GCE Ordinary Level, also known as O-level or O level, is a subject-based academic qualification. It was introduced in 1951 as a replacement for the 16+ School Certificate (SC) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The O-level would act as a pathway to the new, more in-depth and academically rigorous A-level (Advanced Level). Later, the complementary and more vocational Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) was added to broaden the subjects available and offer qualifications in non-academic subjects.
The GCE O-Level qualification was primarily an examinations-based qualification, with a grading system that changed over the years. In the United Kingdom, the O-Level qualifications were replaced in 1988 with the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). However, the O-level brand is still used in many Commonwealth countries, such as Bangladesh, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Singapore, instead of or alongside the IGCSE qualifications.
The GCE Ordinary Level is a widely recognized qualification, and it is often used as a requirement for entry into further education and training. It is also a valuable qualification for those who wish to pursue employment.
Here are some of the key features of the GCE Ordinary Level:
- It is a subject-based qualification, meaning that students can choose to study a range of different subjects.
- It is an examinations-based qualification, meaning that students’ performance is assessed through a series of exams.
- The grading system has changed over the years, but it is currently based on a scale of A* to G.
- The GCE Ordinary Level is a widely recognized qualification, and it is often used as a requirement for entry into further education and training.
If you are interested in taking the GCE Ordinary Level, you should contact your local education authority or the examining body that administers the qualification in your country.