Edexcel IAL, A globally recognized qualification with seamless transition for A-Level students

Edexcel, UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications has been providing Sri Lankan students with top-ranked examinations for nearly 40 years. This year, the International Advanced Level (IAL) qualification by Edexcel sees itself incorporated into the curriculum of International schools all over the world.

Acknowledging the qualification, the suite of the IAL subjects offered by Edexcel has been recognised and acknowledged by over 175of the top universities across the world including University of London, University of Cambridge, University of California, Berkeley, University of Melbourne, McGill University, University of Hong Kong and the Russell Group of Universities. Students remain privy to an array of leading universities to choose to pursue their higher education with more institutions accepting the qualification daily. Further, the availability of IAL on ‘UCAS apply’ ensures that students have the flexibility to apply the same way as GCE students to the universities of their choice.

Commenting on IAL, Edexcel Assistant Vice President for the Indian Subcontinent Premila Paulraj stated: ‘‘The first teaching for IAL was introduced in September this year. IAL is a well-grounded qualification to enhance A-levels, so students are better prepared for higher education. IAL has been widely received by schools globally and locally, gaining recognition by the best universities in the world as a qualification. Reaffirming this, the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC), the agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide, concluded this yearthat the Edexcel IAL qualification is comparable to the overall GCE Advanced Level standard. ‘’

Edexcel over the years has made many reforms to standardise examinationswarranting that all examination boards update their curriculum every five years. Keeping in line with the changing curriculum and the change due this year; Students will be able to benefit from modular unit tests being offered in all subjects. The exam structure will continue to be held in both January and June sessions at standardised times for the region (9.00 am and 1:30 pm local time)giving students the flexibility and ease to seamlessly progress to the IAL with only one re- sit allowed.

Paulraj added “In order to prepare Edexcel accredited schools and teachers for IAL; Edexcel conducted a series of training and awareness programs. Most schools in Sri Lanka that follow the IAL will also benefit from using the same text books currently being used for the GCE’s as this has not been changed. Further, those students completing their A/L examinations in either January 2014 or June 2014 can continue to do so despite the introduction IAL with their current AS level units contributing to their IAL results.’’

With centres in Colombo and Kandy, the British Council in Sri Lanka has been a long standing partner of Edexcel ensuring superior delivery of educational qualifications and cultural relations. This is in line with the British Council’s purpose to create international opportunities and build trust for people worldwide. In regards to IAL, “We are pleased that Edexcel’s new IALs are gaining increased recognition and as such are a valuable option for young people in Sri Lanka” stated Harriet Gardner, Country Exams Manager/ Assistant Director, British Council.

Students in Sri Lanka and around the world are provided with a foundation which would prepare them for the world of work with conclusive well-articulated modular structures that ensure that students are intellectually challenged while developing skills and personal qualities, gearing the leaders of tomorrow to meet the changing needs of the industry and commerce in the world. Edexcel continues to maintain its focus on creating all rounded students, providing students with a foundation to pursue their specialization of choice in the future while supporting extracurricular activities. In support of this, the examining body continuously sponsors school programs ranging from inter international school athletics meets to Shakespeare drama competitions to other various sports events.

Management Information Systems

The field of management information systems involves applying computer technology, quantitative techniques, and administrative skills to the information processing requirements of organizations. MIS combines computer technology with the management decision-making methods - to analyze, design, implement, and manage computerized information systems in an organizational environment. A bachelor’s degree is generally adequate for entry- level jobs; graduate training is necessary for research and teaching positions. IT professionals are amongst the most sought-after talent in the job market today.

Northwood University - MIS degree program

Northwood University Management Information Systems (MIS) degree is consistently recognized as a leading degree program. MIS degree program has been widely accepted and recognized as the industry benchmark for a management career position in IT/ ICT/ Computing i n d u s t r y. Management Information Systems degree program is an ideal opportunity for those students who are keen to join IT industry to get a head start over others. The degree program allows students to get ‘hands-on’ expertise by creating business applications, apply data-modeling techniques, implement databases, systems analysis and design, and modern application development and prototyping among others.

MIS graduates will find career opportunities wherever computers are used in business, industry, and government. Here are just a few examples: ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Systems Systems Analysis and Design Project Management Website and Social Media Development and Management E-commerce development Decision support systems Credit and billing systems Inventory control systems Software product development Knowledge management systems and business analysis

Save 80% of the cost

The option of completing the entire American MIS degree in Sri Lanka entitles the student to save about 80% (around RS.10 Million) of the cost they would have to spend overseas for the same degree. Interest free installment plans and generous scholarships make all these truly affordable to most students and parents.

ANC maintains similar academic and admission standards to Northwood University USA. For further information, Students and parents are requested to contact Sashini on 0777730073 to join the next intake. You are also invited to visit us at ANC Education, 308 – 310, R.A.De Mel Mawatha Colombo 03. Or visit www. ancedu. com/ lk for more information. You can also like us on https://www.facebook. com/ANC.Education.