AS & A Level Programme
29 September 2026 2026-10-05 17:30AS & A Level Programme
Cambridge International AS & A Level · Grades 11–12Go deeper. Shape your future.
A focused, internationally recognised pathway for students ready to specialise, think independently and prepare with purpose for university.
Depth, choice and direction.
Cambridge International AS & A Levels develop deep subject understanding and independent thinking. Thousands of learners use these qualifications each year to gain places at leading universities worldwide.
At Candor, students build a focused programme aligned with their interests, strengths and future plans. The structure encourages intellectual independence, rigorous study, research and clear communication—skills that matter at university and far beyond it.
Specialise with purpose. Learn with independence.
Deep understanding
Students move beyond recall to explain, analyse and apply complex ideas.
Independent thinking
Increasing ownership, disciplined study and intellectual curiosity prepare learners for university.
Specialist focus
A smaller number of subjects allows students to pursue their strengths and future direction in depth.
Global recognition
Cambridge International AS & A Levels are accepted by leading universities around the world.
One pathway. Flexible stages.
Cambridge gives schools and learners flexibility in how subjects are completed. Some subjects may be taken as a standalone AS Level or extended into a full A Level, depending on the syllabus and Candor’s programme structure.
- ASADVANCED SUBSIDIARY
Foundation and progression
Usually completed in the first year. AS Level can be a qualification in its own right or contribute towards a full A Level where the syllabus permits.
- AADVANCED LEVEL
Greater depth and demand
Completed across the full programme, with more extensive content and higher-order application, analysis and evaluation.
Expert guidance. Increasing independence.
Teachers combine explicit instruction with discussion, problem-solving, practical investigation and sustained independent work. Students learn to manage longer-term goals, respond to precise feedback and communicate their thinking with confidence.
- Subject specialists
- Four science laboratories
- Research and argument
- Small-group guidance
- College counselling
Build a programme around your ambition.
Cambridge organises subjects into broad academic groups. Candor’s current offer spans five of these groups, allowing students to combine specialist depth with a programme aligned to their strengths and intended university pathway.
English Language & Literature
- English Language
- General English
Mathematics
- Mathematics
Humanities & Social Sciences
- Economics
- Global Perspectives & Research
- Psychology
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Creative & Professional
- Art & Design
- Business
- Computer Science
- Design & Technology
- Music
How students build their five-subject programme
Students select one subject from each option block. Grouping subjects by academic field explains the breadth of the curriculum; the blocks below show which combinations are available in the timetable.
English
- 9093 English Language (L) (AS)
- 8021 General English
Mathematics, research & music
- 9709 Mathematics (MS)
- 9239 Global Perspectives & Research
- 9483 Music
Science & society
- 9708 Economics (AH)
- 9702 Physics (MS)
- 9990 Psychology (MS/AH)
Creativity, business & science
- 9473 Art & Design
- 9609 Business (AH)
- 9701 Chemistry (MS)
- 9239 Global Perspectives & Research
Life science, computing & design
- 9700 Biology (MS)
- 9618 Computer Science (MS)
- 9705 Design & Technology
These blocks reflect Candor’s 2026/27 subject-selection form. Students choose one subject from each block. Subject availability and combinations may change according to cohort demand, staffing and timetable requirements; the school’s current subject-selection form remains the definitive source. Some subjects require relevant prior study and normally a minimum Grade C or equivalent at IGCSE/Grade 10.
Research. Communication. Global perspective.
Candor’s option blocks give students purposeful choices in communication and research. English Language or General English anchors Block A, while Global Perspectives & Research is available in Blocks B and D for students who want to investigate significant issues, evaluate sources and develop evidence-based arguments.
English pathways
Students choose English Language (AS) or General English to strengthen analysis, writing and confident communication.
Global Perspectives & Research
Builds research, analysis, evaluation, reflection, communication and collaboration skills.
Show depth. Demonstrate mastery.
Assessment is specific to each syllabus and may include written examinations, practical work, oral assessment, projects or coursework. Students receive a separate grade for each qualification.
AS Level grades
Cambridge International AS Level results are reported using lowercase grades from a to e. Grade A* is not awarded at AS Level.
A Level grades
Cambridge International A Level results are reported from A* to E, with A* representing the highest level of achievement.
Ongoing evidence
Teachers use assessment throughout the course to identify gaps, guide improvement and build examination readiness.
Subject-specific demands
Assessment formats reflect the nature of each discipline, from scientific investigation to essays, analysis and creative portfolios.
A recognised route to leading universities.
Universities value Cambridge International AS & A Levels for their academic depth and the independent study skills they develop. Candor’s college counselling team helps students connect subject choices with entry requirements, prepare applications and identify suitable destinations.
- Subject-choice guidance
- University research
- Application planning
- Career exploration
- SAT and Pre-SAT guidance
Specialisation built on strong foundations.
IB Primary Years Programme
Inquiry and agency
Cambridge Lower Secondary
Depth and independence
Cambridge IGCSE
Choice and recognised qualifications
Cambridge AS & A Levels
Specialisation and university preparation
What families want to know.
What is the difference between AS and A Level?
AS Level is typically the first stage and may be awarded as a standalone qualification. A Level represents greater breadth and depth across the complete course. The precise route depends on the subject syllabus and Candor’s programme structure.
How many subjects do students take?
For 2026/27, students select one subject from each of five blocks, creating a five-subject programme. The school guides each student towards a combination that supports their strengths and intended university pathway.
Can a student begin any subject in Grade 11?
Some subjects can be started without prior study. Mathematics, sciences, Art & Design, Computer Science and Design & Technology normally require relevant Grade 10 preparation and a minimum Grade C or equivalent. Final decisions follow the school’s entry guidance.
How are subject combinations decided?
Students receive academic and college counselling based on interests, strengths, prior achievement and likely university requirements. They select one subject from each current option block, subject to the school’s entry guidance and timetable.
Choose depth. Prepare for what comes next.
Meet our team, discuss subject combinations and discover how Cambridge International AS & A Levels at Candor can support your child’s university goals.
