The rise of A Levels

by TSERING DOLKER GURUNG

FROM ISSUE # 197 (May 2012) | IN THIS ISSUE
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Although A-level program was first introduced by Budhanilkantha School in Nepal in 1985, it was only after 2000, when private colleges started offering the international degrees that the popularity of the program rose. Currently, there are 34 institutions offering the A-level programs in the country as opposed to a handful of schools just a few years ago. With the increase in number of colleges, the number of A-Levels students has also sky rocketted. The number of students taking A-level is estimated to be around 4000, a drastic change from the early years where, there were only a couple of hundred students sitting for the A-level exams each year.

A two- year course which ends with an examination conducted by the University of Cambridge, the exams are generally taken by the student at the age of 18. Being an international certificate, A-levels is proving to be highly popular among students who have plans to study abroad in the USA, Europe, Australia or elsewhere. "I wanted a foreign degree and A-level is one of the most internationally recognised qualifications offered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations, and it will be easier for me to apply to foreign colleges, that is why I chose to enroll in the program," says 17 year old Bivit Gurung who is currently doing his A-level  from Modern Indian School.

However, this doesn't mean that all A-level students go abroad for further studies. Many choose to stay back and continue their education here. Nabin Man Shrestha, Chairman of A.J.W College explains, "There is a misconception among people that only those seeking to go abroad should study A-level , that it is irrelevant in Nepal. The A-level program is constantly updated and therefore, more valid. The syllabus is such that students are required to use their creativity and think outside the box which the +2 education system does not emphasise." Citing an example from his college, Shrestha says, "While 70 percent of our students have moved abroad for studies, 30 percent are enrolled in good colleges in Nepal."

The cost is another factor that has many students saying 'No' to A-level programs. Compared to +2 colleges, where fees start from Rs 2000 or less, fees for A-level colleges start from Rs 7000. However, Roshan Jung Thapa, Program Manager of Kings College believes this should not deter students from taking up a program that will build their ability. "When parents can pay hefty sums of money for Montessori education, spending a little on A-level shouldn't be a problem," he opines.

The CEO of CG Manipal School, Rupesh Agarwal adds, "With more and more institutions offering A-level programs, the cost of studying has come down. We at CG Manipal have always believed in providing affordable quality education and this is what we are doing. Our focus is to equip both the students and teachers with the latest technology to facilitate learning."

When asked, if he thinks A-level is a better program than +2 Agarwal said, "Definitely, it is a better program than +2 because of its curriculum, teaching methods and in terms of delivery. It is a gateway to international education and a path for students to become global citizens."

A-level has been credited with being a flexible program that allows students to choose from diverse subjects, (a student studying mathematics can study art simultaneously), an option that is not provided in a +2 college. Being a globally recognised certificate, it also allows students to compete in the international arena, where Nepal has been producing world toppers each year.

"Students cannot cheat in A-level. The course is such that all students need to produce their own unique work that compels them to be original," says Shrestha.

The flexibility in choosing a wide range of subjects, receiving a globally accepted certificate, and finding an easy way to foreign education attracts many students and their parents towards A-level. "This is why it has become the most sought after courses today," says Rajni Mukhiya, co-ordinator of A-level program at GEMS.