O Level is not a new word for students anymore. During your student life, this word is heard a lot of times. As you move towards the higher classes in the schools, you have an option to opt for Matriculation or O Levels.
In Pakistan, grades 8, 9, and 10 are regarded as O Level. Whereas Matriculation comprises two years, class 9 and class 10. The matric equivalent that is accepted both domestically and globally is O-Level Subjects. Likewise, for Intermediate equivalent recognized by both the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and internationally is A-Level.
The O Level, also referred to as Ordinary Level, is the highest quality of globally recognized qualification offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education to students in a wide range of topics between the ages of 14 and 16.
The choice to opt for Matriculation or O Level will have a great impact on your student life and later on in your professional life as well. So it is advised to make up your mind well before time to avoid any confusion. Finally, choose what is in your best interest.
How many subjects are in the O level is the most important question after you have decided to opt for the O level.
Compulsory and Optional Subjects in O-Level
How many subjects are being taught at O level as compulsory and optional is the main concern of the students
There are five compulsory subjects that you cannot skip at any cost. These include:
- Pakistan studies
Learners are introduced to Pakistan’s history, culture, geography, ecology, and development through the Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies course. Students gain knowledge about the events that have created Pakistan’s national identity, from the fall of Mughal authority until 1999, as well as the country’s rich cultural legacy.
Through their studies, students study many historical interpretations of historical events and acquire a grasp of historical concepts and skills. Paper 1 (The history and culture of Pakistan) and Paper 2 (The environment of Pakistan) for 75 marks each. However, each paper holds a 50% weightage towards the final grading.
- Islamiyat
Through this syllabus, students can gain a grasp of the significance of Islam’s core values as well as the early history of the Islamic community. As a result, students gain a deeper comprehension of the major tenets of Islamic history and faith, assessing their significance and relevance in the lives and ideologies of Muslims.
It is anticipated that students have some acquaintance with Arabic passages from the Qur’an and Hadith, even though the program is taught in English. Paper 1 and Paper 2 hold 50 marks each.
- English
The Cambridge O Level English enables students to increase their creativity and to communicate accurately and properly. It also enables the pupils to understand and respond appropriately and imaginatively to what they read and experience. Paper 1 (Reading) and Paper 2 (Writing) for 50 marks each.
- Maths
The Cambridge O Level Mathematics program encourages students to advance their mathematical proficiency as a critical life skill, a solid foundation for additional mathematics study, or a way to enhance their knowledge in other disciplines.
The curriculum is divided into three sections, according to the Mathematics GCE Ordinary Level Syllabus: Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement, and Statistics and Probability. Paper 1 (short questions) consists of 80 marks whereas Paper 2 (structured questions) has 100 marks. Both these papers will be weighed at 50% of the total qualification.
- Urdu
Learners of Cambridge O Level Second Language Urdu benefit from increased confidence and the development of useful language skills when speaking Urdu. The curriculum: improves students’ ability to communicate in Urdu in a variety of contexts and is appropriate for those for whom the language is a second language.
It emphasizes reading and writing, with writing accounting for 65% of the final assessment and reading for 35%. It also encourages students to supplement their reading and writing skills with speaking and listening. Paper 1 (Reading and Writing) and Paper 2 (Grammar, Writing, and Translation) comprise 50 marks each.
Factors to consider while choosing Optional Subjects
How many optional subjects are at O level in Pakistan and which ones to choose is the biggest concern of students and their parents as well.
What makes this interesting is the choice that you can choose the optional subjects depending on your interests. Students are required to choose 3 optional subjects from a range of optional subjects available. When choosing their subjects, students should take the following factors into account.
- What is your long-term goal?
Never forget to look at the wider picture, which is primarily your career plus aptitude. As previously said, students’ career aspirations are not always evident. Thus, at this point, the pupils’ aptitudes should be prioritized more.
- What are you good at?
You may be proficient in one topic, but your passions are probably other. Because they have a solid foundation from earlier grades and because they naturally devote more time to a subject, they are proficient at it. It is always a good idea to choose a subject you are good at and not worry about your interest in it.
- Which career do you want to opt for in the future?
O Level students may lack clarity regarding job possibilities due to their recent introduction to a more complex way of studying subjects. Clarity is therefore not anticipated at this time. Consider all the many professions that people in the area around you pursue to assist you come up with ideas.
There can be different reasons for every student to choose the optional subjects. Not every school offers all the optional subjects. Therefore, to find out if a particular subject is provided or not, contact the relevant department of your school. This mystery needs to be solved at an early age.
Students frequently express a strong desire to enroll in courses outside of what the school offers. In this situation, careful planning is required, so that tutors can assist before it gets too late. As of now, different renowned schools in Pakistan are famous for producing outstanding results for O Level.
There are several reasons behind their success:
- The hard work and grip over the subject of different experienced teachers.
- The relevant data that has been gathered over the years.
- The past papers can help sometimes to predict a pattern for the upcoming paper.
- Secondly for choosing optional subjects, most schools have already made a combination of different subjects that can be studied together.
Groups of O-Level Subjects
Group 1: Science and maths
STEM degrees are university degrees in the sciences, technology, engineering, and math. It is generally expected of you if you want to pursue a career in STEM to have studied a particular set of disciplines.
The sciences—chemistry, biology, computer science, and physics—along with additional math, humanities, and environmental science are thought to make up a solid combination for AS/A Level and university STEM programs.
One of the three disciplines encompasses many STEM fields:
- Biological and life sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical sciences
- Environmental sciences
- Physical geography
- Pharmacology
- Physical sciences including
- Engineering
- Materials science
- Forensics
- Archaeological sciences
- Computer science
- Geology
- Medicine, dentistry, and veterinary sciences
Group 2: Business studies, economics, accounting
Choose business studies, economics, and accounting plus add math or humanities.
Group 3: Economics, computer sciences, accounting
Choose economics, computer sciences, and accounting plus add math or humanities.
Group 4: Economics, business studies, and humanities/maths
Choose economics, business studies, and one subject from math and humanities.
Group 5: Economics, computer sciences, and arts
Choose economics, computer science, and arts and add maths or humanities.
Groups 2 through 5 often offer a broad variety of specializations based on your selections. The following areas will become available for more research:
- Accountancy
- Actuarial sciences
- Applied maths or statistics
- Economics
- Management studies
- Social policy
- Computers and IT
- Politics
- Sociology and more.
Let’s quickly review the subject groupings that are typically used in Pakistan:
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Group 5 |
| Physics | Physics | Business Studies | Economic | Economics |
| Chemistry | Chemistry | Economics | Business Studies | Computer Science |
| Biology | Computer Science | Accounting | Add Maths/ Humanities | Arts |
| Add Maths/ Humanities | Add Maths/ Humanities | Add Maths/ Humanities | Add Maths/ Humanities | Add Maths/ Humanities |
Bear in mind that Cambridge does not have a cap on the amount of courses you can enroll in. Nonetheless, by enrolling in three to four elective courses in addition to the five required courses, students do tend to balance their course load.
Advantages of the Cambridge System
- International Curriculum:
Accredited by colleges and employers globally, the Cambridge International Curriculum establishes a benchmark for education. The curriculum is adaptable, difficult, and interesting. It takes a worldwide perspective while remaining culturally aware. Students at Cambridge acquire a lifelong zest for learning as well as an educated curiosity. Additionally, students acquire the vital abilities required for both academic and professional success in the future.
- Evaluation Methods:
Two significant roles of assessment are:
1. To demonstrate what a student has learned.
2. To enhance a pupil’s comprehension and abilities.
Effective evaluation is fundamental to a quality education. Every Cambridge exam is intended to give a real representation of a student’s abilities, regardless of the location or time of the exam because our assessments are made to be equitable, legitimate, and practicable. This indicates that the evaluations are genuine, and valuable, and may serve as a lifetime credential for higher education or a job.
- Worldwide Acknowledgment:
Cambridge qualifications give students the tools and training they need to succeed in college and beyond. The top universities in the world accept Cambridge degrees, recognize the critical thinking, independent research, and in-depth subject knowledge that Cambridge students bring, and support their success in college.
To make sure that schools and institutions around the globe are aware of and accept the Cambridge credentials, they consistently collaborate with them. Cambridge diplomas open doors to a world of opportunity, from local higher education institutions to the top-ranked universities in the globe.
Where are Cambridge qualifications accepted?
To find out which institutions recognize Cambridge qualifications and for advice on applying to universities, visit our Recognition pages of Cambridge International, where you will find:
- A database of university recognition that may be searched
- Help for students wishing to apply to institutions in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, India, Pakistan, and South Africa, among other nations
- Specifics of each form of Cambridge qualification’s recognition
- Conversations with former Cambridge International students regarding their educational paths.
Students can feel secure in the knowledge that top colleges across the globe will recognize their Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Level credentials as being comparable to UK GCSE and AS & A Levels. The qualifications are similar to UK GCSE and AS & A Level, according to independent research conducted by the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of foreign qualifications and abilities.
O Level vs. Matriculation
You are not in any way less than someone who is enrolled in O Level if you choose to matriculate in Pakistan. But you will have to work on your skills.
Cramming can help you pass Matriculation exams but won’t be able to help you in practical life. So develop your critical thinking ability and try to engage yourself in learning new things apart from your curriculum.
The biggest disadvantage of Matriculation is the curriculum itself, which has not been revised for many years and the information is obsolete. The examination system and process of evaluation at the O Level are way ahead of Matriculation.
Therefore, if you opt for Matriculation, don’t forget to develop your abilities parallel to the subjects that are being taught in the school. These abilities will help you in the practical world more than the subject material.
Conclusion
This world today is a global village. Therefore, to prove yourself to the world out there, you need to pursue a qualification that is recognized all over the world just like O Level. Therefore, opting for O-Level Subjects will be more beneficial than choosing Matriculation. Although, special attention has to be given to other factors as well.
So make your decisions based on your advantages and keep going on the right path. Try to stick to a schedule and choose a topic only after giving it careful thought. The untiring hard work and determination always play a role irrespective of the course which you are going to choose.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the O Level?
It teaches children the life skills they need to succeed in school, college, and the workplace while also assisting them in discovering new abilities and the wider world. Students’ knowledge, comprehension, and abilities in subject matter and intellectual inquiry are enhanced by the Cambridge O Level.
Is there an age limit for O Levels?
For students ages 14 to 16, the Cambridge O Level is often taught as a three-year program in Pakistan; however, applicants are free to finish the course sooner if they so want. Moreover, there are no age restrictions in Cambridge.
Is O Level worth it in Pakistan?
Due to its affiliation with the Cambridge International Examinations, O Levels are recognized globally, particularly in nations that adhere to the British educational system. Students now have more options for the future, including admittance to esteemed universities overseas, because of this widespread recognition.
What criteria influence the decision regarding the Matric or O Level in Pakistan?
The student’s future career, financial situation, and academic preferences may influence their decision between an O Level and matriculation education. While matriculation is more economical and functions well for university admissions processes locally, the O Levels system offers more diverse curricula and wider international options.
How many subjects at maximum can be chosen in O levels?
To create a record and challenge themselves to reach new heights. Sometimes students enroll in multiple subjects. Although this requires tenacity, focus, and untiring determination. Most importantly it depends on how many subjects are taught at the O level in Pakistan.
