Cambridge Advanced - International AS & A Level Programme (ages 16-18)

The esteemed International AS & A Level programme offers internationally recognized qualifications that are valued by universities around the world, including in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and beyond.

Not only does the Cambridge Advanced Programme offer globally recognized qualifications, but moreover develops our Learning Partners knowledge, understanding and skills in:

In-depth subject content
Independent thinking
Applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations
Handling and evaluating different types of information source
Thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments
Making judgements, recommendations and decisions
Presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them logically and clearly
Working and communicating in English

Schools worldwide have taken part in the development of the Cambridge Advanced International AS & A Level Programme. The curricula are used internationally but maintain a national frame of reference. They have specifically been designed for international students and avoid cultural stereotypes.

The external examinations are prepared and marked by Cambridge International Examinations. Students can obtain certificates using the following grade scale: A*, A, B, C, D, E (A* being the highest possible grade and E the lowest pass mark). Cambridge Advanced International AS & A Level examination sessions occur twice a year, in June and November with results being issued in August and January. For those students who have not achieved the grade they have desired, there is the opportunity to re-sit the exam during the next session.

ISW focuses on six core subjects broken down into four option blocks:

English or German
Chemistry or Economics
Biology
Mathematics

Self Study Subjects

In certain circumstances a student may apply to replace one of these subjects with a self-study subject. ISW works in collaboration with an external programme provider to make this opportunity available to certain students. To be eligible to complete a self-study subject a student must demonstrate a passion and need for this specific subject, must demonstrate the ability to work independently in order to complete a third party programme and have approval from the School Principal. If approved to complete a self-study subject, ISW will assign a coach to support the student throughout the programme, but this coach will not be responsible for teaching the content.

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Programme, is structured as follows:

In Year 11, students complete four subjects. They sit exams at the end of this year.
In Year 12, students continue with three of these subjects and sit exams at the end of this year.
Students graduate with three A-Level subjects and one AS-Level subject.
An A-Level subject consists of two years of study, and an AS-Level subject consists of one year of study.

International Recognition

Cambridge qualifications are recognised and valued by universities all around the world, including in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and beyond. In places such as the United States and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit.

Over 880 universities in the US formally accept Cambridge International AS & A Levels, including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities. These universities include Brown, Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Yale. Many more US universities accept Cambridge qualifications on application. In the UK, all universities accept Cambridge qualifications.

To access information on recognition in your own country, please click on the following link “Recognition and credit policy search” (https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition-search/)

Personal Development Programme

All learning partners within our Secondary School take part in ISW’s unique Personal Development Programme, which is supported by the SBW Haus des Lernens approach – and each Wednesday has been designated solely to this task.

The focus of this day is to give LPs a chance to explore new passions and talents, or to develop existing ones. The Personal Development Programme incorporates the following elements: