After completing your A-Level Subjects the next step of the ladder is A-Level. A-Level, which is determined by the Cambridge International test, is the next advanced study level following O-levels.
A-Levels have a two-year curriculum as well. As A-Level is an advanced form, therefore it requires a sensible approach to choosing your optional subjects.
Compulsory subjects cannot be changed so not much can be done about them. You study the first part of the A-Level, sometimes known as the AS-level, in your first year of study. You take the A-level in your second year of study. Your A-level grade is the sum of your two years’ results.
You can select any combination of courses for your A-Level, ranging from accountancy and economics to just physics or mathematics depending on your field of interest. In Pakistan Intermediate is parallel to A-Level in the education sector. But if we share real facts A-Level has an upper hand overall.
This is due to the curriculum, the course outline, the evaluation method, the transparency in grading worldwide, its international recognition, and other factors as well. How many subjects are in A-level depends on your college and its faculty.
A lot of colleges try to limit the number of optional subjects being taught in the college to primarily focus on compulsory subjects.
A-Level Compulsory and Optional Subjects
The very first question in mind is about the subjects in A-level. For instance, how many subjects are there in A-Levels? Similar to the O-level, the A-level too has 05 compulsory subjects that everyone in Pakistan has to study.
English
Learners can study the English language and how to apply it in conversation with the Cambridge International AS and A-Level English Language program.
Students will be urged to critically react to a broad range of texts in a variety of formats, styles, and situations. They will also be pushed to advance their reading, writing, research, and analytical skills.
Through their studies, students will improve their reading and analysis skills as well as their knowledge and comprehension of the complexities and issues associated with the English language.
Additionally, students will learn how to write effectively, creatively, precisely, and clearly for a variety of audiences and objectives.
4 papers have 50 marks each to assess the student’s learning capabilities.
- Paper 1 (Reading)
- Paper 2 (Writing)
- Paper 3 (Language Analysis)
- Paper 4 (Language Topics)
Urdu
Cambridge International A-Level Urdu is the perfect starting point for university-level study or to enhance job possibilities. It builds on the language abilities acquired at Cambridge O-Level, Cambridge IGCSE, or Cambridge International AS Level.
Students will comprehend how to apply the language in a range of contexts. To do specific tasks, they will be required to handle texts and other source materials and extract information. Learners can anticipate improving their language proficiency including accuracy, fluency, and confidence through their studies.
- Component 2(Reading and Writing) consists of 70 marks.
- Component 3 (Essay) consists of 40 marks.
- Component 4 (Texts) consists of 75 marks.
Islamiyat
With the help of the Islamic Studies curriculum, students can learn more about religious texts, Islamic history, and current problems. They are therefore capable of thoughtful discussion and debating on the topic.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the beginnings of Islam, its various beliefs and customs, and the principles of Islamic law.
Students gain knowledge of different elements of the valuable Islamic legacy and consider the role that Islam still plays in society. Four papers, each carrying 50 marks, are used to evaluate students’ capacity for learning.
- Paper 1 (Islamic beliefs and practices)
- Paper 2 (Islamic law (Shariah) and its application)
- Paper 3 (Heritage of Islam)
- Paper 4 (Islam in the modern world)
Pakistan Studies
The curriculum for Cambridge A-Level Pakistan Studies exposes students to Pakistan’s geography, history, culture, environment, and development. Students gain knowledge about Pakistan’s rich cultural legacy and the events that formed the country’s character from the fall of the Mughal dynasty till 1999.
Students investigate various historical interpretations of events and develop an understanding of historical concepts and skills through their studies.
Each paper carries 75 marks each.
- Paper 1 (The history and culture of Pakistan)
- Paper 2 (The environment of Pakistan)
Mathematics
A set of transferable abilities is developed by Cambridge International A-Level Mathematics. These comprise the aptitude for handling mathematical data as well as the capacity for independent, logical thought, correctness consideration, mathematical situation modeling, result analysis, and reflection.
These are transferable abilities that students can use in a variety of subject areas, and they also prepare them for a smooth transition into higher education or employment.
Candidates take four components for Cambridge International A-Level Mathematics.
All candidates take Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 and Paper 3: Pure Mathematics 3. Then, candidates take either: Paper 4: Mechanics and Paper 5: Probability & Statistics 1 OR Paper 5: Probability & Statistics 1 and Paper 6: Probability & Statistics 2.
- Paper 1 (Pure Mathematics 1) has 75 marks.
- Paper 2 (Pure Mathematics 2) has 50 marks.
- Paper 3 (Pure Mathematics 3) has 75 marks.
- Paper 4 (Mechanics) has 50 marks.
- Paper 5 (Probability and Statistics 1) has 50 marks
- Paper 6 (Probability and Statistics 2) has 50 marks
Students who complete the Cambridge International AS and A-Levels are well-prepared for university study since they have gained the ability to delve deeply into a subject.
One can truly comprehend the broadness, complexity, and precision of a subject. It’s an excellent way to get them ready for what awaits them in university.
These five are the compulsory subjects in A-Level in Pakistan. Plan to nail all of these to have an amazing professional life.
Importance of Optional and Best Combinations for A-Level Subjects
In most cases, three optional subjects are chosen from a wide range of optional subjects that are available. Selecting the appropriate combination of A-level subjects is crucial for students as it dictates the courses they can apply for at university and the path of their future employment.
Selecting which subjects to study might be overwhelming due to the abundance of alternatives.
Although students usually choose 3 optional subjects that fit the best according to their capacity. However, a student’s chances of getting into the university subject they want to study can be greatly increased by selecting the optimum mix of A-Levels.
This post will discuss the significance of picking the appropriate A-level subjects and offer suggestions for the ideal pairings for several well-liked degree programs.
Top A-Level Combinations: Medicine
Students who want to study medicine must select their A-level topics carefully because it’s a highly competitive course with strict admissions requirements. A-level results in Biology and Chemistry are typically required for admission to medical schools; some also demand A-level results in Mathematics or Physics.
These courses equip students with the scientific information and abilities needed to pursue a career in medicine.
The following are the top three A-Level combinations for those wishing to pursue a career in medicine:
- Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology
Best A-Level Combinations: Law
Students who study law must acquire analytical and critical thinking abilities in addition to a conceptual understanding of legal systems. Thus, A-level subjects that help develop these abilities are crucial.
Here are the three best A-Level combinations for students who want to study Law:
- English Literature, History, and Law
- English Literature, History, and Politics
- Economics, History, and Law
These pairings address a variety of topics that help study law. Students who do A-Level History, English Literature, and Politics will gain knowledge of social and political contexts in addition to the critical reading, writing, and interpretation abilities that are necessary for a law degree.
Students who study economics, history, and law develop critical and logical thinking skills
Best A-Level Combinations: Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical)
Students majoring in engineering must possess strong mathematical abilities and a solid grasp of scientific concepts.
The following three A-Level combinations are ideal for students wishing to pursue engineering studies:
- Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry
- Mathematics, Physics, and Further Mathematics
- Mathematics, Physics, and Design and Technology
These combinations give students a solid mathematical and scientific foundation while meeting the prerequisites for the majority of engineering courses. Students who want to specialize in fields like materials science, and robotics will find A-Level Further Mathematics especially helpful.
Students studying A-Level Design and Technology can get an understanding of how engineering concepts, like mechanical and electrical systems, are used in the real world.
Best A-Level Combinations: Computer Science
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are necessary for students majoring in computer science, in addition to a solid grasp of mathematics and programming ideas.
For students who choose to study computer science at the A-Level, these are the top three A-Level combinations:
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Computer Science
- Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science
- Mathematics, Physics, and Electronics
These combinations give students a solid foundation in math and programming while meeting the criteria for the majority of Computer Science courses. Students who want to specialize in fields like cybersecurity, machine learning, or artificial intelligence will find A-Level Further Maths especially helpful.
Students can gain a grasp of digital circuits, microprocessors, and hardware systems by doing A-Level Physics and Electronics.
Best A-Level Combinations: Accounting and Finance
Students studying accounting and finance must possess excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities in addition to a working knowledge of economic and financial concepts. For those who choose to study accounting and finance, these are the top three A-Level combinations:
- Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies
- Mathematics, Economics, and Accounting
- Mathematics, Economics, and Further Mathematics
These pairings give students a solid mathematical and economic foundation while meeting the prerequisites for the majority of Accounting and Finance courses. While A-Level Further Mathematics can give students an advantage in quantitative and analytical study areas, A-Level Business Studies and Accounting can give students insight into the business and financial world.
Best A-Level Combinations: Mathematics
Students studying mathematics must possess good problem-solving and mathematical capabilities. For students who wish to study A-Level Math, these are the top three A-Level combinations:
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Physics
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Computer Science
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Economics
Students pursuing A-Level Computer Science and Economics can gain insight into the real-world applications of mathematics in the digital and financial sectors, while A-Level Physics can help students comprehend how mathematical concepts are utilized in the physical world.
Finally, students get an edge in subjects like mathematical modeling and analysis when they take A-Level Further Mathematics.
Best A-Level Combinations: Economics
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are necessary for students studying economics, in addition to a comprehension of economic concepts. For students who wish to study A-Level Economics, these are the top three A-Level combinations:
- Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies
- Mathematics, Economics, and Further Mathematics
- Economics, History, and Politics
Students who choose A-Level Further Maths can have an advantage in quantitative and analytical study areas, whereas those who take A-Level Business Studies can gain knowledge of the business and financial sectors. Ultimately, A-Level Politics and History can teach students a better understanding of the social and political backgrounds of economic concerns.
Best A-Level Combinations: Psychology
Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, as well as knowledge of human behavior and mental health, are prerequisites for studying psychology. For students who choose to study A-Level Psychology, these are the top three A-Level combinations:
- Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry
- Psychology, Sociology, and Biology
- Psychology, Sociology, and English Literature
The majority of Psychology courses’ prerequisites are met by these combinations, which also give students a solid grounding in related fields of study.
Students studying A-level sociology and English Literature can gain an awareness of the social and cultural aspects of human behavior, while those studying A-level biology and Chemistry can focus on the molecular and chemical basis of behavior and mental health.
Conclusion: Subjects are in A-Level
There’s not much question that pursuing an A level would help you both in your academic and career endeavors. This is a result of its broad acceptance. The subject-specific curriculum is updated from time to time. The development of creative thinking skills is the most crucial aspect.
Employing critical thinking and logical reasoning, rather than just memorizing the material to pass the test.
Most importantly skills of all the students are different from one another, so opting for intermediate will only be a drawback in the long run if you don’t work on your skills. Secondly, choose your optional subjects that are parallel to your field of interest. This will help you focus on the subjects.
FAQs
How many optional subjects can be chosen in A-Level?
Although students are allowed to take up to five optional subjects in A-level, most two-year courses require three subjects in A-level to be studied.
What is the age limit for A-Levels?
There is no upper age limit to take the A-Levels. Although the age of most students is 16 to 18. If you missed out on completing A-Levels while in school or college and would like to acquire important skills and information later in life, you can choose to do them at any point in your life.
Is A- Levels better than Intermediate?
Based on facts, the answer is YES. However, if you work on your skills opting for intermediate will not be a big disadvantage. It’s a tough call, to be honest, and depends on the caliber of the student.
Which subjects are commonly chosen in A-Levels in Pakistan?
Maths, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are among the most common subjects that are chosen in A-level in Pakistan.
What options does a student have if he doesn’t do well in his A-Levels?
There are still plenty of possibilities available if your A-Level results fall short of your expectations. You might repeat your examinations, think about enrolling in a new university, take a year off, or research apprenticeships or other alternative credentials. Before choosing an option, it’s critical to consider all of your possibilities and seek counsel.
