On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, The British Council Pakistan announced the cancellation of the O-level exams scheduled for May 10, 2023. Following up on this cancellation, May 11 exams have also been canceled.
It was disappointing for the students who had been studying hard for several weeks.
Since the O-level exams are not rescheduled, one question immediately pops up in the students’ minds, “What will happen to my grade?”
How Are Grades Calculated for Cancelled Papers?
The awarding body may calculate an estimated mark for a missing unit/component and allow the candidate to receive certification, provided that specific rules are followed. In addition, the board may take into consideration the assessments and coursework completed by the student during the academic year. This helps avoid waiting for the next assessment opportunity.
What is the Difference Between O-Level, IGCSE, GCSE, & CAIE?
While we are talking about O-level exams, let’s clarify a common confusion. When discussing the Cambridge system, several terms are thrown around. We will briefly describe each term so that you know what they are talking about the next time someone mentions them.
O-Level
O-Level stands for “Ordinary Level,” an internationally recognized qualification. O-Level exams are typically considered more academically rigorous than the CSE (Certificate of Secondary Education) exams.
GCSE
GCSE stands for “General Certificate of Secondary Education.” It is an academic qualification typically taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The grades obtained in GCSE exams often determine a student’s eligibility for further education or employment opportunities.
IGCSE
IGCSE stands for “International General Certificate of Secondary Education.” It is an internationally recognized qualification for secondary school students. IGCSE exams are offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and are widely accepted by educational institutions and employers worldwide.
CAIE
CAIE stands for Cambridge Assessment International Education. It is an examination board and provider of international qualifications based in the United Kingdom. CAIE offers a wide range of educational programs and assessments for primary, secondary, and pre-university students, including O-level, A-level & IGCSE.