84 Replies to “What is Cambridge International AS & A Level?”

  2. Hi,
    This is for my friend. It’s regarding AS level exam 2020. Is it possible to write Physics and Chem in May/June and Math in Oct/Nov. Please reply as as soon as possible .

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Saritha,

      Yes, your friend may take Physics and Chemistry during the June exam series and Mathematics on November exam series. We do suggest that they only register when they’re ready. Furthermore, they may also get the final confirmation from their school, if they are schooled students. Alternatively, they may register as private candidates.

      Please kindly find out the key dates here: https://www.igcsecentre.com/exam-registration-dates/

      Reply ↓

  3. Im in Zimbabwe and would like to know the benefits of A level over AS or vice versa if any. Does one need to write both or you can pick either? . Which one is needed for admission into uni’s?.Kindly assist so i make an informed decision.
    Thank you
    Faith

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Faith,

      There are different assessment options to gain Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications:

      1. Take the Cambridge International AS Level only. The syllabus content is half a Cambridge International A Level.

      AS Level syllabuses are designed on the assumption that students have about 180 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course (normally one year).

      2. Take a ‘staged’ assessment route (A2) – take the Cambridge International AS Level in one examination series and complete the final Cambridge International A Level at a subsequent series.

      AS Level marks can be carried forward to a full A Level twice within a 13 month period.

      3. Take all papers of the Cambridge International A Level course in the same examination session, usually at the end of the course.

      The whole A Level syllabuses are designed on the assumption that students have approximately 360 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course (normally two years). For private candidate, the hours could be different depending on the number of hours spent on studying.

      Students typically study four subjects at AS-level and three subjects at A-level. The standard admission requirement for UK universities is three A-level subjects.

      If you have further questions, do not hesitate to write again.

      Reply ↓

  4. Hi,I am kamala krishnan from India.I am getting ready to face my AS level examination in the May/June series 2020.I have selected to write accounting,business,economics,english general paper and IT.We do not have any teachers for accounting and business.Do you have any websites which gives useful learning skills that can help in my exams ?.It will be very useful for all the our classmates in my class.Please considerthe above message.Waiting for your reply

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Kamala,

      We suggest that you download the Examiner’s Report here: https://www.igcsecentre.com/as-a-level-past-exam-papers/. It will give you additional insights on how to structure your response properly and learn from the common mistakes students make.

      Here are some tips for you:

      Accounting:
      – You should show your workings for computational questions. You will not get credit for partially correct answers if workings are not shown.

      – You should make sure that you provide sufficient development to your answers. One or two word answers will seldom suffice.

      – You must develop greater analytical skills and learn to extract information from scenarios to make your answers relevant.

      – Marks are frequently awarded for the correct entry, this being the value with correct terminology/narrative. This applies across the different statements such as ledger accounts and financial statements.

      Business:
      – Read and interpret questions carefully before commencing an answer.

      – Spend an appropriate amount of time determining which essay question to select in Section B of the paper. Effective responses require sound understanding of the business concepts associated with particular questions.

      – Application marks in section B can only be awarded if candidates address the particular context given in a question. This can be specific such as examples. You must do more than merely repeat words that are in the question as this will not count as application and will limit the number of marks awarded.

      – Analysis marks in Section B are awarded when candidates have clearly gone beyond making a brief statement or description and have assessed the impact of any point made.

      – In order to access evaluation marks candidates need to make a critical comment or counter argument rather than a summary that repeats what they have already said. Evaluation occurs when a judgement has been made on the evidence presented.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply ↓

  5. Hi There

    I have 2 questions:
    Firstly, is it mandatory to do IGCSE before doing AS for any subjects?
    The second is, if I fail a subject at IGCSE, will I be excluded from being allowed to write the AS exam for that subject?

    Thank you.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Safron,

      To answer your questions,

      First, you must take IGCSE or equivalent qualification (e.g. O-level) before you can proceed to AS or A-Levels.

      Second, the subjects you take in IGCSE is affecting what subjects you could take in AS or A Level. We strongly suggest you visit the colleges/school’s website to find out what are the minimum grades and subjects that you need in order to get an admission into their AS or A Level courses.

      Reply ↓

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