Introduction about O'Levels

Basically O-Level is the abbreviation of Ordinary Level. O-Level is one of the two part GCE (General Certificate of Education).

O-Level is considered as the final certification for secondary school, to be taken at fifth form or 11^th year at almost 17 years of age (or age group 14-16).

The aspirants that have completed O-Level are considered to have completed their formal education. Afterwards, they will be able continue their further studies to A-Level at their schools’ sixth form or at private colleges.

O-Level in Pakistan as well as in other countries is offered by Cambridge International Examination (CIE), American Council for Higher Education and Edexcel International.

Cambridge O Level provides learners along with the exceptional preparation for academic progression to Cambridge Advanced and other progression routes.

Cambridge O-Levels has been particularly designed for an international audience. They are sensitive to the requirements of various countries and for learners whose first language may not be English which is acknowledged throughout the examination procedure. The course also allows teaching to be placed in a localized perspective, making it relevant wherever you teach it.

In some parts of the world, the institutes use Cambridge O Level as an international alternative to the local government’s exams.

O-Level in Pakistan

The O-Level qualification in Pakistan is offered by the CIE and conducted by the British Council.

O-Level qualification has become an alternative for the matric qualification offered by the Government boards of education. Because of the high costs associated along with the O-Level qualifications, their reach is limited to (middle-elite) class families.

There is no doubt that CIE qualification are more rigorous as compared to their substitutes that exist in the country.

Some important features of Cambridge O-Level:

---

1.       Cambridge O Level candidates awarded grades from A* to E, where A* is the highest achievable grade.

2.       Cambridge O Level offers less coursework options as compared to the Cambridge IGCSE.

3.       Some of the Cambridge O Level syllabuses were developed to meet the particular local requirements, like minority languages.

4.       The main focus of Cambridge O Level languages is on writing and reading skills.

5.       There are more restricted practical test choices in Cambridge O Level sciences.

(These restrictions are beneficial for some schools where resources are limited, for example no oral examiner is available