GCE Ordinary Level
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The O-Level (Ordinary Level) is a subject-based qualification conferred as part of the General Certificate of Education. It began in the United Kingdom and has been adopted, often with modifications, in several other countries.
Beginnings
In the
The AO-Level (Alternative Ordinary Level) was formerly available in most subject areas. Sometimes incorrectly known as the Advanced Ordinary Level, the AO-Level syllabus and examination both assumed a higher degree of maturity on the part of candidates, and employed teaching methods more commonly associated with A-Level study. The AO Level was discontinued, with final qualifications awarded in 1988.[1]
The O-Level qualification is still awarded by CIE
Current usage
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the
Brunei
In
A number of subjects: English Language, English Literature, Bahasa Melayu (Malay language), Malay Literature, Islamic Religious Knowledge, Ulum al-Quran, Hafaz al-Quran, Tafsir al-Quran (Asas), History, Geography, Pure sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology), Arabic, Art and Design offer exam papers and syllabuses unique to Brunei. Additionally, the Mathematics (Syllabus D) subject previously offered an exam paper and a syllabus unique to Brunei, but this has since been retired and the regular syllabus used worldwide is offered. This is equivalent to secondary education now.
India
In
Malaysia
In Malaysia, the O-Level qualification is offered as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM, Malaysian Education Certificate), with examinations conducted by the Malaysian Examination Syndicate (Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia). The examinations were formerly conducted by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which still advises the national examination board on standards.
The English Language subject was previously offered with an exam paper and a syllabus unique to Malaysia, but this Malaysia-specific qualification has since expired, and the regular English Language exam paper and syllabus used worldwide is now used within the country. The English paper is separately graded by the national examination board and UCLES, and both grades are displayed on the result slip.
Mauritius
In
A number of subjects, including English Language, English Language (Syllabus B), History, Mathematics (Syllabus A), Mathematics (Syllabus D), offer exam papers and syllabuses unique to Mauritius. Additionally, the subject of Art and Design, the offering of which is restricted to a limited geographic region, is available in Mauritius.
Pakistan
The GCE O-Level qualification is offered in Pakistan by the CIE and conducted by the British Council. Due to the high costs associated with O Level Schooling, it is mostly opted by privileged citizens.
Seychelles
In
Singapore
In
A number of subjects previously offered exam papers and syllabuses unique to Singapore, but these have since been retired or planned to be phased out. After taking O-levels, some Singapore students go on to
Sri Lanka
The GCE Ordinary-Level qualification is offered by the British council of Sri Lanka School (BCS).[6] Before, this qualification was jointly offered by Cambridge International Examinations and the Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe
The GCE Ordinary-Level qualification is offered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC).
Former usage
Caribbean
The O-Level qualification was previously awarded in the Caribbean. However, many Caribbean countries have now switched to awarding Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) qualifications based on successful completion of examinations administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
Hong Kong
The O-Level qualification was previously awarded in Hong Kong, along with the
United Kingdom
The
See also
- GCE Ordinary Level (International) (O-Level)
- Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE)
- General Certificate of Secondary Education(GCSE), which replaced the O Levels and CSE
- International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which is offered with or instead of O Levels internationally
- General Certificate of Education (GCE), which comprises O Levels and A-levels
- School certificate (SC), predecessor to the GCE O-Level and CSE qualifications
References
- ^ "Alternative Ordinary level subjects (AO)". Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA). Retrieved 10 August 2021.
- ^ a b "RM Assessor support - CA". www.rm.com. Archived from the original on 17 March 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
- ^ "Cambridge O Level subjects". Archived from the original on 4 March 2014.
- ^ JIRS. "Top and Best International Residential School in Bangalore, India – JIRS". Site Name, i.e. JIRS. Archived from the original on 25 March 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
- ^ "Modern Indian School - A Level". Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
- ^ "British council School Examinations Council About". SriLankan School Examinations Council. Archived from the original on 29 July 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
- ^ "Zimbabwe School Examinations Council About". Zimbabwe School Examinations Council. Archived from the original on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2014.