Introduction - Cambridge A-Level

GCE Advanced Level (Science/Arts) [R2/440/3/0014]  

The GCE A-Level, which is the oldest and probably the most widely recognised pre-university qualification in the world, is ideal for students who are uncertain of what field of studies to pursue in following the completion of their secondary education. This course exposes students to a wide range of subject areas, giving them the opportunities to explore their interests and strengths in different fields before embarking on a degree program at a university.

At ISM, we offer the Cambridge international A-Level. This prestigious qualification is taken over 125 countries by around 175,000 students every year. It opens up a world of opportunities - helping students get places at all the world's major English-speaking universities, or providing their achievements to future employers.

Cambridge international A-Level syllabuses have been created specially for an international student body. They provide an interesting and relevant course of study that results in a qualification equivalent in standard to the UK version. The syllabuses are designed to help students to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding that universities and employers look for.

Cambridge international A-Level is accepted in all UK and European universities. University course credit and advanced standing is often available in countries such as the US and Canada, where good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge international A-Level subjects can result in up to one full year of credit. Many universities in other countries also recognize the Cambridge internatoinal A-Level for matriculation purposes and often grant exemption.

Why A-Level

• A gold standard qualification for admission to universities worldwide.
• Opportunities for admission to competitive courses or universities.
• Opportunities for international awards and scholarships.
• Solid foundation for tertiary education.
• Value for money.

Aims

The Programme aims to:

• Provide for students sufficient understanding and knowledge for employment or further studies.
• Enable students to understand and appreciate the nature of science, accounting, economics, business and mathematics and develop abilities and skills that are relevant.
• Develop students' awareness in the economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, social and technological issues.
• Develop students' ability to apply concepts, principles and practices.
• Develop in students a critical and analytical approach to examining and evaluating policies and practices.
• Develop students' skills of communication, interpretation, reasoning, analysis, presentation, decision-making and problem solving.
• Develop a strong sense of responsibility among students as a member of the society.
• Stimulate students and create a sustained interest in learning so that the study of the programme is enjoyable and satisfying, hence motivate them to embrace the habit of lifelong learning.

Objectives

The objectives of this programme are to build on students:

• knowledge and skills of accounting, economics, mathematics, business studies, sciences and information technology;
• cognitive, communication and interpersonal skills;
• an educational experience to pursue life-long learning; and
• a strong sense of responsibility as a member of the society.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, students should be able to:

• recall, select, use and develop knowledge and understanding of the content of the subjects;
• analyse and evaluate situatoins and issues and accurately apply approprite principles and rules;
• use appropriate terminology and method to present information and to communicate relevant material in a clear and consise manner;
• follow instructions closely, carry out experiments safely, record observations, interpret results and evaluate methods for possible improvements (applicable to science stream students only); and
• demonstrate strong sense of responsibility as a member of the society and habit of lifelong learning.

Entry Requirement

• Arts Stream : Pass / SPMV / O-Level with minimum 5 credits or equivalent
  qualification recognised by the Malaysian Government.
• Science Stream : Pass / SPMV / O-Level with minimum 5 credits, including Mathematics and one Science (Biology/Physics/Chemistry), or equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government.
• Different criteria apply to students who intend to pursue in the following courses after completing the A-Level:

Degree Courses	Entry Requirements
Medicine	5 Bs in Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology. 2 Credits in Bahasa Malaysia and English.
Dentistry and Pharmacy	5 Bs in Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Pass in Bahasa Malaysia and English.
Science	Minimum 5 credits (including Mathematics and a Science subject).
Engineering	Minimum 5 credits (including Mathematics and a Science subject).
Environment	Minimum 5 credits including Mathematics.
Healthcare Sciences	- Minimum 5 credits which includes any 3 of the following: Biology Physics Mathematics Chemistry English

Duration

1 year and 6 months

Intake

January and June

Choice of Subjects

Arts Stream	Science Stream
Accounting (Optional) Business Studies (Optional) Economics (Optional) Mathematics (Optional)	Mathematics (Compulsory) Biology (Optional) Chemistry (Optional) Physics (Optional)

English Course

• In addition, English courses are provided free of charge to all students to enhance their English proficiency.