Cambridge Education System | 'O' Level Education | Cambridge International Examinations | Understanding the Cambridge system | GCE Ordinary Level | GCE O- & A-Level Exams

CAMBRIDGE EDUCATION SYSTEM

O-level Education

Ordinary levels (O-levels) is British Education System (Cambridge System); this system is provided by Private Schools. After passing grade VIII, students have a choice to choose between matriculation and O-levels. O-levels are designed for 14 to 16 years old and aims to prepare students for academic progression, and equip them with the skills essential for employment. They are established qualifications that keep pace with educational developments and trends. O-levels are recognized throughout the world, by academic institutes and employers, as a mark of quality and evidence of real ability. The International O-levels curriculum places emphasis on broad and balanced study - with subjects drawn from areas covering Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational. The curriculum is structured so students attain both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. O-level examinations  are conducted through the British Council in Pakistan. The names given to the O-level Programmes are: University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate - UCLES Cambridge International Examinations - CIE General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level - GCE (O-LEVEL) Number of Examination Sessions: May/June October/ November Studying Options: Education through a School As a Private Candidate Time Required for Qualifying O-levels: Through school/ as a private candidate: 3 years Subjects in O-levels: The minimum number of subjects required to qualify O-levels is 9. The maximum number depends upon the student. There are 5 compulsory subjects offered in O-levels in Pakistan. In case of  Literature, the schools have a choice  whether to keep it compulsory or as an optional subject. Some schools do not offer literature subjects at all. In the selection of optional subjects, the minimum number of options a candidate can choose is 4. The maximum number depends upon the candidate’s choice. Compulsory Subjects English (Language and/or Literature)* Urdu (Language and/or Literature)* Mathematics Pakistan Studies (Geography, History) Islamiat Note: For foreign students, the subjects Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies are exempted; therefore in order to qualify O-levels and to make up for 3 core subjects, they need to give 6 optional subjects. Optional Subjects Science Commerce Others Chemistry Commerce Additional Mathematics Biology Economics French Physics Business Studies Sociology Computers Principles of Accounts Arts Combined Sciences Commercial Studies Environmental Management Computer Studies Geography Human & Social biology History Home Management Statistics Spanish Latin Agriculture Travel & Tourism Religious Studies (Bible Knowledge) Food & Nutrition Fashion & Fabrics Design & Technology Grading Criteria in O-levels and A-levels: Percentile Grades 90% - 100% A 80% - 89% B 70% - 79% C 60% - 69% D 50% - 59% E 0% -  50%                    U (Ungraded) If the Student is Absent                  Ab (Absent)   In order to acquire averages, percentile system is carried out. The highest marks would be considered as 100%. For example, if the highest marks obtained are 65,then that would be marked as 100%. Marks obtained between 64 to 55,would then fall in the 90th percentile..From 54  to 45,80th percentile and so on. From 2010, the Cambridge International A-levesl will be reported on a grade scale from A* grade, awarded for the highest level of achievement, to E, indicating the minimum required performance. Cambridge International Centres should note there is no A* grading in the certification of Cambridge International AS-levels, which will continue to run from Grade A to Grade E. Contact Details: Phone: 0800 22000 (toll-free number) Website: http://www.cie.org.uk / http://www.britishcouncil.org.pk