What is Cambridge O level?
O level stands for Ordinary Level. It is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year old, recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, and is an international passport to progression and success.
Cambridge O Level is an internationally recognised qualification equivalent to Cambridge IGCSE and UK GCSE. Cambridge O Level provides learners with excellent preparation for academic progression to Cambridge Advanced as well as other progression routes.
CIE designed Cambridge O Level for an international audience. It is sensitive to the needs of different countries and for learners whose first language may not be English.
After O level students can proceed to take Advanced Level (A-level or sixth form or year 12 and 13) or Pre-U (pre-university) studies
Qualification
Cambridge O Level leads to internationally recognised qualifications, accepted by leading universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic ability.
Assessment takes place at the end of the course and includes written, oral and practical examinations. This gives learners a variety of ways to show their knowledge and skills, particularly when their first language is not English.
Grades are benchmarked using six internationally recognised grades, from A* to E, which have clear guidelines to explain the standard of achievement.
Cambridge O Level examination series occur twice a year, in June and November. Results are issued in August and January.
Past papers with mark schemes for each subject are available for you to download, along with examiner reports from previous exam sessions, and specimen papers. To find them, go to CIE O level Past Papers
Curriculum
The Cambridge O Level curriculum emphasises broad and balanced study across a wide range of subjects. It develops learners’ skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving and is structured so they build practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Cambridge O Levels develop learners knowledge, understanding and skills in:
- Subject content
- Applying knowledge and understanding to familiar and new situations
- Intellectual enquiry
- Flexibility and responsiveness to change
- Working and communicating in English
- Influencing outcomes
- Cultural awareness.
There are 40 subjects to be chosen from in any combination.
What is the difference between Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O levels?
Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level are equivalent qualifications with a few slight differences.
Features of Cambridge IGCSE
• Cambridge IGCSE is aimed at a wide ability range of students, with a range of grades awarded from A* (highest grade) to G (lowest). There is a core (C to G) and extended (A* to C) curriculum available in some subjects.
• Cambridge IGCSE uses a variety of assessment techniques to test oral and practical skills, initiative and problem-solving and application of skills, knowledge and understanding.
• A coursework option is available in many syllabuses, allowing schools an element of personal choice and giving teachers the chance to share in the process of assessment.
• Learners are rewarded for positive achievement.
• Cambridge IGCSE prepares students for progression to employment, or further study. It also prepares students very well for Cambridge International AS & A Levels.
Features of Cambridge O Level
Cambridge O Level shares some of these features, but the following differences should be noted:
• Cambridge O Level candidates are only awarded grades from A* to E, where A* is the highest achievable grade.
• Cambridge O Level offers fewer coursework options than Cambridge IGCSE.
• Some Cambridge O Level syllabuses were developed to meet specific local needs, such as minority languages.
• The focus of Cambridge O Level languages is on writing and reading skills
• There are more restricted practical test options in Cambridge O Level sciences. These constraints are advantageous to some schools where resources are limited.