Curriculum
Learn about the curriculum we use and how our A Level courses are structured.
Every year, over 750,000 students in the UK take A Level exams, and hundreds of thousands more in other countries. They're among the most academically rigorous and widely-respected pre-university qualifications in the world.
Why A Level?
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Thanks to their reputation for excellence, A Levels are widely recognized and accepted by universities worldwide, including all UK universities and in the USA all Ivy League colleges, Stanford, MIT, and the University of Chicago among many others.
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Whereas the IB Diploma involves mandatory subjects across multiple disciplines, A Levels offer students the opportunity to specialize in subjects of their choice. By selecting three or four subjects, students can focus on areas they are passionate about or plan to pursue in higher education. This also allows for a deeper understanding and mastery of each subject.
A Levels are also highly valued because of the way they provide such an effective bridge between secondary education and university-level studies. The independent study skills, critical thinking abilities, and deep subject knowledge developed during A Levels can ease the transition to higher education, where students are expected to take more responsibility for their learning. Students who have completed A Levels may find themselves well-prepared to handle the demands of university coursework.
A Levels also offer considerable flexibility when it comes to assessment and can be studied outside of traditional academic institutions by private candidates. And, while A Levels are traditionally studied over a two-year period, there's nothing to stop students starting to prepare early, or even taking a full A Level in one year.
To find out more about the A Level curriculum we offer, read on. If you are curious about the choice of A Level subjects, who our courses are suitable for, or the time commitment involved in studying an A Level, follow the links for more information.
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A First-class Curriculum
Academeum’s commitment to delivering exceptional educational experiences is reflected in our choice of curriculum. We proudly offer subjects provided by Cambridge International Examinations.
Cambridge’s approach aligns with our core values: excellence, openness, individuality, empiricism, thoughtfulness, flexibility, and creativity.
Students have the chance to build meaningful and positive human relationships online in small-group seminars. Far from being impersonal, our online approach fosters connection, engagement, and a sense of community.


Why Cambridge International?
International recognition
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Cambridge International AS & A Levels are internationally recognized and respected by universities around the globe. Each year, countless students with Cambridge qualifications secure places at leading universities, including prestigious Ivy League and Ivy Plus institutions. Notably, over 850 universities in the US formally accept Cambridge International AS & A Levels, with many more accepting them on application. Cambridge qualifications are welcomed at all universities in the UK.
Flexibility
The Cambridge International curriculum offers wide range of subjects and options, enabling teachers to tailor the learning experience to their students' needs.
Excellence
Cambridge International’s high quality curriculum is designed to foster independent learning, original thinking, and refined communication skills. It serves as an excellent foundation for university study, guiding students to develop into critical thinkers ready to navigate the complexities of higher education.
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Comprehensive
Cambridge courses combine in-depth subject content that is focused on building powerful knowledge along with the development of key skills: evaluating information, making judgments and thinking logically.
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Global
Each year, students from 10,000 schools in over 160 countries prepare for their future with an education from Cambridge International. This curriculum transcends borders, connecting learners worldwide through a shared commitment to excellence.
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Time-tested
With a 150-year history of providing international exams, Cambridge International is an esteemed, not-for-profit organization that is intricately linked to the University of Cambridge.
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Research-based
Cambridge qualifications are created by subject experts, rooted in academic rigour and reflect the latest educational research. They provide a strong platform for students to progress from one stage to the next, and are well supported by teaching and learning resources.
Course Format
Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and AS Level is typically one year.
Subjects are started at AS Level (first year) and, if desired, extended to an A Level (second year). There are three options to consider:
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Option 1: Standalone AS Level (one year)
Students take the AS Level only. The syllabus content examined is half of the total A Level programme. They do not continue with the subject.
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Option 2: A Level with exams at the end of each year
Students take the AS Level in Year 1 and in Year 2 complete the A Level. That means two sets of exams.
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Option 3: A Level with exams at the end of the second year
Students take all exams as part of the A Level course in the same examination series, at the end of the second year of study.
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For students taking an A Level or A Levels over two years, we recommend taking all of the exams at the same time, at the end of the two year course.
From academic year 2025-26, we intend to offer an intensive course that will allow students to study two years' of material in just one year by taking both the AS and the A Level classes in the same year.
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Contact us for advice on the optimal mode of study.
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Our Academic Year
Our academic year runs from September to June and is comprised of three semesters. Final exams are held in May and June.
Each one of our courses follows clear, specific and measurable learning objectives that are structured around this academic calendar.
During each semester, every week of teaching runs from Sunday to Sunday, with each week comprised of self-contained modules that form the building blocks of each larger unit of learning.
The majority of the scheduled academic tuition on our courses is provided during three semesters of approximately three months’ duration.
First semester: September-December
Second semester: January-March
Third semester: April-June
There are three vacations in the course of the academic year, although students will be expected to study independently during this time.
For more information, see our calendar.
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How Many A Levels Can Be Taken?
Students applying to universities in the UK and US need a minimum of three A Levels. Some apply to university with as many as five.
We think that a total of three A Levels and one AS Level or four A Levels is a sensible number, but it depends on individual circumstances.
We admit students for single AS/A Levels and will support students studying a maximum of five subjects if we are convinced they are capable of managing the workload.
Learn more about the time commitment involved in studying an A Level and read about the different ways of combining A Level studies with us by following the links.
If you are not sure what is right for you, please contact us, we would be happy to help you to find a suitable balance.
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When and Where Are the Exams?
There's an incredibly wide range of options when it comes to taking A Level exams, which are normally in May/June at the end of the second year of study.
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Students studying on our courses are 'private candidates’. This means that we can register the student at any venue that is an official Cambridge International exam center and accepts private candidates. Exams can be taken in one of over 2,800 different centers in 130 countries around the world.
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We’ll help you to make all of the necessary arrangements to organize the exams in the most convenient location.
You can find out if there is a center near you by following the link, or please contact us and we'll be happy to advise you. In the unlikely event that you cannot find an Cambridge exam centre that is easily accessible, you can contact your local British Council office or Ministry of Education, where you may also be able to sit the exams.
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Once you’ve taken the exam, you’ll get your results. The certificate does not mention where the exam was taken.
How Are A Levels Graded?
The Cambridge International A Level is reported on a grade scale from A* (highest) to E (minimum required performance).
There is no A* grade for Cambridge International AS Levels, which are reported from grade A to E.
Each subject is graded separately, so there's no Grade Point Average, and separate certificates are issued for each examination series.
Universities generally extend offers to students based on their actual or predicted A Level grades, specifying the minimum required grades in three or more specific subjects as a condition for acceptance.
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Want to know more?
Follow the links for more information about the A Level subjects we offer, ways of studying with us, and the time commitment involved.
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If you are thinking about joining us, you can find out all you need to know and register your interest on the A Level admissions page without obligation. There is also information about our scholarships and fees.
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On other pages there is more information about our educational vision, our Beyond program, the inspiring people involved in Academeum, and the achievements of previous students.
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You'll find answers to many frequently asked questions on our FAQ, but if there's anything else you want to ask us about our courses, please feel free to get in touch using the contact form below. We would love to hear from you.