International, UK-originated
Cambridge International
Subject-by-subject, examination-led, taken one subject at a time. The most flexible route for a family outside a school system.
Cambridge Primary
Typical ages 5–11A curriculum framework that can inform sequence and progression; it is not required before later Cambridge stages.
Cambridge Lower Secondary
Typical ages 11–14Curriculum framework and optional checkpoint tests preceding IGCSE.
Cambridge IGCSE
Typical ages 14–16Two-year subject courses assessed by external examination.
Cambridge AS & A Level
Typical ages 16–18Advanced subject study, usually three or four subjects.
Access reality: Register with a British Council or independent Cambridge centre in your country of residence, subject by subject.
International
International Baccalaureate
A whole programme rather than a set of subjects: six subject groups plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS.
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Typical ages 3–12An inquiry-led framework whose habits and concepts can be mapped to WSA learning.
Middle Years Programme
Typical ages 11–16Interdisciplinary framework with a Personal Project.
IB Diploma Programme
Typical ages 16–18Six subjects at SL/HL plus TOK, Extended Essay and CAS.
Access reality: Through an authorised IB World School, in person or online. WSA work is preparation and portfolio, not enrolment.
United States, recognised internationally
United States pathways
Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards can provide K–12 reference points; Advanced Placement provides subject-specific advanced examinations. Requirements vary by state, provider and institution.
Common Core State Standards
Typical ages K–12English language arts and mathematics reference points used by many US states; adoption and implementation vary.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Typical ages K–12Three-dimensional science expectations combining practices, core ideas and crosscutting concepts; state adoption varies.
AP subject courses
Typical ages 15–18Individual college-level subjects with standardised examinations.
AP Seminar & AP Research
Typical ages 16–18Research and argumentation courses assessed largely by portfolio.
Access reality: Arrange examination seating through a participating AP school; courses themselves may be self-studied.
South Africa (national curriculum)
CAPS
The national curriculum statement, examined at the end of Grade 12 as the National Senior Certificate.
Senior Phase
Typical ages 12–15Grades 7–9 content areas across subjects.
FET Phase / NSC
Typical ages 15–18Grades 10–12 leading to the National Senior Certificate.
Access reality: Registration with the provincial department, and NSC examinations through an approved centre.
South Africa (independent assessment body)
IEB
Independent Examinations Board — an alternative NSC assessment used by independent schools, with a strong analytical reputation.
IEB NSC
Typical ages 15–18Grades 10–12 with IEB examinations and continuous assessment.
Access reality: Through an IEB-accredited school or accredited distance provider.
International, UK-originated
Pearson Edexcel International
International GCSE and International A Level, subject by subject, with strong private-candidate access.
International GCSE
Typical ages 14–16Subject courses assessed by examination.
International A Level
Typical ages 16–18Modular advanced subject study.
Access reality: Through a Pearson-approved centre, subject by subject.