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Pre-University
and Beyond
The A Level Programme
dvanced Level, or A Level as it is often referred to, is a subject- to take subjects like Thinking Skills and Global
based qualification based on the British education system. It is
Arecognised as the standard assessment of a student’s suitability
to enter university, and it prepares students for alternative higher
education avenues, training, and even work. In international schools
that follow the British curriculum, this programme would usually
be taken up by students aged 16 to 19 years (Year 12 & 13) since it
follows the completion of the IGCSEs (in Year 11). However, students
Dornehl who have completed their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations
and received the Malaysian Certificate of Education, can also follow the
Kitching, Deputy A Level programme after Form Five.
Head of Matrix Structure
International The duration of an A Level programme, consisting of the Advanced
School Subsidiary (AS Level) and the A2 Level, can be anything between 18
(Secondary), and 24 months. Institutions can follow one of two main structures,
namely a ‘staged’ programme where students complete the AS Level
provides an exam (50%) in their first year and the A2 Level exam (50%) in their
overview of second year, or students can sit for one final A Level examination at
the end of the programme. Some subjects, however, do not allow for
the A Level the staged assessment route so it is advisable to do your research and
programme. confirm the specific options available. Students also have a third option
and that is to only sit for the AS Level examinations, which is half of the
syllabus content, but this will not allow for a full qualification.
158 www.EducationDestinationMalaysia.com
Assessment logically, make coherent arguments, and present
judgements and explanations reasonably. All these
International A Level subjects are reported on a grade
scale from A* (highest) to E (minimum required skills are essential for success at university level,
performance), which is slightly different than the whether students find themselves studying locally
A*-G scale used for the IGCSE. The only exception or abroad.
is the AS Level, which has no A* grade and thus
only consists of A-E. Assessing students’ work and Choosing A Levels
assigning a particular grade in each subject is a very A child should consider to sit for the A Levels if they
complex process. Grade thresholds, which are the are academically-inclined and enjoy challenges in
minimum number of marks that a student needs to their learning, want to keep their career options open,
obtain for a specific grade in a subject, are therefore prefer exam-based assessments in determining
put in place to ensure that it is no more difficult and their grades and is looking to gain entry into top tier
no less difficult to obtain a particular grade than it universities, specifically in the UK.
was in the previous year. These grade thresholds
are published every year after each examination Other Pre-university Programmes
series (June and November) and results are available A Levels are not the only pre-university
approximately two months after the conclusion of programme that students in Malaysia can enrol
each examination. in. Other institutions offer a range of pre-university
programmes like the Australian Matriculation, the
Subjects International Baccalaureate (IB) and foundation
A Level students have a choice between 40 and courses. These programmes can differ from A Levels
55 different subjects, depending on the specific A in terms of how long they run for, the structure
Level examination board a school or institution is of the course, how they are assessed and the
registered with (for example, Cambridge or Pearson universities that will accept the qualification. It is
Edexcel). Subjects cover a range of disciplines important to research any pre-university programme
including Sciences, Mathematics, Languages, carefully before making a decision on which to
Creative and Professional subjects, and the study, especially knowing the specific entrance
Humanities and Social Sciences. Besides these requirements of courses you may want to take for
traditional fields, students also have the option university.
Perspectives and Research that prepare students Before choosing any pre-university programme, it is
for a positive engagement with our rapidly changing important to ask the following questions:
world. It offers students the opportunity to reflect • Do I want to study locally or abroad?
on global issues, considering different perspectives • Do I know which career I would like to pursue? What
and modes of inquiry. These subjects can be offered subjects do I need to study for this career?
in any combination to suit a student’s particular Would a skills-based course better prepare me for
interests and career prospects, which makes it a my future job?
highly individualised curriculum. • How do I prefer to learn? Do I like to sit for
examinations or complete coursework?
Benefits • How much does it cost? Would I need financial aid
The advantage of A Levels is that it is a globally or a scholarship?
recognised programme that offers students a The A Level is recognised as the standard
qualification that is highly regarded by higher
education institutions in Malaysia and across the assessment of a student’s suitability to enter
university, and it prepares students for alternative
world. With A Levels, students do not have to take higher education avenues, training, and even work.
foundation courses at university but can start
immediately with a degree course. It serves as It is a globally recognised programme that offers
students a qualification that is highly regarded by
excellent preparation for university since it allows higher education institutions in Malaysia and across
students more options in various academic fields,
develops students’ in-depth subject content and the world.
critical thinking skills, and teaches students to handle For more information, please visit
and evaluate different types of information sources.
The programme also encourages students to think www.matrixschools.edu.my
EDUCATION DESTINATION MALAYSIA: Guide to Intåernational & Private Schools 159