International A Level Programme

What are International A Levels?

International A Levels are England’s national high school qualification, although they are also used in nearly 130 other countries because they have a proven reputation for being an excellent preparation for universities around the world, employment and life. They are studied by students aged 17 – 18 during their final two years at school.

Students typically take four or five subjects in Year 12 (Grade 11) leading to AS Level examinations at the mid-point of the two year course. Students normally continue into Year 13 (Grade 12) with fewer subjects (three or four) to enable specialisation.

What are the Benefits of International A Levels?

1. Universities around the world, including all UK universities and more than 450 US universities, accept A Levels for entry. A Levels are seen as the equivalent to the Advanced Placement courses by American universities. Many universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, MIT and Stanford often see the best A Level applicants as prime targets. To find out more about university recognition of A Levels visit www.cie.org.uk/recognition
2. A Levels provide breadth of study in Year 12 before specialisation in Year 13. This provides a deep understanding of chosen subjects, enabling students to prepare for specific university courses and career pathways.
3. Academic expectations are high and close to those experienced in top universities.
4. A levels emphasise and develop critical thinking, advanced comprehension and research skills
5. A Levels promote advanced reading and writing skills, particularly the ability to structure and defend an argument
6. A Levels develop the ability to present and participate in a debate and to positively engage with critical feedback
7. A Levels develop students as independent learners

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

BVIS is a registered examination centre for the CIE A Levels. CIE is the world’s largest provider of education programmes and qualifications with over 9,000 schools in 160 countries. 

CIE also supports the teaching of A Levels by offering a wealth of teaching and learning resources, as well as past exam papers and examiners’ reports. BVIS teachers are part of a network of top professionals who receive continuing professional development through regional courses organised by CIE to ensure they are kept up to date with the latest educational thinking.