King's College Online
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King’s College Online students study for success in Pearson Edexcel International A levels. These are globally recognised qualifications that are accepted by every leading university and academic institution worldwide.

A levels are a two year course that are assessed by individual modules. This allows students to accrue results as they proceed through the course, with AS levels awarded at the end of year one for all subjects except Chinese. For a full time programme, students should study three or four subjects from the choice of International A levels or AS levels, guided by university degree aspirations and potential future career choices.

Subjects available at A level and AS level:

  • Biology

  • Business

  • Chemistry

  • Chinese † ‡

  • Economics

  • English Literature

  • French *

  • Further Maths

  • Geography

  • History

  • Maths

  • Physics

  • Psychology

  • Spanish

Our subject choice may differ depending on your location. Exceptions are as follows: * Only available in Europe, Middle East and Africa. †  Only available in Asia Pacific.  ‡  Not available at AS level.

Read our guide for parents and students below to learn more about why Pearson qualifications are studied by more students than any other awarding organisation.

Chinese Guide for parents_New


 

Virtual school biology

Biology is the study of life. Biology encompasses everything from the workings of an individual cell to a study of the ecosystems of the world. It includes the study of biochemistry, genetics, physiology, molecular biology, evolution, ecology, medical research and ethology (behaviour).

Biology has been called the Science of the 21st Century and new breakthroughs are announced on an almost daily basis. Biologists are beginning to understand at the deepest level of how humans function and think. They are also making progress in understanding the biochemistry of life, which leads to the development of new treatments for many diseases.

How this course is assessed

The International A level Biology course is assessed through a modular system of six externally assessed units. Each assessed unit comprises a written examination paper ranging in length from 80 minutes to 105 minutes.

Course career prospects

A-level Biology, is a required subject for university courses in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Medicine, Optometry, Veterinary Science and many more.

Virtual school Business

Business Studies is an interesting and relevant subject to modern day society. The course examines the basics of business practices, markets, customers, and competitors. Elements of finance and accounting are interweaved with units on business structures, entrepreneurship and business strategy.

How this course is assessed

The International A level Business Studies course is assessed through a modular system of four externally assessed units. Each assessed unit comprises a written examination paper ranging in length from 90 minutes to 120 minutes.

Course career prospects

An International A level in Business Studies often leads to students choosing to study business related courses at university. . When combined with Finance or Management, an EBusiness degree can also be more vocational.

Virtual school Chemistry

Chemistry occupies a central place among the scientific disciplines. It is concerned with events on a molecular level but at the same time forms the basis of a multi-billion pound industry that operates on a large scale. Chemistry remains at the forefront of scientific innovation with the development of new medicines to control and combat disease, the discovery of new materials and the provision of solutions to major world issues such as the more efficient use of our limited natural resources.

How this course is assessed

The International A level Chemistry course is assessed through a modular system of six externally assessed units. Each assessed unit comprises a written examination paper ranging in length from 80 minutes to 105 minutes.

Course career prospects

In addition to pure Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chemistry may be studied as a combined degree with a large number of other scientific and non-scientific subjects. Other possibilities likely to be of interest to the Chemistry student include Geology, Material Science and a wide range of engineering courses.

Virtual school Chinese

King’s College Online students study for the Pearson British A level. This course has been designed to stimulate interest in the language, literature, film and culture of the Chinese-speaking world. The specification has been created to be motivating and will enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of the Chinese language, the culture of China and other Chinese-speaking countries, as well as practical and valuable language and transferable study skills.

How this course is assessed

The British A level is examined as a linear course at the end of 2 years rather than by module; like the International A levels, this qualification is accepted by all leading universities.

Course career prospects

Languages are highly sought after by employers. Students may choose to pursue the study of Chinese at university, or may combine it with other ab-initio language courses. Many universities also offer degrees which combine the study of a language with management or business degrees.

Virtual school Economics

Economics is an exciting and creative subject. It is about gaining an understanding of the society in which we live and will enable students to develop a better understanding of current affairs.

How this course is assessed

The International A level Economics course is assessed through a modular system of four externally assessed units. Each assessed unit comprises a written examination paper ranging in length from 105 minutes to 120 minutes.

Course career prospects

An International A level in Economics often leads to students choosing to study Economics, Management or Finance at university. A traditional Economics degree is academic, but there are an increasing number of multidisciplinary degrees on offer combining Economics with History, Geography, Mathematics and Foreign Languages, and some offer the opportunity to spend one year abroad. When combined with Finance or Management, an Economics degree can also be more vocational.

Virtual school English

The study of English Literature offers particular opportunities for the development of personal response and original thought. The course requires the detailed study of major writers, poets and playwrights, from the seventeenth century to the present day.

How this course is assessed

The International A level English Literature course is assessed through a modular system of four externally assessed units. Each assessed unit comprises a written open book examination paper, each examination is 120 minutes in length.

Course career prospects

Many students choose to continue their study of English Literature at university. However, Advanced Level knowledge of English is also appreciated by universities in all degree subjects in the humanities and social sciences.

Virtual school geography

Geography is fundamental to an understanding of how our complex world operates.  It synthesises a range of academic disciplines, including Economics, Politics and Environmental Science, to explain how contemporary places and landscapes are formed, how they are changing, and how they might best be managed for our long term future.  

How this course is assessed

The International A level Geography qualification is assessed through a modular system of four externally assessed units. Each assessed unit comprises a written examination paper ranging in length from 90 minutes to 120 minutes. 

Course career prospects

Many Geographers will choose to continue the subject at university.  It can be studied either as a BA/MA (Arts based) or a BSc/MSc (Science based) degree. Graduate Geographers acquire a wide range of transferable skills making the subject particularly popular with employers – Geographers have enjoyed one of the lowest levels of postgraduate unemployment for many years. Students will find the subject has much to contribute to their interest in vocational subjects such as law, management, finance, environmental science, medicine, or engineering.  Other pupils will choose Geography as a strong complementary or contrasting subject for a broad range of academic degrees including economics, languages, History, and Science.

History logo icon

History provides valuable experience in developing skills of analysis and critical evaluation of evidence.  Above all, however, the study of human thought, experience and action is an engaging pursuit. Students will develop an awareness that different people, events, and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them.

How this course is assessed

The International A level History course is assessed through a modular system of four externally assessed units. Each assessed unit comprises a written examination of 120 minutes each.
 

Course career prospects

A Level History is studied through reading, critical thinking, discussion, and essay writing. Detailed and accurate knowledge of the subject is required, and independent thought is prized in historians. That is why History is recognised as providing excellent preparation for university and a wide range of careers.

 

Virtual school maths

The study of Mathematics provides an opportunity to develop logical thinking and to stretch a student's ability to solve problems.

The study of Mathematics sharpens a student’s analytical skills. Students will encounter inspiring connections and patterns that you would never have thought possible, Mathematics is a subject that students can engage with, rather than a subject that is observed from afar, and the possibilities for exploration and satisfaction are boundless.

How this course is assessed

The International A level Mathematics course is assessed through a modular system of six externally assessed units, chosen from a total of 14 units. Each assessed unit comprises a written examination paper.

Course career prospects

Mathematics is often taken as an intellectual discipline in its own right. However, Mathematics is often a prerequisite qualification for degrees in Science, Engineering, Computing and Economics.

Virtual school Physics

International A level Physics develops interest and enthusiasm for the subject at a more sophisticated conceptual level. Students will experience contrasting topics in the principles and applications of particle Physics, electricity, materials, mechanics and waves.

How this course is assessed

The International A level Physics course is assessed through a modular system of six externally assessed units. Each assessed unit comprises a written examination paper ranging in length from 80 minutes to 105 minutes.

Course career prospects

International A level Physics provides an appropriate pathway to university courses in Physics and other subjects in which Physics is a key component. Physics is often taken as an intellectual discipline in its own right. However, it is usually a prerequisite qualification for degrees in Science and Engineering.

Virtual school Spanish

The study of Spanish is a portal into a new world: building on the foundations established during the IGCSE course, students will become an increasingly fluent communicator both orally and on paper as well as a specialist on the culture of Spain and Latin America. Students will develop the ability to summarise, narrate, analyse, and express opinions in Spanish across a range of topics, from current affairs to cinema, from social issues to youth culture. The study of Spanish in the Sixth Form suits those who enjoy communicating as well as those who enjoy the close study of how language works. An interest in other cultures is essential, as is a keen eye for detail.
 

 

How this course is assessed

The International A level Spanish qualification is assessed through a modular system of four externally assessed units. Therefore, for each level (Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced), there is a 10-minute Spoken expression and response examination, a 150-minute listening, reading, grammar and writing examination and a 10-minute speaking assessment.

Course career prospects

Languages are highly sought after by employers. Students may choose to pursue the study of Spanish at university or may combine it with other ab-initio language courses. Many universities also offer degrees which combine the study of a language with management or business degrees. 
 

PEARSON EDEXCEL ONLINE PARTNER & ISI STATEMENT
 

Pearson, the UK's largest awarding organisation, is delighted to be the trusted qualifications partner of King's College Online, part of Inspired Education Group.

 

King’s College Online places the highest emphasis on student safety, safeguarding and safer recruiting, guided by the rigorous Independent Schools Inspectorate (‘ISI’) standards, prescribed by the United Kingdom’s Department for Education (‘DfE’) for the inspection of independent schools, and in anticipation of the DfE’s Online Education Accreditation Scheme.