With all the different online schooling curricula available, it can sometimes be overwhelming for parents and students to choose which curriculum is better suited to their unique needs.
When it comes to choosing A-levels, the Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel curricula are popular choices for students. While both exam boards offer internationally recognised qualifications that are respected by universities and employers around the world, there are differences in the course content, assessment methods, and grading criteria of each.
CambriLearn is accredited by Pearson Edexcel and we are now able to offer our students the option of doing Cambridge or Edexcel A-Levels.
It is important for students to understand the differences between these curricula, to help them make informed choices on which one to pursue.
In this article, we will take a look at the Pearson Edexcel curriculum and discuss some of the benefits and differences between the Edexcel and Cambridge curricula.
What is Pearson Edexcel?
Edexcel is one of the largest exam boards in the United Kingdom and their qualifications are internationally recognised and respected. Edexcel provides qualifications such as GCSEs, A-levels, and vocational qualifications in a wide range of subjects including science, mathematics, humanities, and languages.
Edexcel qualifications carry the same weight as the International Cambridge curriculum and students can combine Edexcel and Cambridge subjects to get an internationally recognised high school graduation equivalent.
University Acceptance with Edexcel
Whether doing your A-levels through an online school or through a traditional school, Edexcel qualifications are widely recognised and respected by international universities, employers, and other educational institutions.
It is possible to be accepted to an international university with qualifications from both the Cambridge and Edexcel curricula.
Many universities around the world accept a wide range of qualifications, including those from different exam boards. For example, universities in the UK may accept both Cambridge International A-levels and Edexcel A-levels as part of their admission requirements.
Whilst Edexcel qualifications are accepted at many of the top ivy league universities around the world, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, it is important to note, however, that different universities and countries may have different requirements for admission.
It's always a good idea to check with the universities you're interested in to find out their specific admission requirements. Different universities and courses may have different subject requirements, and some may require specific qualifications or grades in certain subjects.
Cambridge vs. Edexcel A-Levels
The main differences between A-levels on the Cambridge curriculum and A-levels on the Edexcel curriculum are:
- Exam Board: A-levels on the Cambridge curriculum are offered by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), while A-levels on the Edexcel curriculum are offered by Pearson Edexcel. Each exam board has its own set of specifications, assessment methods, and grading criteria.
- Assessment: A-levels on the Cambridge curriculum are assessed through a combination of written exams and coursework, while A-levels on the Edexcel curriculum are primarily assessed through written exams.
- Practical Exams: There are no practical exams for the Edexcel International GCSE and A-Level Biology, Physics and Chemistry. This makes Edexcel a great option for Cambridge students who have been struggling to find accredited Cambridge exam centres to do their practicals.
- Syllabus: While there may be some overlap between the Edexcel and Cambridge A-level syllabi, there may also be differences in the content covered and the approach to teaching and learning.
How to choose between the Cambridge and Edexcel curricula
Here are some key factors that students can consider to help them choose between the Cambridge and Edexcel curriculum for their A-levels:
- Personal preferences: Students should consider their unique learning styles, strengths, and interests when deciding which curriculum is best suited for them. There may be differences in the content and teaching approach between the two curricula, so students should consider which approach aligns better with their academic and career goals.
- Course availability: Not all subjects may be available on both the Cambridge and Edexcel curricula, so students should ensure that the subjects they want to study are offered by the exam board they choose.
- University requirements: Students should research the universities they are interested in applying to and ensure that they accept qualifications from the exam board they choose. Some universities may have specific requirements for certain subjects or grades.
- Required Practicals: Edexcel may be a better option for students who want to take A-levels in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as they do not require core practical exams.
- Recognition: Both qualifications are widely recognised and accepted by universities and employers around the world, so the recognition factor may not be a major deciding factor.
In conclusion, choosing between the Cambridge and Edexcel curricula for A-level studies can be a challenging decision for students. While both curricula offer internationally recognised qualifications and are widely accepted by universities and employers around the world, there are differences in the specifications, assessment methods, and grading criteria of each.
By considering personal preferences, course availability, university requirements, and practical exams, students can make an informed decision on which curriculum best suits their personality and learning style.
If you have any questions about choosing a curriculum or want to find out more information about the Edexcel courses available at CambriLearn, please book a FREE consultation with one of our Education Specialists.
