Cambridge

What are A Levels?

Cambridge International A Levels are highly specialised subjects. A Levels are equivalent to and take the place of the HSC. They are the ‘gold standard’ of Cambridge, and act as entry qualifications for universities around the world. 

PLC Sydney currently offers Cambridge IGCSE subjects, the equivalent to the School Certificate, in Years 9 and 10.  IGCSE subjects transition into ‘A’ level subjects in Years 11 and 12.

The Cambridge ‘A’ level structure is different to the HSC. Students study three subjects in Year 11, including one English course, as well as, Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation, and Work Studies. This is called ‘AS’ level. Students can drop Work Studies in Year 12. This is called ‘A’ level.

Universities attribute scores to each ‘A’ level grade. ‘A’ level grades are structured as follows: 

For example, to access medicine at Oxford University requires 16 points, or A*, A, A. 

The A* at A Level is awarded to candidates who achieve a grade A on the A Level overall (80%), and who also achieve at least 90% on the uniform mark scale (UMS) across their A2 units.

It is possible to enter some universities in New Zealand, Canada and South Africa after Year 11 (AS level). CAIE results are based solely on examinations.

By 2025, PLC Sydney will introduce ‘AS’ level studies to students in Year 11 and 'A' level courses in 2026 (i.e. Year 12). These will be offered alongside the HSC. 

Why are we offering this? Why ‘A’ Levels? What are the benefits...

*Cambridge A levels provide students with an internationally recognised qualification, which make applying for tertiary studies overseas easier

*If you already know what you want to do eg medicine….you  can specialise earlier in your studies  but choosing the 3 or 4 subjects relevant to your degree and university entrance

*A student wanting to study Medicine at Uni, may choose Chemistry. Biology and Maths.

*English is not a subject in ‘A’ levels

*Depth of Knowledge: If you are interested in a particular subject area, ‘A’ levels will give you greater depth in that area.

*Student aren’t competing against each other (‘A’ levels don’t have ATARS, so there are no comparisons against other students in the state as there is with the HSC. Students are judged on their mark only.

Why stay with the HSC?

‘A’ Levels and the HSC - why do both? 

Many students choose to study both the HSC and A Levels eg HSC + 1 x A Level subject providing them the best of both worlds using A levels to supplement the HSC by furthering a student’s love and knowledge of a particular subject area. 

Not only do Cambridge  ‘A’ Level subjects provide enrichment and engagement in areas not available within the standard curriculum, it is also an international qualification recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career. 

Until recently most Australian tertiary institutions used the ATAR as the means by which to select students into their courses. However over the last few years, many institutions are now choosing to look more broadly at their selection criteria. In 2019, 30% of PLC Sydney Year 12 students went into their HSC exams having already received offers into the university courses based on these changing entrance criteria including recognising a student’s participation in her community, leadership and co-curricular participation, external extension and enrichment reports etc Certain courses at University offer credits for the ‘A’ level  exams and/or credits for overseas placements - adding weight to a student’s opportunity for overseas course entry.

• NB if a student is looking for overseas university entrance, many tertiary institutions are now looking from Year 9 onwards - so both the IGSES courses in years 9 and 10, plus augmenting the HSC with ‘A’ levels holds weight. 

PLC Sydney will be introducing ‘A’ Levels in 2025.

PLC Sydney is proud to have been recognised as one of the 100 most innovative schools worldwide by Cambridge University.

Cambridge University identified PLC Sydney as a highly innovative educator, for not only incorporating digital technologies, creative classroom design, and innovative pedagogy and programs into the College, but also for its comprehensive Service Learning Program, where students are encouraged from a very early age to engage with the community by undertaking volunteer work at various local and international institutions, according to their school year.