O Level (Ordinary Level)
An Overview of the Historical Qualification
👥 Age Group
O Level is typically taken around the age of 16, often at the end of the fourth year of secondary education.
📜 Historical Context
O Levels were historically used in the UK and some former British colonies, but they have been largely phased out in favor of GCSEs and IGCSEs.
📊 Grading System
Like IGCSE, students receive individual grades (A* to G) for each subject.
O Levels used a similar grading system to IGCSE, with A* being the highest achievement.
Grade Scale
A* | A | B | C | D | E | F | G
🌍 Global Recognition & Current Status
📍 Recognition
O Levels may still be used in some specific educational systems or regions but are not as widespread as IGCSE. They maintain recognition in certain international contexts.
🔄 Transition
Most educational systems have transitioned to GCSE or IGCSE qualifications. O Levels are now considered a predecessor to these modern qualifications.
Note: While O Levels have been largely superseded by GCSE and IGCSE qualifications, they remain an important part of educational history and continue to be recognized in specific contexts. Understanding O Levels provides valuable context for the development of modern international secondary education qualifications.