Surinder Singh, Cambridge Examination Officer at Our Own English High School – Al Ain, explains how A Levels equip students for life beyond high school
After more than 14 years’ teaching IGCSE and A Level Physics at Our Own English High School – Al Ain (OOL), I like to think that I have a good idea about why students and their parents choose these curriculums. As a parent myself, I found that choosing the best curriculum for my children was by no means an easy process. We tend to draw on our knowledge of the past to point to the future, giving our children the background they will need to move forward and make their way in an ever-changing world.
At OOL, we’re proud to offer our students a range of AS and A Level subjects accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). All qualifications earned are recognised by schools, colleges and universities internationally, thus enabling all of our students to gain access to the academic institutions of their choice.
Since we began the programme in 2003, our students have gone on to universities in Singapore, the UK, Canada, India, Malaysia and the US.
Sana Hafsa: top in the World for Mathematics AS (2018), Sana Hafsa: top in the UAE for Physics AS (2018), Ahmed Mahmoud Abdel Fattah: top in the UAE for Physics A Level (2018), Mahmoud Khalid Salah: top in the UAE for InternationalMathematics IGCSE (2018) and 13 A*s, Ahmed Mahmoud Abdel Fattah: top in the UAE for Physics AS (2017) & Mohamed Ahmed Abd El Aizi Omar: top in the UAE for International Mathematics IGCSE (2017).
2019 A Level results saw a 100% pass rate with 44% A*-A grades and 43% A-B grades in AS examinations
Advanced Level qualifications (more commonly known as A Levels) are subject-based and can lead to university, further study, training or work. Students can normally study three or more A Levels over a two-year period and are assessed through a series of examinations.
Advanced Level qualifications (more commonly known as A Levels) are subject-based and can lead to university, further study, training or work. Students can normally study three or more A Levels over a two-year period and are assessed through a series of examinations.
AS Level examinations are usually taken at the age of 17 and Cambridge International A Level examinations one year later, although Cambridge does not set any specific age requirements. In my opinion, if candidates have taken Cambridge IGCSEs (equivalent to Grade 10) or O Levels, then they will find many of the skills they’ve already learned relevant and beneficial to Cambridge International A Level study.
I won’t hide the fact that A levels are not easy. In fact, its gruelling work that can sometimes feel overwhelming if you don’t have a well-balance routine and some slick time management skills. However, despit ethe rigour and challenge, I find the curriculum engaging and fulfilling, and if it helps me avoid fooundation courses at university, then I think it to be completely worth it. In short, I think the A Levels prepare me quite well for life after OOL.
Focused Specialisation
While there is no definitive answer as to where the A Levels fall in the spectrum of international curricula, they have been around for many years and continue to enjoy wide popularity. In part, this is due to the continuation of focused study and A Levels being seen as excellent preparation for entry to specialisation courses at university.
The Cambridge curriculum generally celebrates in-depth learning and is completely application-based. Students are therefore able to contextualise their learning and develop the ability to think independently and apply knowledge and understanding to new or unfamiliar situations.
Learners at OOL are required to appear for a minimum of seven subjects at IGCSE level and choose a minimum of three AS Level subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Information Technology and Psychology – provided they’ve appeared for those subjects at IGCSE level and scored a minimum of grade B in all. The school offers a ‘staged’ assessment route, where students take the Cambridge International AS Level in one examination series and complete the final Cambridge International A Level exam series the following year.
I believe every curriculum has its strengths and challenges and A Levels are no different. Yet, what I love most about teaching and managing IGCSEs and A Levels is how they stay dynamic, evolving and internationally relevant to the needs of students across the world. The focus on student-driven learning is not just intrinsically valuable; it sets students up for success beyond school.