A JOYFUL CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AT OPEN DAY AND FAIR
15 May 2026
Cambridge A-Levels are an alternative to the HSC in Years 11 and 12.
Subject Offerings
- English Literature (9695) – 3 units (Year 11) / 3 units (Year 12)
- English Language (9093) – 2 units (Year 12 only)
- Pure Mathematics (9709) – 3 units equivalent (Year 11) / 4 units equivalent (Year 12)
- Chemistry (9701) – 2 units
- Physics (9702) – 2 units
- Biology (9700) – 2 units
Art and Design (9479) – 2 units
Year 11 Requirements
To meet NESA requirements, Year 11 students must complete the equivalent of 12 units across at least four Cambridge subjects, including English.
Students must study:
- English Literature (9695) – 3 units
- Three additional Cambridge subjects
Depending on their subject selections, students may need to complete one or more Course Endorsed Courses (CEC) to reach the required 12 units.
| Subject | Units |
|---|---|
| English Literature | 3 |
| Pure Mathematics | 3 |
| Chemistry | 2 |
| Biology | 2 |
| Work Studies | 2 |
| Total | 12 |
Year 12 Requirements
To meet NESA requirements, Year 12 students must complete the equivalent of 10 units.
Students must study:
One English subject
- English Literature (9695) – 3 units, or
- English Language (9093) – 2 units
Plus three additional Cambridge subjects
Depending on their subject selections, students may be able to reduce or discontinue some CEC courses while maintaining the required 10 units.
| Subject | Units |
|---|---|
| English Literature | 3 |
| Chemistry | 2 |
| Biology | 2 |
| Economics | 2 |
| Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) | 1 |
| Total | 10 |
Subject selections may change between Years 11 and 12, provided students continue to meet NESA unit requirements.
Course Endorsed Courses (CEC)
Students may supplement their Cambridge studies with the following non-examinable Course Endorsed Courses:
- Work Studies (1 or 2 units)
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) (1 or 2 units)
These courses can be used to meet minimum NESA unit requirements.
Although there are no formal examinations, students are required to demonstrate achievement of syllabus outcomes throughout the course.
Work Studies helps students bridge the gap between school and the workplace. Through practical experiences, career exploration, workplace visits, university experiences and employability skill development, students gain valuable insights into future pathways and career opportunities.
SLR provides students with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills related to physical activity, fitness, wellbeing, leadership and recreation. The course supports students in building lifelong habits that contribute to healthy and active lifestyles.
Examination Fees
Students undertaking Cambridge courses are charged a flat examination fee of $275 per subject, per year, in addition to standard school fees.
For example:
- Year 11 AS Level subject: $275
- Year 12 A Level subject: $275
There are no examination fees for Course Endorsed Courses (CEC).
Please note that if Cambridge International schedules an examination during a public holiday or school holiday period, an additional fee of $250 per examination may apply. PLC Sydney has no control over Cambridge examination scheduling.
Subject Information
The course consists of four examination papers completed across Years 11 and 12.
In Year 11, students study:
- Pure Mathematics 1
- Probability and Statistics 1
In Year 12, students study:
- Pure Mathematics 3
- Mechanics
The course is broadly comparable to HSC Mathematics Extension 1 and develops advanced mathematical reasoning, modelling and problem-solving skills.
While there are no formal prerequisites, students should demonstrate strong mathematical ability and are recommended to achieve a high standard in Year 10 Mathematics.
Physics explores the fundamental laws that govern the universe and develops students' understanding of both theoretical and practical science.
Key areas of study include:
- Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
- Waves and Oscillations
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Light and Quantum Phenomena
- Nuclear Physics
- Astrophysics
The course consists of five examination papers completed across Years 11 and 12, including practical assessment.
Physics is generally considered more rigorous than HSC Physics, although there is significant overlap in content.
Students are encouraged to have completed IGCSE Physics before commencing the course.
Chemistry develops students' understanding of the molecular world and its applications in medicine, industry and environmental science.
Key areas of study include:
- Atomic Structure and Bonding
- Energetics and Kinetics
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Acids and Bases
- Electrochemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Analytical Techniques
- Industrial Chemistry
The course includes theory and practical assessment components across Years 11 and 12.
Chemistry is generally considered more rigorous than HSC Chemistry, although there is substantial overlap in content.
Students are encouraged to have completed IGCSE Chemistry before commencing the course.
Biology provides students with a deep understanding of living systems, from cellular processes to global ecosystems.
Key areas of study include:
- Cell Structure
- Biological Molecules
- Cell Division
- Reproduction and Development
- Transport Systems
- Homeostasis
- Genetics and Evolution
- Ecology
- Biotechnology
The course consists of five examination papers completed across Years 11 and 12, including practical assessment.
Biology is generally considered more challenging than HSC Biology, although there is considerable overlap in content.
Students are required to have completed IGCSE Biology before commencing the course.
History develops students' understanding of historical events, movements and ideas while fostering strong research, analytical and communication skills.
Areas of study may include:
- Modern European History
- British History
- World History
- Historical Investigation
- Source Analysis
Assessment includes source-based analysis and essay examinations completed across Years 11 and 12.
The course is comparable in rigour to HSC History Extension.
Students are encouraged to have completed IGCSE History or Stage 5 Elective History.
Economics develops students' understanding of how individuals, businesses and governments make decisions in a complex global economy.
Key areas of study include:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- International Economics
- Development Economics
- Economic Policy
Assessment includes data response and essay-based examinations.
Economics is generally considered slightly more challenging than HSC Economics, with substantial overlap in content.
There are no formal prerequisites.
English Literature encourages students to engage deeply with literary texts from a range of periods, genres and cultures.
Areas of study include:
- Poetry
- Drama
- Prose Fiction
- Literary Criticism
- Contextual Studies
- Independent Literary Investigation
Assessment evaluates students' ability to analyse, interpret and critically respond to literary texts.
The course is comparable in rigour to HSC English Extension.
There are no formal prerequisites.
English Language explores the ways language shapes communication, identity and society.
Areas of study include:
- Language and Social Contexts
- Language Acquisition
- Language and Power
- Language and Gender
- Language Change
- Language and Technology
- Language Investigation
The course develops advanced communication, research and analytical skills.
English Language shares some similarities with HSC English Standard and English Advanced but places a stronger emphasis on linguistics and language analysis.
There are no formal prerequisites.
Sociology examines how societies function and how social institutions, culture and identity influence human behaviour.
Areas of study may include:
- Socialisation
- Culture and Identity
- Families and Households
- Education
- Media
- Globalisation
Students develop critical thinking, research and analytical skills that support further study in the humanities and social sciences.
Business Studies develops students' understanding of how organisations operate in local and global contexts.
Areas of study may include:
- Business Structure
- Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- Operations Management
- Finance
- Strategic Decision-Making
The course supports pathways into business, commerce, management and entrepreneurship.
Art and Design encourages students to develop technical, creative and conceptual skills through a range of artistic practices.
Students build a portfolio of practical work while exploring:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Mixed Media
- Visual Communication
- Critical and Contextual Studies
The course supports students interested in creative industries, design, architecture and the visual arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Subject selections may change, provided students continue to meet NESA minimum unit requirements.
Yes. English is a compulsory component of the Cambridge pathway at PLC Sydney.
No. CEC courses do not have formal examinations but students must demonstrate achievement of syllabus outcomes.
Yes. Cambridge International A Levels are widely recognised by universities throughout Australia and around the world.
Yes. PLC Sydney intends to expand the range of Cambridge subject offerings over time.
