Pearson Edexcel

International
Advanced Level
Centre Guide
Designed for
the global learner

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL)

qualifications are popular with teachers and learners alike for
many reasons including:
Flexible and modular structure Involve and engage learners in
with synopticity: examinations from the start:
IAL provides the flexibility to teach With exam results providing formal
a modular A level qualification. This feedback throughout, learners are
allows learners to take examinations at able to more quickly understand the
the right time for them. The modular standard required to reach the level
structure includes a synoptic approach of achievement they are aiming for.
to assessment, which means learners This understanding motivates them
are examined on their learning to improve, and builds a sense of
from each unit and are also able to ownership through bite-size, short-term
demonstrate their knowledge and goals.
understanding across the whole subject.
AS results contribute to A level:
Multiple examination
International AS qualifications can be
opportunities:
taken separately or used as a stage on
Examinations are available in January, the way to completing an Advanced
June and October in most subjects. Level qualification. This provides
international schools and learners with
As exams are spread throughout the
greater choice and flexibility to meet
course, revision is broken down into
their needs and aspirations.
unit-sized chunks, and there are less
‘all-or-nothing’ exam periods, enabling Globally recognised qualifications:
learners to focus their revision on fewer
IAL qualifications are recognised by
exams at a time.
top local and international universities
across the world.
International focus:
IAL qualifications contain international
content, using local contexts where
100% externally possible, to fully equip the global
learner.
assessed
Learners can resit individual
unit examinations.
A qualification with an
international outlook
Our International Advanced Level qualifications have been developed in consultation
with the international school community, including a large number of teachers and
university lecturers, to be engaging for international learners and to give them the
necessary skills to support progression to higher and further study.

The suite is now available in 21 subjects:

Accounting German
Available in Arabic Greek

2 1 s u b je c t s Biology History
Business Studies Information Technology (IT)
Chemistry Law
Economics Mathematics
English Language Further Mathematics
English Literature Pure Mathematics
French Physics
Geography Psychology
Spanish

Please bookmark
qualifications.pearson.com/ial
and sign up to our monthly newsletter at
qualifications.pearson.com/newsletter-sign-up
to be kept informed of the latest developments.
 New Chemistry
updated Key qualification features – using feedback from
teachers and higher education institutions, we’ve retained

qualifications several key features which we know you like including:

›› modular assessment, offered at different times of

year, January, June and October, to suit your delivery
model. AS result contribute to overall A level result.
for first teaching in ›› practical skills assessed through a dedicated

September 2018 examination Unit both at AS (Unit 3) and at A Level

Unit 6). There are 16 core practical activities in the
specification which form a thread linking theoretical
knowledge and understanding to practical scenarios.
›› comparable content with the UK GCE A Level – giving

Biology confidence to students, teacher and universities about

the comparability between specifications.
›› range of types of questions in exams – testing a
Key qualification features – using feedback from breadth of knowledge, as well as allowing depth of
teachers and higher education institutions, we’ve retained understanding to be tested.
several key features which we know you like including:
›› modular assessment, offered at different times of year,
Clear and straightforward question papers – our
January, June and October, to suit your delivery model question papers are clear and accessible for students of all
›› practical skills assessed through a dedicated ability ranges, and use a series of well-defined command
examination Unit both at AS (Unit 3) and at A Level words. Our mark schemes are straightforward so that the
Unit 6). assessment requirements are clear.
›› comparable content with the UK GCE A Level – giving
confidence to students, teacher and universities about Broad and deep development of learners’
the comparability between specifications. skills – we designed the International Advanced Level
›› range of types of questions in exams – testing a
qualifications to extend learners’ knowledge by broadening
breadth of knowledge, as well as allowing depth of
and deepening skills. For example learners will:
understanding to be tested .
›› develop their ability to apply mathematical skills to
Broad and deep development of learners’ Chemistry throughout the course.
skills – we designed the International Advanced Level ›› gain experience in a variety of practical techniques
qualifications to extend learners’ knowledge by broadening and procedures, which will be assessed separately
and deepening skills. For example learners will: within Unit 3 and Unit 6.
›› widen their learning through a number of key
›› develop their ability to apply mathematical skills to
transferable skills, which may be cognitive,
Biology throughout the course .
›› gain experience in a variety of practical techniques intrapersonal or interpersonal.
and procedures, which will be assessed separately
within Unit 3 and Unit 6. The IAL specification The content is divided into 6 externally marked units:
includes 18 core practical activities which form
›› Unit 1: The core principles of chemistry
a thread linking theoretical knowledge and
understanding to practical scenarios. ›› Unit 2: Application of core principles of chemistry.
›› widen their learning through a number of key ›› Unit 3: Experimental Skills in Chemistry I
transferable skills, which may be cognitive, ›› Unit 4: General principles of chemistry I – rates,
intrapersonal or interpersonal. equilibria and further organic chemistry
›› Unit 5: General principles of chemistry II –
Content is divided into six externally marked units: transition metals and organic nitrogen chemistry.
›› Unit 6: Experimental Skills in Chemistry II
›› Unit 1: Molecules, diet, transport and health
›› Unit 2: Cells, development, biodiversity and
conservation
›› Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology I
›› Unit 4: Energy, the environment, microbiology and
immunity
›› Unit 5: Respiration, the internal environment,
coordination and gene technology
›› Unit 6: Practical Skills in Biology II
Physics Mathematics
Key qualification features – using feedback from Key qualification features – using feedback from
teachers and higher education institutions, we’ve retained teachers and higher education institutions, we’ve retained
several key features which we know you like including: several key features which we know you like including:

›› modular assessment, offered at different times of ›› unitised structure with all units equally weighted,
year, January, June and October, to suit your delivery equal available marks of 75 in each unit and each unit
model. AS result contribute to overall A level result. examination suitably timed at 1h 30m.
›› practical skills assessed through a dedicated ›› 14 units available across Pure Mathematics, Further
examination Unit both at AS (Unit 3) and at A Mathematics, Mechanics, Statistics and Decision
Level Unit 6). There are 16 core practical activities Maths allowing many different combinations of units
that form a thread linking theoretical knowledge and greater flexibility.
and understanding to practical scenarios in the ›› fully modular assessment, offered at different times of
specification. year, January, June and October, to suit your delivery
›› comparable content with the UK GCE A Level – giving model.
confidence to students, teacher and universities about ›› AS results contribute to overall A level results.
the comparability between specifications.
›› range of types of questions in exams – testing a Clear and straightforward question papers – our
breadth of knowledge, as well as allowing depth of question papers are clear and accessible for students of all
understanding to be tested. ability ranges. Our mark schemes are straightforward so
that the assessment requirements are clear.
Clear and straightforward question papers – our
question papers are clear and accessible for students of all Broad and deep development of learners’
ability ranges, and use a series of well-defined command skills – we designed the International Advanced Level
words. mathematics to:

Our mark schemes are straightforward so that the ›› develop their understanding of mathematics and
assessment requirements are clear. mathematical processes in a way that promotes
confidence and fosters enjoyment.
Broad and deep development of learners’ ›› develop an awareness of the relevance of mathematics
skills – we designed the International Advanced Level to other fields of study, to the world of work and to
qualifications to extend learners’ knowledge by broadening society in general.
and deepening skills. For example learners will: ›› take increasing responsibility for their own learning
and the evaluation of their own mathematical
›› develop their ability to apply mathematical skills development.
to Physics throughout the course.
›› gain experience in a variety of practical techniques
and procedures, which will be assessed separately
within Unit 3 and Unit 6 .
›› widen their learning through a number of key
transferable skills, which may be cognitive,
intrapersonal or interpersonal.

The content is divided into 6 externally marked units:

›› Unit 1: Mechanics and Materials

›› Unit 2: Waves and Electricity
›› Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics I
›› Unit 4: Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles
›› Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations
and Cosmology
›› Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics II
 New Economics
updated Key qualification features – using feedback from
teachers and higher education institutions, we’ve retained

qualifications several key features which we know you like including:

›› the new Economics qualification builds on the

contents covered in the legacy qualification, providing

for first teaching in

continuity for teachers (contents have been updated
to align with changes made in the UK GCE A level

September 2018 ››
qualification).
fully modular assessment, offered at different times of
year, January, June and October, to suit your delivery
model.
›› all examinations are written and externally marked by

Business ››
Pearson.
AS results continue to contribute to overall A level
result.
Key qualification features – using feedback from
teachers and higher education institutions, we’ve retained Engaging content – content allows students to develop
several key features which we know you like including: an awareness of trends in the global economy, researching
›› the new Business qualification builds on the contents developed and developing economics, including a focus on
covered in the legacy qualification, providing contemporary issues.
continuity for teachers. Contents have been updated
to align with changes made in the UK GCE A level Development of quantitative skills – students
qualification. develop these skills throughout the content of the course
›› fully modular assessment, offered at different times of and are required to apply these skills to relevant economic
year, January, June and October, to suit your delivery contexts within the assessment.
model.
›› all examinations are written and externally marked by Consistent command word taxonomy – we have
Pearson. reduced the number of command words used in the
›› AS results contribute to overall A level result. assessment and applied a consistent mark tariff.

Provides a real business focus – students are Accessible assessment – to ensure all students are
encouraged to contextualise theory and respond to real- able to access the whole exam paper we have introduced
life international business case studies and stimulus ramping within each question.
material.
Questions start with a low mark tariff and become more
›› students develop an understanding of current global challenging as students work their way through the paper,
issues that impact on business, preparing them for helping to build confidence.
their next steps in today’s global world.
Clear and straightforward question papers – Our
Clear and straightforward question papers – our
question papers are clear and accessible for students of all
question papers are clear and accessible for students of all
ability ranges.
ability ranges.
›› our mark schemes are straightforward so that the Our mark schemes are straightforward so that the
assessment requirements are clear. assessment requirements are clear.
Development of quantitative skills – students Students widen their learning through a number of key
develop these skills throughout the content of the course
transferable skills, which may be cognitive, intrapersonal
and are required to apply these skills to relevant business
or interpersonal.
contexts within the assessment.
›› widen their learning through a number of key Content is divided into 4 externally marked units:
transferable skills, which may be cognitive,
›› Unit 1: Markets in action
intrapersonal or interpersonal.
›› Unit 2: Macroeconomic performance and policy
The content is divided into 4 externally marked units: ›› Unit 3: Business behaviour
›› Unit 1: Marketing and people ›› Unit 4: Developments in the global economy
›› Unit 2: Managing business activities
›› Unit 3: Business decisions and strategy
›› Unit 4: Global business
IT (replaces Applied ICT)
Key qualification features
›› up-to-date, engaging content with clear structure and
straightforward assessments.
›› we designed the International Advanced Level IT
to extend students’ knowledge by broadening and
deepening skills, for example learners will:
›› engage with web and database design in a practical,
externally-assessed examination.
›› students will be able to apply in a practical way
the knowledge and understanding they gain in the
classroom.
›› students will discover how to plan and implement an
IT project and learn about key areas such as emerging
technologies, the online environment and systems
analysis and design.
›› fully modular structure allowing students to sit
examinations when they are ready.

Clear and straightforward question papers – our

question papers are clear and accessible for students of all
ability ranges.

›› our mark schemes are straightforward so that the

assessment requirements are clear.
›› students widen their learning through a number
of key transferable skills, which may be cognitive,
intrapersonal or interpersonal.
›› content is divided into 4 externally marked units with
examinations available in the May/June series.

Pearson Edexcel
qualifications are among
the most established and
popular in the world.
As a result of studying
International Advanced
Level, I am now going to
read Civil Engineering at
Imperial College London.
Heng Hoe Cheong, now studying
Civil Engineering at Imperial College London, UK.
 Arabic*
Other Overview:

Pearson Pearson Edexcel IAL in Arabic is designed for learners

who are studying Arabic in order to enhance their future
educational or employment prospects. Learners will be

Edexcel tested on their Arabic Language competence through

realistic and contextualised tasks based on authentic texts.

IAL subjects Content:

This qualification is modular and comprises of two units;
Unit 1 (IAS) (may be awarded as a discrete qualification or
contribute up to 50 per cent of the total IAL Arabic marks)
and Unit 2 (IA2). Examination is 100% external. Reading
Modern Foreign Languages and writing skills are tested through two examination

(French, German and papers.

Spanish)* Unit 1: Understanding and Written Response

Unit 2: Writing and Research

Overview: Assessment:
Pearson Edexcel IAL French, German and Spanish ›› 100% examination.
specifications are designed to inspire learners, enabling ›› Externally assessed.
them to use their chosen language independently and
encouraging a deeper understanding of language and
culture. It caters for a range of learner interests, with
support for those who see languages as a way to enhance
career or travel prospects.
Greek*
Content: Overview:
Each specification is modular and comprises of four IAL Greek is designed to inspire learners, with
units. Unit 1 and Unit 2 (IAS) (may be awarded as a up-to-date and relevant content, containing a range of
discrete qualification or contribute up to 50 per cent of the engaging stimulus materials. It tests Greek language
total IAL marks) and Unit 3 and unit 4 (IA2). Speaking competence through realistic and contextualised tasks
communication skills are assessed in Units 1 and 3 and based on authentic texts.
skills of listening, reading and writing are assessed in
Units 2 and 4. Content:
This qualification is modular and comprises of two units.
Unit 1: Spoken Expression and Response Unit 1 (IAS) (may be awarded as a discrete qualification or
Unit 2: Understanding and Written Response contribute up to 50 per cent of the total IAL marks) and
Unit 3: Understanding and Spoken Response Unit 2 (IA2). Examination in this qualification is 100%
Unit 4: Research, Understanding and external. Reading and writing skills are tested through two
Written Response examination papers.
Assessment:
Unit 1: Understanding and Written Response
›› 100% examination.
›› Externally assessed. Unit 2: Writing and Research

Assessment:
›› 100% examination.
›› Externally assessed.

* Achievement in Edexcel IAL Arabic, French, German,

Greek and Spanish is benchmarked against the Advanced
Level General Certificate of Education (GCE) and the
Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages (CEFR) at level B2.
English Language Geography
Overview: Overview:
Pearson Edexcel IAL in English Language presents the Pearson Edexcel IAL Geography provides interesting
subject in a global context so that it is more suitable for an and engaging contemporary geographical content that
international audience. Students study key features of the allows teachers the flexibility to design programmes
English Language – including Context and Identity – and to suit particular interests and needs, using a range of
also how other languages have influenced the development approaches.
of English.
Content:
They explore how language reflects and constructs the This specification comprises of four units: Units 1 and
identity or identities of the user, the ways languages 2 (may be awarded as a discrete AS qualification or
change and vary over time, with a focus on English in contribute 50 per cent of the total IAL marks) and Units 3
a global context. They also have opportunity for the and 4.
development of research skills to a chosen topic area.
Unit 1: Global Challenges
The qualification has a fully modular structure with Unit 2: Geographical Investigations
examinations in January and June and AS results Unit 3: Contested Planet
contributing to overall A level result. Unit 4: Researching Geography

Unit 1: Language: Context and Identity

Assessment:
›› 100% examination.
Unit 2: Language in Transition
›› Externally assessed.
Unit 3: Crafting Language (Writing)
Unit 4: Investigating Language

Assessment: History
›› 100% examination.
›› Externally assessed.
Overview:
Learners of our Pearson Edexcel IAL in History will study
the most popular historical periods and themes, with a
English Literature greater emphasis on international history.

Content:
Overview: There are some similarities in content to the Edexcel 2015
The Pearson Edexcel IAL in English Literature has up GCE A Level History specification, but we have adapted
to date content which is relevant and engaging to an the approach for an international audience. The number
international audience. Students will have the opportunity of options in each section has been reduced, with a total of
to study international, multi-cultural texts as well four historical periods per unit.
as canonised English literature. They will also study
movements of poetry across key authors. The range of Unit 1: Depth study with interpretations
genres, time periods and texts will give them a well- Unit 2: Breadth study with source evaluation
rounded study of English Literature.
Unit 3: Thematic study
Fully modular structure with examinations in January Unit 4: Extract evaluation
and June.
Assessment:
The choice of texts include those by Dickens, Brontë ›› 100% examination.
and Shakespeare, as well as pre- 1900 poetry post- ›› Externally assessed.
2000 poetry and prose. There is also a greater range of
international texts, including The Kite Runner and The
White Tiger.

Unit 1: Poetry and Prose

Unit 2: Drama
Unit 3: Poetry and Prose
Unit 4: Shakespeare and pre-1900 Poetry

Assessment:
›› 100% examination.
›› Externally assessed.
Psychology Accounting
Edexcel International Advanced Level in Accounting
Overview:
develops learners’ knowledge and understanding of the
Pearson Edexcel IAL in Psychology enables learners
principles, concepts and techniques of accounting. The
to develop an understanding of social and cognitive
specification lays a secure foundation for the future study
psychology, biological psychology, learning theories and
of accounting or related subjects.
development, applications of psychology and clinical
psychology, and psychological skills.

Content: Law
The specification has been developed to suit an
international context. There will be three studies Edexcel International Advanced Level in Law aims to
for each topic area: one classic and one contemporary, develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of legal
with another from a choice of two contemporary studies. rules and institutions, as well as an appreciation of the
Unit 1: Social and Cognitive Psychology function of law in society. Learners will learn to apply
analytical and critical thinking as part of this course.
Unit 2: Biological Psychology, Learning Theories
and Development
Examinations available in June and October
Unit 3: Applications of Psychology
Unit 4: Clinical Psychology and
Psychological Skills

Assessment:
›› 100% examination.
›› Externally assessed.

I wanted to study
subjects that were
relevant to a future
career. Pearson
Edexcel IAL provides
learners with a firm
knowledge base.
Nasim Mirzajani, now studying Chemical
Engineering at Yale University, USA
Supporting you
every step
of the way

Support with exam Teaching and

preparation and
assessment
delivery support
Pearson Edexcel
›› Past papers.
›› Ask the Expert.
IAL prepared
›› Mark schemes.
›› Subject Advisors.
›› Subject community
me so much for
›› Examiner reports. forums. university and
›› ResultsPlus Mock
Exam Analysis.
›› Training solutions.
I was successful
in getting
offers and a
scholarship to
Resources Results/post the Australian
›› Range of free teaching
results support university of
resources including: ›› ResultsPlus. my choice.
past exam papers, ›› Certification.
schemes of work Hayin Lin, now studying
›› Exam feedback
and more. Mathematics at the
sessions.
University of Tasmania
›› Range of paid-for ›› Grade boundaries.
digital and print
resources.

ResultsPlus
Provides you with instant and detailed analysis of your learners’ Pearson Edexcel IAL exam and
mock performance. Widely used by teachers across the world, it helps you identify the areas
where learners could benefit from extra support and guidance, driving attainment.

Find out more at: qualifications.pearson.com/resultsplus

Progress to About
University Pearson
Developed by education specialists specifically At the core of everything we do
for international learners, Pearson Edexcel at Pearson is the desire to make a
IAL qualifications are recognised by leading measurable impact on improving
universities across the world - including Oxford, people’s lives through learning. From
Cambridge, Columbia University and Yale primary school to secondary school,
University. IAL qualifications provide learners through to professional certification;
with access to the world’s top universities and our qualifications help educate millions
prestigious employment opportunities. of people worldwide.

To find out more please visit

qualifications.pearson.com/ial

JAN 2018