Introduction to different international examinations
A-levels
About Cambridge International Examination and International Advanced Level
International Advanced Levels assess all students in sixth form (Year 12 & 13) with a mixture of examination styles; it is both deep and broad in the syllabus. Students usually take three or four A-Levels in Year 12 subject to their interest, aptitude and availability. They are marked on a scale from A* through to E.
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Edexcel International A-levels have a modular examination system; the content of the course is divided into separate modules or units, and exams for each unit can be taken in different examination windows. If you want to improve your grade, you can retake individual units.
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CIE is also Advanced International Levels but have a linear examination system, which means that all the examinations must be taken at the end of the course. If you want to resit the exam and improve the grades, you must retake all the exams later (in some specific instances, you may be able to resit individual components).
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Note that there are three examination windows (October, January and June) for Edexcel IALs each year, while there are only 2 (October and June) for CIE. Students in Hong Kong or China typically choose either CIE or Edexcel IALs. Still, we may - in the future - offer courses for overseas students who take Oxford International AQA (we offer remote learning options, though).
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Comparison of linear and modular models:
Our General Tips
We promote the one-year fast track to those who are weak in Chinese and Liberal Studies. We have developed notes that help students understand what is needed for the syllabus. Several students have taken this course and already had a satisfactory result.
One-year fast track
Given that the syllabus is too broad, time management will challenge the students. We need to divide and conquer the subjects and papers strategically.
For Edexcel, we will generally advise you to take the most accessible modules in October and the intermediate modules in January. The most difficult modules are held in the June window only. However, the choices will still depend on the students themselves.
Two-year fast track
In our regular track, we will provide comprehensive materials such as mark scheme analysis, past papers, and organized notes from various sources. We also share the exam analysis in our class to help students understand what is needed.
CIE/Edexcel IAL Mathematics and Further Mathematics
We can offer a set of teaching flows and specific plans for different students. We are confident in helping students get at least a Grade B, both in IAL Mathematics and Further Mathematics, no matter what exam boards students are going for.
Further Mathematics is tedious and conceptually demanding to many students. It often requires more time and practice to master the skills before sitting for the exam.
CIE/Edexcel IAL Physics
Many students are taking CIE and Edexcel IAL examinations. We list some of the differences between the two exam boards:
