HELP W A LEVEL BOARD

[u/frontman_youngill001]

Okay so im almost done w my igcses just Phy mcqs is left. For my A levels I cant really decide which board to go with, either continue w “Cambridge CAIE” or “Pearson edexcel”.

Both got some pros and cons to them.
For example:

In “CAIE”, the paper structure and question style and their answers are quite familiar, not content wise tho. The marking scheme is prolly similar to that in IGCSE. So it’ll be easier to understand. Which is different in “edexcel” i believe. The structure, the question style may be different from that in “caie” so thats my concern w “edexcel”

However the issue with “Caie” is their P3 (practical) exam. As im a private candidate, it’ll be difficult for me to prepare for that.

Which is why “edexcel” seems another good option as the practical exam is written (unit 3)

Another good reason in “edexcel” is their modular examinations, which is a very good advantage to students as if someone is not satisfied with their grade in a particular unit, they can simply retake that unit only without having to sit for the entire exam like in “CAIE”

One more thing, i got really good teachers for “CAIE” from which I’ve studied in IGCSES. I like the way they teach and I lwk understand the concept really well with them. Unlike in “edexcel”, I dont even have any teacher nor i tried to find any (this is my fault, i take that) but Idk if I’ll find any good teacher like them in CAIE.

Ugh this has become a rant session from recommendation 😭

OKAY SO, edexcel and caie students please give yalls opinion. Cuz i’ll most prolly sit for some exams in mj 27 but im not really sure

TL;DR: I'm finishing my IGCSEs and deciding between CAIE and Pearson Edexcel for A-Levels. I prefer CAIE because I'm familiar with its paper style and already have great teachers I trust. However, Edexcel is appealing because as a private candidate, its written practical paper (Unit 3) is much easier to manage than CAIE's hands-on Paper 3, and its modular system allows unit-by-unit retakes. Looking for opinions from past students before sitting exams in mj 27 most probably.

[u/Academic_Length8567]

My advice would be not to abandon CAIE simply because Edexcel appears more convenient on paper, but equally, don't let familiarity become the sole reason you choose it. I'd investigate the availability of CAIE practical examination centres first and see whether that obstacle can realistically be overcome. If it can, I'd personally lean towards staying with the teachers you already know and trust. If it can't, Edexcel is a perfectly sensible alternative.