School Exams - British Council Pakistan

Informed Choices

	School Exams


	Qualifications for entry into UK higher and further education

IMPORTANT NOTICE

ID requirement for May /June 2013 series

All candidates must present either a valid CNIC or Passport at the time of appearing for the exam. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure one of these forms of ID is available British Council reserves the right not to allow entry into the exam if this requirement is not met.

We are currently investigating a breach in the security of our exam papers for Cambridge O Level and Cambridge IGCSE Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies in Pakistan.

These exams were taken by students in Pakistan in May 2013.

In order to ensure the continuing integrity of our exams and results we are requiring that students take new examinations for these two subjects.

Our investigation into the matter is ongoing, but at this stage we can confirm that the situation was not initiated in Pakistan and that the British Council Pakistan was not party to this compromise in any way.

These question papers are timetabled for the following exam sessions:(See timetables below)

If you have any questions about the conduct and administration of these exams please visit Islamiyat and Pakistan studies FAQs page

This is a difficult situation for all concerned and we understand the inconvenience caused for you, your students and their families. Our first priority is to ensure a valid and fair outcome for all Cambridge students. We thank you for your support and cooperation.

We will provide you with a further update on Wednesday 5th June.

Do you want to study at an institute for further or higher education? Do you want to study for professional qualifications in the UK? Then the General Certificate of Education (GCE) could help you. You can register and take a Edexcel International or a Cambridge International Examinations qualification with us.

		What is GCE?

The GCE is one of the most internationally recognised qualifications. You can take this qualification at the Ordinary (O) or the Advanced (A) levels, depending on what you need it for and the course you intend to follow. The Ordinary level has been replaced by GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in UK schools; however,it is still available to international students. We advise you to take a preparation course that specifically follows a syllabus if you want to take either of these exams.

		What is a GCE O-level?

An O-level is standard UK qualification usually taken at the age of fifteen/sixteen. An O-level provides a foundation for further study or employment. They are available in a wide range of subjects covering the whole curriculum. Within the subject areas which are generally available, there is often a choice of several syllabuses. You can take any number of O-levels, depending on the qualifications that your chosen institutions ask for. Most students take between seven and ten O-levels after studying for two to three years in their chosen subjects.

		Why should I take an O-level?

	You need to take an exam at O-level before you can study at A-level. You also need to check that the O-level qualification you want is recognised by the institution where you want to study your A-level.

		What is a GCE A-level?

An A-level is an Advanced level GCE qualification used internationally as pre-university requirement. This exam is normally taken after two years of A-level study and is available in a broad range of subjects covering the whole curriculum. The new qualification comprises six units and can be taken either in stages (see Advanced Subsidiary below) or as a terminal examination. Usually, A-level courses immediately follow on from O-level courses and most candidates enter between two and four subjects at the age of eighteen.

		Why should I take an A-level?

	Good A-level results can give you access to undergraduate studies at some of the best higher education learning institutions in the world. A-level qualifications can also give you access to professional and vocational courses.

		What is a GCE AS-level?

The Advanced Subsidiary is offered in most subjects and became available for the first time in 2001. The Subsidiary is a new way of facilitating staged assessment. The subject content of the new A Level syllabuses has been subdivided into two parts: the AS syllabus content, which is expected to be covered in the first half of the course, and the second part of the syllabus, commonly referred to as A2, taken at the end of the second year of study. In terms of the UCAS tariff, the Advanced Subsidiary is worth half the points of a GCE Advanced level qualification.

		When can I take GCE exams?

	CIE exams are held in May/June and October/November each year, Edexcel exams are held in May/June and January each year. Registration for GCE exams usually begins at least three to four months before the start of each exam session.

		Where can I take GCE exams?

GCE exams are conducted at various exam venues in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore & Peshawar.

We also conduct exams in some outreach centres to cater for the need of students who are based at some distance from the four cities above. Further details can be obtained from your local British Council office.

		How can I verify my result?

A candidate or institution who requires verification of results issued by CIE may apply for verification of results using the Verification Application Form

The CIE verification fee is Rs 2,475 per certificate requiring verification.

*Customer who is applying for more than one certificate’s verification will pay an additional Rs 2,475 for each subsequent verification request.

		How can I send provisional result to my chosen educational institute?

If you need your provisional results to be sent straight to a particular institution complete Priority Result Information form. Cambridge will send the provisional statement of results to your chosen educational institution on the day that results are released. Results are produced using the name given for the candidate at the time of their exam.

Fee is PKR 10,642.