If you have been researching UK or International A Levels, you may have come across Pearson Edexcel who are an awarding body worldwide. But why would you choose them over some of the other big organisations such as Cambridge and AQA? We will explain more below.
Who are Pearson Edexcel?
Pearson Edexcel develop and award qualifications for schools, colleges and higher education establishments. They offer GCSEs and A Levels to UK learners and International A Levels and IGCSEs to learners worldwide. Other qualifications awarded by Pearson include BTEC and Functional Skills.
Is Pearson the same as Edexcel
Yes, Edexcel was formed in 1996 following several mergers of exam boards. Then in 2003, Pearson acquired Edexcel and fully took over in 2005. Within the UK, AQA are the largest exam board offering qualifications to learners and Edexcel are one of the biggest exam boards in the UK alongside AQA.
Why choose Pearson Edexcel for A Levels?
Learn Now offer International A Levels with Pearson Edexcel. What would the advantages be if you were to take Pearson Edexcel instead of an alternative awarding body?
This can depend on many things but some reasons why learners choose Edexcel include:
- Multiple exam sittings – Depending on the subject, some exams fall in January, June and November.
- Worldwide exam centres – Centres are available all over the world,
- Modular – Some subjects are modular meaning, you don’t have to take all exams in one sitting.
- Resources widely available – For most subjects, learners will have access to books, exam papers and resources.
- Pearson offer highly sought after qualifications.
Other reasons why learners may choose Pearson Edexcel could be down to individual subjects. Here are some examples:
Edexcel A Level Mathematics
Learners will sometimes opt for Edexcel A Level Mathematics (International) as they have more control over the content that they will learn.
Compulsory modules for A Level Mathematics include Pure 1, 2, 3 and 4 but learners will then choose one of the following options:
- Mechanics & Statistics
- Mechanics and Decision
- Mechanics only
- Statistics and Decision
- Statistics only
Learners can also opt for an A Level in Further Mathematics or A Level Pure Mathematics.
For most modules in Mathematics, exams are in June, January and October. This is great for students who want to relieve some of the exam pressure. We have many learners who take the first three units in one exam sitting and then the remaining three units in a later exam series.
Edexcel A Level Science (Biology, Chemistry & Edexcel)
Edexcel A Level Sciences are sometimes chosen over other awarding bodies. Whilst there are six exams for this A Level, students opt for Edexcel due to the practical skills being assessed differently to other A Levels. Learners still gain a Full A Level with Edexcel, however practical skills are assessed through written exams (papers 3 and 6).
If learners are struggling to find centres who cater for practical exams or are concerned about the financial implications in taking A Level Science, Edexcel is a good option for these reasons.
Edexcel A Level English Literature
Some learners will opt for Edexcel A Level English Literature due to the texts available. If you enjoy reading books such as The Kite Runner or The Life of Pi, Edexcel would be a great option for A Level English Literature.
Other great texts on the course include:
- The Color Purple – Alice Walker
- Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
- A Passage to India – E. M. Forster
- The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
- Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë
If you are still unsure, you could also take a look at our advice on Cambridge.
Cambridge International AS and A Levels?
Edexcel Grading System
For most subjects, International AS Levels are graded on a scale from A-E and International A Levels are graded on a scale from A*-E. Learners can also resit units for certain specifications due to their modular assessment.
Progression with Edexcel International A Levels
Learners taking Edexcel A Levels can progress onto a range of different, relevant academic or vocational higher education qualifications. This includes a degree, BTEC Higher National, Employment or Further Training.
Will you choose Pearson Edexcel for your International A Levels?
We have tried to provide you with as much information as possible when comparing exam boards to Pearson, however if you have an idea of the subject you need/want to take, let us know and we can help you decide on the awarding body that will be the best fit for your circumstances.
