Cambridge AS & A-Levels

Cambridge Assessment International Examinations continue to develop students for success in an evolving global setting.

Somerset College is proud to offer the Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE). The CAIE is a highly respected global syllabus where students develop a deeper understanding of focused subjects through advanced and interactive teaching techniques, giving them an excellent grounding and preparation for their university studies.

The Cambridge Programme is viewed as a world-class international qualification and is highly esteemed by leading universities around the globe, opening doors to a wide range of tertiary institutions locally and internationally.

We are among the best in the world

Since its establishment in 2016, the Somerset College Cambridge Programme has achieved outstanding results. These are not only a testament to the talent and dedication of our students, but also to our exceptional teachers, who enthusiastically inspire and equip students in their pursuit of their individual goals. Our results have gained both national and international recognition, with our proud students having already achieved some of the highest Cambridge accolades:
“Top in the World” for Mathematics, English and Afrikaans (AS-Level),
“Top in South Africa” for Computer Science and Economics (AS-Level), and
“Top in South Africa” for Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics (A-Level).

Our unique programme

Both inside and outside of Cambridge classrooms, our students develop an engaged and informed curiosity towards the world. The Cambridge Programme further fosters the growth of independent, confident and responsible young adults through the intensive nature of the syllabus and the peer-to-peer collaboration that takes place in the programme.

In additon, at Somerset College, we facilitate a fully integrated school culture by opening all school activities and extra-murals to our Cambridge students, including sport, camps, music, theatre, clubs, portfolios, events, leadership positions and awards. Every Cambridge student is an integral part of the wider Somerset College community and enjoys a holistic educational experience that encourages new talent and student ongoing contribution to our thriving campus life.

Our Cambridge subjects

At Somerset College, the Cambridge Programme is completed in the last two years of high school. In their AS-Level year, students are required to take a minimum of five subjects, while in the A-Level year, a minimum of three subjects is recommended.

Somerset College offers:
English Language and English Literature
Mathematics (Statistics, Mechanics, Further Mathematics, Pure Mathematics)
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Economics
Art and Design
History
Geography
Computer Science
Afrikaans
French
(Other languages are offered by special arrangement.)

Our application requirements

International candidates must have a minimum of six IGCSE credits. They must have achieved an A or B in IGCSE examinations (or equivalent) for the subjects they wish to pursue at AS and A-Level. South African candidates, who have completed their Grade 10, may apply with a minimum of 60% in the subjects being considered at AS-Level.

Joining our Cambridge community

Our Cambridge Programme is viewed as a challenging international qualification and is highly valued by many leading universities around the world. Both local and international universities recognise that the programme is designed to prepare students for their tertiary studies, and so students are able to apply to study in South Africa and abroad. While the programme does not cover some South African subjects, such as Life Orientation, South African universities are happy to accommodate this and gladly accept the A-Level qualification.

For further information and any admission queries, please contact:
Patricia McNaught Davis at admissions@somcol.co.za

Cambridge tuition fees

2 year staged route:
Year 1 AS level (5 subjects) – ZAR R140 700 (per annum)
Year 2 A level (max 4 subjects) – ZAR R140 700 (per annum)

Cambridge AS-Level Capital Development Levy: ZAR R6 000 (per annum)

Cambridge A-Level Capital Development Levy: ZAR R4 300 (per annum)

Boarding – ZAR R110 700 (per annum)

Note:
• The fees shown above do not include textbooks and postage costs.
• Please contact us for more details regarding boarding.
• Debentures are not redeemable for the Cambridge Programme.

Cambridge results

2019 Cambridge International AS & A level Subject results are as follows:

Top in the World for Cambridge International AS level in Mathematics - Rachel Angelique Mudge

Top in South Africa for Cambridge International AS level in Economics - Clara Smit
Top in South Africa for Cambridge International AS level in Computer Science - Peter-Jack Harrison
Top in South Africa for Cambridge International A level in Mathematics- Annalie Swanepoel

High Achievement in Cambridge International AS level in Law - Gabrielle Grobler (self-study)
High Achievement in Cambridge International A level in Literature in English - Lara Swanepoel
High Achievement in Cambridge International A level in Computer Science - Annalie Swanepoel

2019 Cambridge International A level examination results are as follows:

47% of the AL students scored a B symbol or higher across all subjects. In AL, an A* relates to a result above 90%. An A* symbol was achieved in 10% of all subject entries. In particular, 40% of our Computer Science students achieved over 90%, and more than 1 in 3 students achieved an A symbol in Mathematics Physics, History and English Literature.

Special mention must be made of Liam Cunningham (2A*, 2A) and Jacob Enthoven (1A*, 3A)
Other AL students who achieved excellent results are
Robyn Austin (1A, 2B, 1C), Nick Geras (2A, 1B),
Stephanie Juncker (1A, 2C), Ukhanyo Mdakane (2A, 2B),
Alexander Murgatroyd (3B), Annalie Swanepoel (2A*, 1A, 1B),
Lara Swanepoel (1A*, 2A, 1B) and Jana van Niekerk (2A*, 1A)

We congratulate all our AL students on their results and wish them well for 2020.