In 2008, Chengdu Shishi School worked in partnership with CIE (University of Cambridge International Examinations) to open the Cambridge A-Level Centre to prepare students to take the A-Level examination in China and then study abroad at their chosen universities. A thematic thread through this programme is the philosophy of offering curricula and student experiences that encourage the development of creativity and curiosity in students in order to empower them to maximise the potential in their lives and future careers.

　　The CIE A-Level programme delivers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and GCE Cambridge A-Level programmes.
　　The GCE Cambridge A-Level programme includes IGCSE for Pre A-Level (PAL) and the CIE AS/A-Levels. Most A-Level subjects are taught over two years, the first year being known as ‘AS’ and the second year as ‘A2’. IGCSEs are taught over one year for Chinese students who have completed their nine years of compulsory education. The AS/A-Level programme is suitable for students who have completed IGCSEs or the Chinese senior one or two education (approximately equivalent to year 10/11 in the UK system).
　　IGCSE is the preferred system of preparation for A-Level study. Prior to this, an ‘in-house’ system called the Pre A-Level year (PAL) was used as preparation for the early phase of study. The PAL comprises a range of subjects such as English, mathematics, physics, chemistry and business studies. Although all subjects are compulsory, it does provide a broader field of study and allows students to make a more informed choice of AS and A-Levels.

　　The AS/A-Level programme offers subjects such as mathematics, Further Mathematics (A-Level only), physics, chemistry, biology economics, business studies, , Accounting and English IGCSE. Students can choose four or more subjects at AS level and in most cases take three to four subjects at the A2 level. English is a compulsory element for all students even when they have met English entrance requirements (IELTS/TOEFL) for overseas university applications.
　　As we develop a cohort of students with a higher level of prior knowledge, the Cambridge A-Level curriculum is being adapted to optimise the best use of students’ time. For the subject of mathematics for example, since September 2008, PAL students study concepts and vocabulary not covered in the Chinese system within the first two months of the PAL year. The remainder of the year is spent covering two modules of the AS mathematics course. This approach gives the flexibility to complete the A-Level mathematics in one year, and in turn allows students to study further mathematics or a new AS option in their A2 year. It must be recognised, however, that not all students are exceptionally competent in mathematics and consequently we continue to teach mathematics A-Level over two years.

Student Recruitment and Administration Office: (028) 86119871
Website of Chengdu Shishi High School: www.cdshishi.net
Website of Chengdu Shishi Cambridge A-Level Centre: www.shishialevel.cn
Address: Chengdu Shishi Cambridge A-Level Centre, 5th floor of Chengdu Shishi High School, # 93 Wen Miao Front Street, Qing Yang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. 610041