The A-Level program is designed to prepare students for higher education, especially in tertiary education.  It is a subject-based qualification required to further education at the university, to train or work. Also, it is offered by commonwealth countries, colleges in the UK and many international schools worldwide.

What is A-Level Certificate Used for?

A-Levels are specifically designed for students who are looking to go to university. It is the ideal educational qualification to go for if you are uncertain of what job or career you want to do. Are you wondering what your A-Levels can be used for?

Most university and college education courses make it mandatory for students to have a specific or combination of A-levels to qualify to study in the university. They are the most common educational qualifications earned to get into a college or university.

The A-Level certificate is an ideal qualification if you are unsure of what career plans to go for. If you are uncertain about studying, training or working, it will help to keep your options open.

If you are looking for employment, you could gain one with an A-level certificate. Employers prioritise the qualification as it demonstrates a satisfactory and valuable education level.

Also, with A-level certification, you can go to work-based or vocational qualifications such as a higher apprenticeship.

What are the requirements to get an A-Level?

The requirements to study A-levels will vary across schools, but generally, you will need to have the following:

• At least 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to five A-C grades
• At least grade 6 in the selected subjects you want to study
• You must have attained the school-leaving age (15-16)
• You must have taken the year 11 examination/GCSE in a range of 8-10 subjects. 

These subjects usually include compulsorily Science, English, Mathematics and other electives.

It is vital to check out the requirements of the school you are looking to study in.

However, in some schools, students are expected to have a B/C grade in at least six subjects at GCSE level.

There have been changes since 2008, and the units have been reduced to four, although the content stays the same.

Students can take more than one AS subject in their second year of higher secondary schooling. The full A-level certification comes in the A2 year.

The National A-level specifications authorise students a maximum of 30 per cent internal assessment, including projects, essays, presentations and science experiments. Students’ performances are evaluated to demonstrate practical written communication skills in all subjects other than mathematics.

The A-level examination takes place in January and mid-May-June. Awards are issued two times a year. Although students can take as many A-levels as they desire, the basic full-time load is three-four relevant subjects taken in the intended fields of study at the tertiary level.

Should I go for the A-Level or OSSD Certification?

Most times, students are usually unsure of which certification to go for and which holds more opportunities for them. A-levels commonly prepare students for tertiary level of education. On the other hand, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) certification prepares students who are yet to complete high school studies in their home countries to study in universities around the world.

What is the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)?

The OSSD is a globally valued and recognised secondary school certification awarded to students by the Ontario Ministry of Education Canada. To choose the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or not?

Benefits of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 

• Access to Western Education:

Gaining an OSSD allows you access to education in western colleges and universities, including Canadian, American and British universities. Most universities in Europe and North America admit candidates with a Canadian Secondary Diploma with a minimum of 5 grade 12 courses.

• It is a Globally Recognized Credential:

The OSSD is currently considered a reputable certificate of the highest academic standard in the world after the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) evaluated the certification as one of the top 5 education systems in the world.

• It Has a Unique Education System

While the A-level certificate also recognised globally helps to continue to higher education, the OSSD certificate does the same too. Still, it is more unique as it shares a similar education system as its Western counterparts such as America, Australia, Britain, etc. This bridges the feeling of disconnection for international students.

• Access to Scholarships

Students with OSSD certifications are easily admitted into schools and gain greater access to scholarships from the world’s best universities.

• The familiarity

The OSSD familiarises students with international education systems. This helps them to fit in.

Also, Canada’s science and mathematics curriculum is moderately easy compared to the same grade-level curriculum in other countries. As a result, international OSSD certified students can easily compete with local Canadian students.

Maple Canadian College offers a university preparation program that grooms secondary school students for successful university studies and exceptional professional careers in universities and colleges across the world. Learn more about our program or contact us.