A Levels are the usual route to university for students in many countries after O Level or IGCSE. The structure confuses many families, so here is how the Cambridge International version works. Other boards, such as Pearson Edexcel or the UK boards, organise things differently, so always check yours.
Two levels, two routes
- A Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year of study (about 180 guided hours) and is graded A to E.
- A Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course (about 360 guided hours) and is graded A* to E.
There are two ways to reach an A Level:
- Staged. Sit the AS Level in one exam series and the remaining A Level papers in a later series. What a student achieves in AS contributes to the final A Level grade.
- All at once. Sit every paper of the A Level in the same series, usually at the end of the second year.
Some subjects are offered only at AS Level.
Why it matters for a student
- The staged route gives an early result and a chance to adjust plans, but it means exams in both years.
- The one-sitting route leaves all the exams to the end, with more to revise at once.
- Science subjects include practical assessment, which needs planning with the school.
Making a plan
Ask the school which route it uses for each subject and which exam series applies. Then work backwards from the exam dates: when must the content be taught, when does revision start, and when are practice papers needed?
Choosing a tutor
Look for someone who has taught the specific syllabus code and can say whether they work best on weak topics, exam technique or both. For a staged route, ask whether they can help with the AS year first and continue into the second year.
Source: Cambridge International AS and A Level qualification information (via UCAS). Rules and subject lists change, so confirm details with your school and the exam board.