A Levels

English Language - 9093

Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language provides learners with the opportunity to study English language and its use in communication. Learners will be encouraged to respond critically to a wide variety of texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, and to promote skills of communication, reading, research and analysis.

Through their study, learners will develop an ability to read and analyse material, gaining further knowledge and understanding of English language features and issues. Learners will also develop the skills of writing clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes and audiences.

English Literature – 9695

Learners following the Cambridge International AS and A Level English syllabus will study a range of texts in the three main forms: prose, poetry and drama. Set texts are offered from a wide range of different periods and cultures.

Learners will develop skills of reading and analysis of texts, and are encouraged to undertake wider reading to aid understanding of the texts studied. They will learn skills of effective and appropriate communication including the ability to discuss the critical context of texts.

Mathematics – 9709

Cambridge International A Level Mathematics develops a set of transferable skills. These include the skill of working with mathematical information, as well as the ability to think logically and independently, consider accuracy, model situations mathematically, analyse results and reflect on findings.

Learners can apply these skills across a wide range of subjects and these skills equip them well for progression to higher education or directly into employment.

At AS level, teachers can choose from three different routes to Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics: Pure Mathematics only, Pure Mathematics and Mechanics, or Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics.

At A Level, teachers can also choose from different routes to Cambridge International A Level Mathematics depending on the choice of applied mathematics (Mechanics and/or Probability and Statistics).

Marine Science – 9693

Cambridge International AS and A Level Marine Science provides a coherent and stimulating introduction to the science of the marine environment. We recommend that learners starting this course should have completed a course in Cambridge O Level or Cambridge IGCSE in Biology or Marine Science or the equivalent.

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of ideas to new contexts. It is expected that practical activities will underpin the teaching of the whole course. Science is a practical subject and research suggests that success in future scientific study, or a scientific career, requires good practical skills.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Marine Science can form part of an ideal subject combination for learners who want to study Marine Biology or Environmental Science at university or to follow a career in shipping, fisheries, tourism or aquaculture.

Business – 9609

The syllabus enables students to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role it plays in society. It encourages students to examine the process of decision-making in a dynamic and changing business environment and to develop critical understanding of business organisations. They learn about business and its environment, human resource management, marketing, operations management and finance and accounting. At Cambridge International A Level, students also learn how to develop a business strategy.

Economics – 9708

Students learn how to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, evaluate economic information, and organise, present and communicate ideas and judgements clearly.

The syllabus covers a range of fundamental economic ideas, including an introduction to the price system and government intervention, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of employment and inflation, and the causes and consequences of inflation. Students also study the theory of the firm, market failure, macroeconomic theory and policy, and economic growth and development.

Sociology – 9699

In a rapidly changing world, Cambridge International AS and A Level Sociology offers learners the opportunity not only to explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past.

The study of sociology stimulates awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focuses on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way.

Psychology – 9990

Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology is designed to give students an understanding of psychological concepts, theories and research methodology.

The syllabus:

• is suitable for students who have no prior learning in psychology
• engages with four core areas of psychology: biological, cognitive, social and learning
• allows students to deepen their knowledge through a choice of two options at Cambridge International A Level from clinical psychology, consumer psychology, health psychology or organisational psychology
• encourages students to consider the relationships between psychological findings and everyday life.

Information Technology – 9626

This syllabus encourages learners to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them to develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. Learners study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, learners gain an understanding of IT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general. At A Level, learners also study simple programming for the web relevant to their own use of IT.

Design and Technology – 9750

This syllabus encourages learners to be innovative and creative and to develop their ability to design high quality products. Through their studies, they will develop an awareness of the significance of design and technology on society, while also learning more about production processes and industrial practices.

Learners will be encouraged the use ICT to build their design and technological abilities, and develop critical evaluation skills which they can employ in a variety of technical, aesthetic, economic, environmental, social and cultural contexts. As a result, learners will also become discerning consumers of design and technology, able to make informed choices.

Digital Media and Design – 9481

Cambridge International AS & A Level Digital Media & Design is a new addition to the Cambridge International creative subject suite.

This syllabus is for learners who want to explore a range of processes and techniques in digital media. The subject content is grouped into three broad areas of study; digital photography, moving image through film and animation, and mobile and multimedia applications including games design. You can structure a course around a single area of study or create a course that includes a combination of two or three areas of study.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Digital Media & Design helps learners develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for further study and to work in a collaborative industry. They will develop an awareness of the world of digital media and design and the factors and contexts that influence it. Learners will:

• develop creative processes and the ability to critically evaluate their work to continually review and refine ideas
• learn how to combine innovative approaches and techniques to solve problems creatively
• expand their knowledge of digital media by exploring different designers, processes and concepts.

Art and Design – 9479

The Cambridge International A Level Art and Design syllabus considers expression and communication. Learners gain an understanding of visual perception and aesthetic experience, and the ways in which art and design creates a language of its own.

Most of the work for this syllabus is practical or studio based, so that learners can develop their abilities of observation and analysis of the visual world, sensitivity, skill, personal expression and imagination. They also learn how to relate their skills to an enhanced knowledge of their own cultures, past and present, as well as an appreciation of practical design problems.