NTES Curriculum & Examination Framework Library
Explore OxfordAQA International GCSE, International AS and A-level qualifications, project-based learning, assessment structures, official specifications, teacher resources and school implementation.
OxfordAQA is an international examination and qualification provider. This page therefore focuses on qualifications and assessment rather than presenting OxfordAQA as a complete K–12 curriculum framework.
Main Qualification
International GCSE
Advanced Pathway
International AS & A-level
GCSE Structure
Linear
AS / A-level Structure
Modular
Important classification
OxfordAQA provides international qualifications, specifications, assessment requirements and examination services. Schools remain responsible for designing a coherent wider curriculum around those qualifications and for meeting applicable national or local educational requirements.
Qualification pathways
Secondary
OxfordAQA International GCSE qualifications provide subject-based secondary qualifications designed specifically for international students.
Official information →International qualifications
Generally linear assessment
9–1 grading
Wide subject choice
Internationally focused assessment
Progression to advanced study
Advanced Secondary
International AS qualifications form part of OxfordAQA's modular advanced-level pathway and can support progression towards the full International A-level.
Official information →Modular structure
Subject-based qualifications
Flexible unit assessment
Advanced academic study
Progression pathway
International delivery
Pre-University
OxfordAQA International A-levels provide advanced subject qualifications designed to support progression to universities and higher education internationally.
Official information →Pre-university qualification
Modular assessment
Advanced subject knowledge
Critical thinking
University progression
International recognition
Project-Based Learning
The International Extended Project Qualification enables students to undertake an independent project alongside International AS and A-level study.
Official information →Independent research
Project planning
Critical thinking
Creative problem-solving
Report writing
University preparation
International GCSE
OxfordAQA currently provides International GCSE qualifications across sciences, mathematics, humanities, languages, computing, business and other subject areas. Schools should always confirm current availability directly with OxfordAQA.
Accounting
Arabic – First Language
Bangla
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Chinese – First Language
Combined Science
Computer Science
Design & Technology
Digital & Information Technology
Economics
English as a Second Language
English Language
English Literature
French
Geography
Global Skills Projects
History
Islamiat
Mathematics
Media Studies
Pakistan Studies
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Urdu
International AS & A-level
OxfordAQA offers advanced qualifications across a growing range of subjects. Its International AS and A-level structure is modular, giving schools and students flexibility in how units are assessed.
Accounting
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Chinese – First Language
Computer Science
Economics
English Language
English Literature
Further Mathematics
Geography
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
Assessment architecture
OxfordAQA states that its International GCSE qualifications are linear, with examinations normally taken at the end of the course of study.
International AS and A-level qualifications use a modular structure, allowing units to be taken across different examination series.
OxfordAQA states that examinations are designed to assess subject knowledge without unnecessarily testing British cultural knowledge.
Each qualification is supported by an official specification defining content, assessment objectives and examination requirements.
For modular International AS and A-level qualifications, students may have opportunities to resit individual units according to current OxfordAQA regulations.
Approved centres must follow OxfordAQA examination administration requirements, policies and applicable examination procedures.
Project-based learning
A substantial independent project designed to develop research, project management, creative problem-solving and academic writing skills.
Official information →A project-based International GCSE qualification introduced as part of OxfordAQA's expanding future-ready qualification offer.
Official information →School implementation
Schools must obtain OxfordAQA approval before entering students for OxfordAQA examinations.
Leaders should select qualifications according to student pathways, subject provision, university progression and local recognition requirements.
Departments should map curriculum plans directly against the current OxfordAQA specification and assessment objectives.
Schools need a coherent internal assessment programme using appropriate formative assessment, topic tests, mock examinations and examination preparation.
Subject teachers should understand qualification content, assessment objectives, command words, mark schemes and standards.
Examinations officers need systems for entries, candidate information, examination conduct, access arrangements, results and post-results processes.
Schools should monitor student progress against subject knowledge and assessment objectives rather than relying only on final examination outcomes.
Advanced qualification choices should be aligned carefully with students' intended higher-education destinations and subject prerequisites.
Quality assurance
Schools should be clear about why each OxfordAQA qualification has been selected and how it contributes to the wider curriculum.
Subject knowledge and skills should be sequenced coherently across the course rather than organised only around examination practice.
Teachers need secure understanding of assessment objectives, question demands, mark schemes and standards.
Leaders should evaluate whether students are building secure knowledge and skills over time and identify gaps early.
Where teacher assessment or internally assessed components apply, schools should follow current moderation and standardisation requirements.
Schools must maintain appropriate examination security, invigilation, candidate identification and malpractice procedures.
Qualification comparison
| Qualification | Level | Structure | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| International GCSE | Secondary | Linear | Subject qualification and progression to advanced study |
| International AS | Advanced Secondary | Modular | Advanced subject study and progression |
| International A-level | Pre-University | Modular | Advanced qualification and university progression |
| International EPQ | Advanced / Project | Independent project | Research, project management and university preparation |
Official OxfordAQA resources
Qualification specifications, examination arrangements and subject availability can change. Schools should use current OxfordAQA documentation when making curriculum or examination decisions.
Main official source for OxfordAQA International Qualifications, announcements and school information.
Visit OxfordAQAExplore the current range of OxfordAQA International GCSE, International AS and International A-level qualifications.
Explore QualificationsOfficial teaching resources associated with OxfordAQA qualifications, including qualification-specific support.
Teacher ResourcesOfficial information about examination preparation, regulations, invigilation and examination administration.
Exams GuidanceOfficial guidance for examination officers covering entries, centre approval and examination-series administration.
Entries GuidanceOfficial information about OxfordAQA's International Extended Project Qualification.
Explore International EPQOfficial OxfordAQA information concerning international qualification recognition and progression to higher education.
University ProgressionOfficial information about OxfordAQA, its partnership structure and international qualification approach.
About OxfordAQAThis NT Education Solutions page is intended to help schools understand the structure of OxfordAQA International Qualifications and locate authoritative official information.
NT Education Solutions is independent of OxfordAQA, Oxford University Press and AQA. Inclusion of their qualifications and links does not imply endorsement, approval, affiliation or partnership. Schools should verify current requirements directly with OxfordAQA.
From specification to curriculum implementation
Strong qualification delivery requires more than exam preparation. Curriculum sequencing, assessment, departmental planning, teacher expertise and student progress need to work together.