Cambridge International Advanced Level

We are a Cambridge International affiliated school, IA702, authorised to offer Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications in accordance with Cambridge International Education regulations.

Cambridge International Advanced Level (AS & A Level) is a globally recognised pre-university qualification designed for learners typically aged 16 to 19 years, preparing them for higher education and future career pathways. While Cambridge does not prescribe specific age requirements, Cambridge International AS Level examinations are usually taken at age 17 and Cambridge International A Level examinations at age 18.

By the time learners begin the Cambridge Advanced programme, they often choose to specialise in subjects aligned with their interests, academic strengths, higher education aspirations, and potential career goals. At the same time, learners may study a range of subjects to maintain breadth, with co-curricular programmes adding balance and depth to the overall educational experience.

Learners who have completed Cambridge IGCSE or equivalent qualifications will find that many of the academic skills they have already developed—such as critical thinking, analysis, and independent learning—are directly applicable and beneficial at Advanced Level.

Cambridge International AS & A Level

A Level stands for Advanced Level, and AS Level stands for Advanced Subsidiary Level.

An AS Level represents approximately half of the content of a full A Level and is normally completed in one year. Learners may take AS Levels as standalone qualifications or use them as the first stage of a full A Level, carrying forward their AS results. Some learners choose to take all A Level assessments at the end of the second year without a staged AS examination.

Cambridge International AS & A Levels are subject-based qualifications that formally recognise learner achievement at an advanced secondary stage. The curriculum is more demanding and in-depth than Cambridge IGCSE or O Level and is developed specifically for international learners preparing for higher education.

Skills and Learning Outcomes

Cambridge Advanced Level programmes develop learners' knowledge, understanding, and skills in:

• In-depth subject knowledge
• Independent thinking and research
• Applying knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar contexts
• Handling, analysing, and evaluating different types of information
• Logical reasoning and structured argumentation
• Making informed judgements, recommendations, and decisions
• Presenting reasoned explanations clearly and coherently
• Working and communicating effectively in English

Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications are widely recognised and valued by leading universities and employers worldwide, and each year thousands of learners gain entry to top universities using these qualifications.

Assessment Standards and Grading

Cambridge International AS & A Levels are externally assessed through written examinations.

Cambridge International A Level grades: A*, A, B, C, D, E

Cambridge International AS Level grades: A, B, C, D, E (no A* at AS Level)

The assessment standards of Cambridge International A Levels are aligned with those of UK A Levels and are considered equivalent on a subject-by-subject and grade-for-grade basis.

Curriculum Structure and Progression Options

At 21K School, learners can follow three recognised Cambridge assessment approaches, each influencing curriculum design and progression.

Approach 1: Non-Staged Assessment

Learners take all examination papers for the full Cambridge International A Level in a single examination series, usually at the end of the second year.

This approach typically results in three or four full A Levels.

Approach 2: Staged Assessment

Learners take Cambridge International AS Level examinations in Year 1 and/or Year 2 and complete the full A Level in a later examination series.

Possible outcomes include:

• Three A Levels and one AS Level
• Two A Levels and four AS Levels
• Three A Levels and two AS Levels

Approach 3: AS Level Only

Learners complete Cambridge International AS Level examinations only. The syllabus content is half of a full A Level. This option allows for a broader curriculum but with less subject specialisation.

Before selecting an approach, learners are strongly advised to check university and higher-education entry requirements, as many institutions require three full A Levels for competitive programmes.

Study Modes

Learners may pursue Cambridge International AS/A Levels either full-time or part-time.

Under full-time study, learners typically select three or more subjects from the Cambridge International syllabus offerings below:

Subject offerings may be added or withdrawn based on Cambridge International updates and learner demand.

Learners studying at another school or registered as private candidates may opt to study one or more subjects online through 21K School, enabling greater flexibility in subject choice, retakes, or progression planning.

Important Notes

• A minimum cohort of 10 learners is required to offer a subject. If enrolment falls below this number, learners may be asked to opt for an alternative subject.
• Learners may be advised to change subjects within the first term of Year 1 based on academic performance and the recommendation of the Principal.
• Examination series availability (March, June, November) is subject to Cambridge International schedules, and not all subjects are offered in every series.
• 21K School enrols learners at AS Level, with the option to extend subjects to A Level in Year 2.
• The school follows Cambridge University Press and Cambridge-endorsed coursebooks for all subjects.

For more details on Cambridge International AS & A Level subjects, curriculum, and assessment, please visit the official Cambridge International website.