Cambridge A-Level Programs

Apply Online & No service fee for applying

CAMBRIDGE A-LEVEL PROGRAMS

Cambridge A Level Program
In May 2009 the Beijing Municipal Education Committee authorized the Beijing National Day School (BNDS) to integrate approved foreign courses into the national compulsory curriculum under the Sino-Foreign Educational Cooperation Program Act. In June of 0that year Cambridge International Examinations certified BNDS as official CIE exam centre number CN232. In August a full complement of certified A Level teachers arrived on campus and began teaching seven courses in September. Students were rigorously screened and selected to enroll in Cambridge subjects in addition to a mandatory set of Chinese National Curriculum subjects. BNDS offers Cambridge International Examination instruction at three levels (IGCSE, AS, and A Level) with English as the medium of instruction. CIE subjects offered in 2009 at BNDS include: English, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, and Economics, as well as a supplemental Thinking Skills course.

The three-year A Level Curriculum
The first year of the course, offered to students of Senior I (Grade 10), is a pre-A Level set of courses which lays the foundation for the actual A Level course which follows in the Senior II and Senior III years. During this first year students will study IGCSE English, Physics, and Chemistry, as well as AS Mathematics; in addition, they may elect to study either Business Studies or Biology, both at IGCSE standard. We have found that the mathematical competence of students we have enrolled is usually high enough to handle AS Maths in Senior I, which may reflect a faster pace of middle school math education in China. In addition to their CIE subjects, students must also pursue certain Chinese national courses, including Chinese Language, History, Geography, Music and Physical Education. Students are also offered many optional classes.

In Senior II, those students who have completed AS Maths in Senior I go on to take the second (and final) year of the A Level Maths course, and also start A Level studies in three other subjects (from a choice of five subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies and Economics). In addition, they study English at a level that is designed to raise their academic English to a very high standard as reflected on the TOEFL and IELTS exams. They also continue with subjects from the Chinese curriculum and optional classes.

In Senior III (the final year) a student may wish to take a higher qualification in mathematics (called Further Maths), and continue with either two or three elective subjects. Naturally, students tend to choose courses which give them a competitive edge in specific faculties of high ranking universities. They will also continue with English lessons and subjects from the Chinese curriculum. At the end of Senior III, it is expected that all students will have a minimum of three full A Levels, one AS Level, five IGCSEs, and awards from the Chinese curriculum. However, some will have achieved a fourth A Level(namely, Further Maths).

A Level Examinations
International A Level examinations are managed by CIE, a division of Cambridge Assessment. CIE organises these examinations twice a year, the first one in May/June and second one in October /November. One can apply for retake examinations after receiving unsatisfactory grades. A Level has five grades A, B, C, D and E, excluding failing grade U (Unclassified). When a student is awarded three to four As, he is more likely to be admissible the world’s most selective universities, including those in the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia.

The benefits of the A Level system
Cambridge International A/AS Levels are internationally benchmarked qualifications providing excellent preparation for university education. They are part of the Cambridge Advanced stage.

In summary, the A Level curriculum has five characteristics:

1. Long history: the Cambridge A Level system, which started in 1951, is older than either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, or the College Board Advanced Placement Program, two other highly respected assessment systems that are used around the world.

2. Flexibility: Schools and learners find Cambridge International A and AS Levels very flexible. Schools can offer almost any combination of the wide choice of subjects available. Learners have the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them - they either follow a broad course of study, or specialize in a particular area.

3. International standard: CIE is a trustworthy standardised international education system with a common syllabi shared internationally and supervised by offices around the world and directed centrally in the UK by Cambridge Assessment.

4. Global recognition: A Levels are taken in over 125 countries and offer a choice of 60 different subjects. Cambridge International A/AS Level qualifications are widely recognised and valued by universities and employers alike. Some US universities give up to a year's credit as a result. Every year, thousands of Cambridge International A Level students gain places at good universities worldwide - including the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

5. Constructive curriculum: A Level courses require a combination of research skills, conversion of facts into alternative theories, analysis, and development of independent learning styles, underpinned and supported by other A level subjects across the whole curriculum.

How to apply

Direct Recruitment

Beijing National Day School direct recruitment, no other fee involved.