Chapter 1: The A/L System and the Physical Science Stream
What the A/L is
The G.C.E. Advanced Level examination is a national examination conducted each year by the Department of Examinations, under the Ministry of Education. It is a school-leaving qualification and, for most students, the basis for admission to state universities. It is offered in Sinhala, Tamil, and English media. The curriculum is prepared by the National Institute of Education (NIE) (GCE Advanced Level in Sri Lanka, n.d.).
The streams
Students offer three subjects from one stream, together with common subjects. The main streams are:
Physical Science (Combined Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry or ICT);
Biological Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Agricultural Science);
Commerce;
Arts;
Technology (Engineering Technology and Bio-Systems Technology, with Science for Technology as a common subject).
The Physical Science stream
The Physical Science stream, sometimes called the Mathematics stream, is built around Combined Mathematics and Physics, with a third subject chosen between Chemistry and ICT, according to the schools’ arrangements and the student’s goals (GCE Advanced Level in Sri Lanka, n.d.). Combined Mathematics merges what were once two subjects, Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Alongside the three main subjects, every A/L candidate also takes the common subjects, which include General English and the Common General Test (CGT), a multiple-choice paper of 50 questions (Learner.net, n.d.). Results are reported as grades (A, B, C, S, and F, with S the lowest pass).
| Subject | What it develops | Where it leads |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Mathematics | Precision, algebraic fluency, modelling, calculus, mechanics, statistics | Engineering, physical science, computer science, economics, data science |
| Physics | Understanding of natural laws, measurement, problem solving | Engineering, physics, electronics, astronomy, technology |
| Chemistry | Understanding matter, reactions, and materials | Chemical, materials, and process engineering; chemistry; pharmacy; environmental science |
| ICT | Computational thinking, programming, databases, networks | Software and computer engineering, IT, data science, electronics |
Choosing between Chemistry and ICT
Both are good choices, and the best one depends on your goals.
Choose Chemistry if you are interested in chemical, materials, or process engineering, in the physical sciences, or in a wide set of university options that require Chemistry. Many science degrees accept physical science students with Combined Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics, and a third approved subject (Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, n.d.).
Choose ICT if you enjoy programming, logic, and systems and are aiming at computer science, software engineering, IT, or data-oriented careers.
Whichever you choose, check the entry requirements of the faculty and degree you want before you commit, because they differ by university and by year. Talk to your teachers and counsellors, and consult the UGC’s published guidance on admission requirements.
The shape of the two years
The A/L course is normally taught across Grades 12 and 13, and the written examination is held at the end of Grade 13. A sensible way to think of the two years is:
Grade 12: learn each subject’s foundations thoroughly, because Grade 13 builds on them.
Grade 13, first half: complete the syllabus and begin timed practice.
Grade 13, second half: consolidate, practise past papers under exam conditions, and repair weaknesses.
Common mistakes
Treating the three subjects as separate, when they depend on each other (calculus in physics; stoichiometry and equilibrium in chemistry; logic in ICT).
Delaying revision until after the syllabus is finished.
Relying only on tuition notes and ignoring the syllabus and textbooks.
Practice questions
List the three main subjects in the Physical Science stream and say which one is a choice between two.
Explain why Grade 12 content matters for Grade 13.