessed by their respective online course providers. Written examinations, taken at the end of the 2-year course of study, are the main assessment form.* For A Level courses, assignments are designed to prepare students fully for their exams. These assignments generally do not count towards the exam grade, but they are assessed, and the student’s Tutor will provide extensive feedback. In many cases, the assignments are based on previous exam papers, so they are an excellent opportunity for students to practise answering the kinds of questions they’ll face in the exam.

The grading scale runs from A* – E. Students not meeting the minimum standard will receive a grade of U. They need 40% to achieve an E, 50% for a D, 60% for a C, and 70% for B, 80% for A, 90% for A*. Any student averaging 80% across all modules will gain an A*.

* Some syllabi have coursework components and can still contribute to the final grade.

Based on the amount of work required to complete an AS or A Level subject, each student creates an anticipated pace at which they will need to work for that subject in order to complete their studies in the allotted time of 2 years and be well prepared for their exams.

At the close of every week, students complete a form to record the progress they have made in each subject over the past week. They include details about which topic or unit they studied, what pages or chapters they covered, and what progress they are currently making through their assignments. Using this method, students are able to compare their current progress with the pace they have anticipated and make adjustments as needed. Parents and school administration are kept informed of student progress. Any concerns with lack of motivation, engagement or effort will be addressed immediately.

Students meet regularly with the A Level Support Coordinator to discuss strategies to keep ahead of their studies and upcoming assignments. They are also asked to regularly share and discuss the notes they have been taking and show the passages they have highlighted and annotated in their textbooks as evidence of their continued progression. Our fundamental goal is to give our students the tools to thrive in their online studies, prepare for university life, and grow into responsible young adults.