A Level Education in Lisbon


The Cambridge International Advanced Level (A Level) qualification is a comprehensive two-year educational programme designed for students aged 16 to 19 years, serving as a rigorous preparation for higher education and beyond. Widely acknowledged by universities worldwide, A Levels provides a thorough and specialised curriculum that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen university courses.

Our A Levels programme in Lisbon provides a wide range of Cambridge International AS and A Levels subjects. Students typically choose four subjects to study in Grades 11 and 12, allowing for a more focused curriculum tailored to their interests and future aspirations. The A Level pathway is not just a means to academic excellence; it is a transformative programme that ensures broad subject knowledge, refined study and life skills, and qualifications that open doors to the best universities and careers in Portugal and internationally.

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Why Choose PaRK IS to Study A Levels?


The A Levels programme at PaRK IS Alfragide offers students a combination of academic rigour and personalised support. Students are guided by our expert teachers, tutors, and university counsellors alongside an attentive well-being department, ensuring each receives the assistance they need to thrive academically and personally.

Our focus is not only on academic excellence but also on the holistic development of all A Level students throughout these two years. We encourage them to participate in community service activities, including PaRK IS’ unique Fellowship Programme, as well as enriching co-curricular clubs to explore different interests and talents, such as Business, Chess, Drama, Journalism, Music, Choir, Design and Photography clubs, in addition to the international Duke of Edinburgh Award and Model United Nations.

Additionally, A Level learners take full advantage of PaRK IS’ exceptional facilities to enhance their learning experience and cultivate their talents: well-equipped classrooms and science and technology labs, quiet study areas, extensive sports facilities, and a wide range of visual and performing arts rooms, including a professional auditorium for Drama and Music presentations.

 

Benefits of Studying A Levels


The Cambridge International A Level pathway for Grades 11 and 12 stands out as one of the most esteemed and widely recognised pre-university programmes, meticulously designed to equip students for the challenges of university-level education. This comprehensive programme not only imparts a robust academic foundation but also cultivates the essential skills required for success in higher education, namely independent learning, creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills. A Levels qualifications are the perfect gateway for those aspiring to secure admission to leading universities in Portugal and abroad. 

Advanced Levels aim to establish a solid foundation in specific academic disciplines, which students can explore in depth. The individually chosen subjects within the programme allow students to delve into specialised areas of interest, and engage in self-directed research, aligning with both their academic pursuits and future career aspirations.

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Acquisition of 21st Century Skills

A Level Curriculum


Students on the A Level pathway at PaRK IS will typically choose 4 subjects to study in Grade 11, fully supported by our teachers and counsellors to ensure their options are aligned with their university course aspirations, as universities will have different requirements. 

Designed by Cambridge International, the A Level curriculum is delivered as a two-year programme: 

AS Year 
In Grade 11, students choose 4 A Level subject options, allowing them to establish a knowledge foundation in each one. They can take external examinations set and marked by the Cambridge International Examination Board at the end of Grade 11 and may choose to end their study of the subjects at this point, obtaining an “AS” - Advanced Supplementary Level qualification. AS Levels can count towards university entry requirements in many countries.

A2 Year 
In Grade 12, the final school year at PaRK IS, students enhance their knowledge and overall understanding of their chosen subjects and study skills. Learners generally continue with 3 subjects at this stage (although some can still take 4) and obtain complete A Level certifications in those subjects following exams set and marked by the Cambridge International Examination Board at the end of Grade 12.

Requirements to Study A Levels at PaRK IS


To enrol on our A Levels programme, students must complete and pass Grade 10 at PaRK IS or a different school, regardless of the curriculum followed until then.

Study A levels in Portugal

AS & A Level Subjects


Students can select 4 subjects from the list below* (they should align their choices with the requirements of the university course they would like to pursue):

 
AS / A Level Biology 
AS / A Level Design & Technology 
AS / A Level Business 
AS / A Level Geography 
AS / A Level Global Perspectives
AS / A Level Mathematics 
AS Level Spanish Language
A Level Spanish Language and Literature 
AS / A  Level Portuguese

*All courses are subject to demand
Portugal A Levels Assessments

A Level Grades & Assessments


The majority of A Level assessment is based on written examinations, which are held at the end of the two-year course to obtain the A Level qualifications. There might also be specific coursework required depending on the subject, as is the case of Design & Technology.

The Cambridge International A Level is assessed on a scale from A* (highest grade) to E (minimum required performance). There is no A* grade for Cambridge International AS Levels, as grades go from A to E only in this case. Each subject taken receives a separate grade. All A Level and AS Level grades are benchmarked with internationally recognised grades, following clear guidelines explaining the standards of achievement.

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A Levels VS IGCSE

Both IGCSE and A Levels are part of the Cambridge International pathway, the key difference being the stage at which they are delivered. PaRK IS pupils study IGCSEs in Grades 9 and 10, while A Levels are taken in Grades 11 and 12, the last two years of school. 

A Levels and IGCSE also differ in the breadth and depth of their respective curricula. IGCSEs emphasise breadth, as students take 8-10 subjects and exams. By contrast, at the A Level stage, the focus is on studying fewer subjects in greater depth. Learners choose 4 A Level subjects for the duration of the 2-year course.

In A Levels, independent study becomes essential, as students must not only show their understanding of core materials but also be able to demonstrate evidence of further reading and research around syllabus topics.

 

Differences Between A Levels & the IB Diploma Programme

A fundamental difference between A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme also offered at PaRK IS is that A Levels do not form part of an overall Diploma but are studied as individual subjects which students can choose in any combination at our school. In A Levels, each subject is considered a qualification in its own right, so if a student fails one subject, they will still obtain the qualifications for the others that they do pass.

Students on the A Level Pathway are not required to undertake CAS or any other core components as in the IBDP, but they will also have available the full range of opportunities to participate in sports, creative arts and community service activities at the school.

 

A Level Teachers

At PaRK IS, we take pride in our team of highly qualified and experienced A Level educators. With a passion for teaching, they bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom, guiding students in selecting subjects that not only align with their interests but also enable an in-depth exploration of course materials. A Level teachers are dedicated to nurturing the intellectual growth of each student, and support each one in acquiring critical thinking and independent learning skills that will promote their academic excellence.

 

Applying to Portuguese Universities with A Levels

If applying to Portuguese universities using the A Level pathway, 3 full A Levels are required, and this is usually the best option for those applying to international universities as well. Candidates should check if there are specific A Level subjects required for the particular course and university they are applying to. Our tutors and university counsellors will be available to support them in their choices and university applications using A Levels.

 

Contact Us Today


Learn more about the internationally recognised A Level learning pathway at our school. Discover how we can assist your child in creating a tailored curriculum for their university and career aspirations, preparing them for academic excellence.