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Student Guide
2010
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dr Wong Yoke Chen
“Amat Victoria Curam”, a Latin phrase that means “victory favours those who take pains”, is a
motto that I hold true and believe in wholeheartedly.
But any place worth going to deserves the sincere effort put in. Despite its reputation as the
toughest pre-university course, our graduates have no regrets and will testify that the pains
taken have been worth it. I strongly advocate that one’s achievement of a goal is measured by
the quality of the endeavour taken to accomplish it. There are no shortcuts to true success.
Here at Sunway University College, my team of highly experienced and dedicated lecturers
aims to deliver the best A-Level education possible. With the right coaching, seemingly
insurmountable intellectual concepts are made comprehensible. The emphasis is on making
the learning experience enjoyable, memorable and ultimately enriching.
Having kept an unfaltering track record of stellar A-Level results for the past many years, I
believe that our A-Level academic team has and will continue to provide an exceptional
educational experience for our students. I believe also that education goes beyond the mere
acquisition of paper qualifications. The pastoral care programme through our mentor-mentee
system which we have been successfully implementing over the past 13 years speaks volumes
of our personal concern for each and every student. Various activities provide the avenue for
our students to develop more than just their academic abilities. We encourage their creative
talents and also cultivate leadership, social and communication skills as well as guide them in
time management expertise.
To the Sunway A-Level team, education – in its original Latin meaning of “e-ducere” or “to lead
out” – is a concept that transcends mere paper grades. We aim to develop and to lead out
the inherent talents, skills and character that are latent in our students. We believe in human
potential, and that everyone – slow and fast learners alike – deserves an opportunity to be
educated, to have his or her best traits developed.
CAMBRIDGE
ADVANCED-LEVEL PROGRAMME
Sunway University College has been preparing students since 1994 for
the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced-Level qualification
through examinations set and assessed by the University of Cambridge
International Examinations (CIE).
CIE is one of the world’s leading providers of international academic qualifications and is a part
of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). This renowned body has
been developing and promoting its uniquely British system of assessment around the world for
almost 150 years.
The GCE A-Level qualification places emphasis on in-depth knowledge, deep understanding,
strong reasoning abilities and critical thinking. It is arguably the most widely recognised pre-
university qualification in the world, readily accepted as proof of superior academic ability for
entry into world-class universities around the world.
CIE is the world’s largest provider of international educational qualifications with more than 1100
examination centres across the globe. Fifty-odd such centres are currently operating in Malaysia
alone. Any centre which proves its worth through a superior delivery system that produces
excellent results in the twice-yearly examinations is accorded the status of a Fellowship Centre.
Only 4 centres in Malaysia have attained this elite status and Sunway is one of them!
University of Cambridge
International Fellowship Centre
The Fellowship Centre status awarded by CIE to our A-Level Programme in 2005 is a clear
recognition of our excellent delivery system and ensuing top-notch results on a world stage. We
have a consistent track record of outstanding academic performance and a string of international
awards won by our students.
In the June 2009 CIE Examination, our overall pass rate was 98.8% with 26% of our students
achieving three A-grades or more. In that assessment, our students topped the nation in
Accounting, Biology and Law, while in Physics and Psychology, we produced the world’s best!
Such sterling performances are nothing new – recipients of CIE Top Student awards have been
regularly emerging from within our ranks since 1998. To date, we have made similar forays into
Biological Science, Business subjects, Mathematics, General Paper, Chemistry and Economics.
International A-Level and Advanced Subsidiary Qualifications
The CIE A-Level curriculum provides a firm bedrock of fundamental knowledge by guaranteeing comprehensive coverage in the
breath and depth of each subject offered. Students are assessed for their mastery of subject matter, their application of knowledge
and understanding to everyday scenarios and their ability to think critically in unfamiliar situations. In the Sciences, a fair part of the
assessment involves the demonstration of laboratory-based skills. Coursework and internal examinations serve the sole purpose of
preparing students for the final external assessment which comes direct from CIE.
The programme of A-Level studies at Sunway involves a two-tiered structure of examinations leading to the award of a certificate. The
staged assessment relieves the pressure associated with sitting for one set of final examination papers. The AS (Advanced Subsidiary)
Examination tests fundamental skills while the A2 (Advanced Level) Examination is a more wide-ranging assessment. Our standard 1.5-
year programme comprises three semesters, each about six months long, with the AS Examination at the end of Semester 2 and the A2
Examination at the end of Semester 3. The express 1-year programme is compressed into two semesters with the AS Examination at the
end of Semester 1 and the A2 Examination at the end of Semester 2.
The express A-Level programme was first offered in January 2008 and the inaugural batch of students graduated in November 2008. With
62% of these returning straight-A results and 93% achieving at least 1A, we have every reason to be proud of this bold endeavour. These
graduates have already been accepted to read Engineering at Cambridge University, Imperial College, Monash University and Singapore’s
Nanyang Technological University, Law at King’s College, London, Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University and the Australian National
University, Business at Melbourne University, and Pharmacy and Dentistry at the International Medical University, Malaysia.
We offer two subject combinations; Mathematics-Chemistry-Physics and Mathematics-Chemistry-Biology. This programme admits
students who have achieved distinctions in English, Additional Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics/Biology in the SPM/O-Level/
equivalent examinations.
Choice of Subjects
Students are required to choose a minimum of three (3), or a maximum of four (4) A-Level subjects.
Thinking Skills (AS Level) is compulsory.
The following provides a guide on the subject combinations that prepare students for the various fields
of tertiary studies:
* Must be taken as a fourth subject in addition to Mathematics; offered to the January and July intakes.
Assessments
The A-Level subject syllabi are divided into the AS Level, which is the first half of the course and forms the
foundations of A-Levels, and the A2 Level, which is the second part of the syllabus and covers more difficult
topics, with each level contributing 50% towards the final A-Level grade.
The examination papers at both the AS and A2 Levels are set and marked by examiners from the University
of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).
Academic Requirements
A minimum of 5 credits at SPM, O-Level or equivalent qualifications.
For students who intend to take the A-Level science subjects, they must have at least credits in
the same SPM / O-Level pure science subjects; combined science does not provide a sufficient
foundation.
Additional Mathematics is required for A-Level Mathematics (unless the student has an A grade in
General Mathematics).
A pre-requisite of Biology in SPM / O-Level is not necessary IF the student is a good student with
distinctions in other SPM / O-Level Science / Mathematics subjects.
Help and Support A-Level Student Council
Staff from the A-Level programme and Student Services
Department offer assistance to students in the areas of
(ALSCO)
academic and personal counselling. At the programme ALSCO is a group of committed, bright and creative young
level, each student is assigned an academic staff member as people who are the voice of the A-Level students. Each class
mentor. is represented by a member of the ALSCO.
Among the events that ALSCO has organised are the A-Level
Ball, traditional costume day, Sports Carnival and charity
Mentor-Mentee System events to raise funds for the less fortunate and needy. Being
in the ALSCO teaches members to be more tolerant and
Each lecturer in our A-Level Programme is assigned a number of
understanding of different races, creeds and colour. Members
mentees who become recipients of pastoral care throughout
of ALSCO also learn to come out of their comfort zone and
their studies. At the outset, this system fosters the forging of
achieve their full potential of being leaders. ALSCO members
meaningful relationships between lecturers and students,
strive to be role models and set good examples for their fellow
and promotes the close monitoring of students’ overall
course mates.
progress. The system also identifies each mentor as a capable
and ready resource person for counsel pertaining to choice For the selection process, applicants are required to fill
of career and placement in appropriate universities. Mentors up a form about their previous extracurricular activities in
are responsible for processing all applications made by their secondary school. After that, an existing ALSCO member will
mentees, including the writing of references and testimonials. interview the applicants personally before the applicants
On a broader level, the mentor-mentee system helps guide are shortlisted to be interviewed by the A-Level Director,
the overall social, emotional and mental development of the the advisor to ALSCO. Committee meetings are held weekly
student body. to discuss and plan events or social gatherings. If you are
responsible, committed and prepared to be a leader, ALSCO
wants you!
Parents’ Day
Parents’ Day is held every semester to enable parents and
guardians to meet with lecturers and discuss academic and
Student Attendance
personal development of each student. This will enable Although attendance is not part of the evaluation process in
parents / guardians and lecturers to work together to help the A-Level programme there is a high correlation between
the student develop his / her full potential. attendance and achievement and it is likely that a student
who has a high degree of absenteeism will be doing poorly.
Attendance is a priority and is monitored and recorded
Progress Reports diligently. Students who miss five or more classes will be
reported to the Director of Programme and parents or
Progress reports are evaluative reports written by each
guardians will be informed. Persistent absence from class
subject lecturer. These reports are an important means
may result in the student being excluded from classes unless
of letting parents know about the student’s progress. The
approved by the Director of Programme.
programme regards parental involvement and home support
as critical factors in helping students improve. Two reports
are sent in the first semester and one after each of the mock
examinations. Student Punctuality
Lateness is not only disruptive to others but also adversely
affects effective class participation. Chronic lateness will be
Extracurricular Activities treated similarly to frequent absences and will be reflected
in the student’s final mark. It is within the subject teacher’s
There are many extracurricular activities available to all students
prerogative to deny access to class to chronic latecomers and
in the institution under the Student Services Department.
treat the denied access as an absence.
Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular
activity as it provides a more wholesome development of the If a student knows he / she will be absent for lessons, he / she must
student. It may also enhance a reference or testimonial. produce a parent’s letter to state the reasons and proposed
absenteeism dates in advance of the leave of absence.
Academic Counselling
If a student is found to be too far behind in the syllabus and
unable to catch up due to lack of attitude / aptitude then he /
she is to be counselled to drop the subject.
If two or more lecturers agree he / she lacks the ability to cope,
after the mid-semester report, he / she will be counselled to
change programme as appropriate.
FROM HERE TO...
Australia ∙ Australian National University ∙ Monash University ∙ University of Sydney ∙ University of Adelaide
∙ University of Melbourne ∙ University of New South Wales ∙ University of Western Australia ∙ Canada ∙ McGill
University ∙ China ∙ Wenzhou Medical College ∙ Germany ∙ Duis Ber-E University ∙ India ∙ Manipal Medical
College ∙ Ireland ∙ University of Ireland ∙ Japan ∙ University of Osaka ∙ Malaysia ∙ Asian Institute of Medicine,
Science and Technology (AIMST) ∙ International Medical University ∙ Penang Medical College ∙ New Zealand ∙
Massey University ∙ University of Auckland ∙ University of Canterbury ∙ University of Otago ∙ Victoria University,
Wellington ∙ Singapore ∙ National University of Singapore ∙ Nanyang Technological University ∙ Singapore
Management University ∙ United Kingdom ∙ Architectural Association School of Architecture ∙ Heriot-Watt
University ∙ University of Bath ∙University of Bristol ∙ University of Cambridge ∙ University of Liverpool ∙ University
of London: Cass Business School, Imperial College, King’s College, London School of Economics, Queen Mary
College, Royal Holloway College, University College London ∙ University of Oxford ∙ University of St Andrew’s ∙
USA ∙ Boston University ∙ Brown University ∙ Carnegie-Mellon University ∙ Duke University ∙ Harvard University
∙ Princeton University ∙ Purdue University ∙ Stanford University ∙ University of California, Berkeley ∙ University of
Illinois ∙ University of Ohio ∙ University of Pennsylvania
“I am happy to have chosen the A-Level Programme at Sunway in order to build a strong foundation for my tertiary
education. Without the expert supervision of my lecturers and their feedback as to my performance, I would not possibly
have gained admission to Cambridge.”
“A quality education guaranteed by dedicated lecturers, excellent facilities and a conducive environment – these were
the reasons I chose Sunway A-Level. It has truly been a rewarding experience for me. I have been provided with the best
possible foundation for further studies.”
“Sun-U is a great place. The lecturers are dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced. The guidance ensuing from their
professionalism has been of tremendous value.”
“I enjoyed my A-Level studies at Sunway immensely. The lecturers were really helpful in every way, and truly passionate in
their respective areas of expertise.”
“I would say that Sunway A-Level was one of the most important stepping stones of my life. I juggled between studies
during weekdays and a part-time job on weekends and was still able to excel due to the dedication of the teaching
staff. Besides, the excellent mentor-mentee system helped me to zero in on my career choice. Sun-U is truly a first-class
educational centre with a world-class style of its own.”
Phankit Doshi
Medicine, I. M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy, The Russian Federation
A former student of SMK Subang Jaya
“The facilities at Sun-U proved to be excellent and very conducive to the learning process. The lecturers certainly had
the expertise to deliver what the academically-challenging A-Level Programme required, besides being very helpful and
dedicated. The institution has a world-class library as well as excellent sporting facilities that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Food at affordable prices is available on the campus and nearby. With all these essentials taken care of, I was able to focus
on my studies and strive for excellence.”
“The A-Level course at Sun-U was enriching and unforgettable. The lecturers offered the very best in terms of in-depth
exposure to subject matter and all-round education, often emphasising applications not found in the textbook. What an
exciting learning experience! Truly “A-Level Above The Rest” !”
“Sun-U A-Levels offered a good variety of choices which empowered me to discover new areas of interest. My lecturers
stressed the need to understand principles so I always looked forward to lessons. An abundance of extra-curricular
opportunities changed my outlook on life, enabling me to understand my strengths and weaknesses and to become more
creative in problem-solving.”
“A special feature of the A-Level Programme at Sunway is the manner in which the lecturers guided me to think instead of
merely stuffing my head with facts! I value this because I believe that being able to think is the key to success. My lecturers
were very friendly and dedicated, always ready to sacrifice their time to clear my doubts. Besides, the Sunway campus is an
ideal environment for studies.”
“Lateral thinking is an integral part of university education, particularly in Philosophy, and the Sunway A-Level program
has encouraged that aspect of my education, as opposed to merely focusing on short-term rote learning. Pre-University
education’s primary purpose is to prepare one for tertiary education and Sunway has done that to great effect.”
Qu Hsueh Ming
B.A. (Oxon) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, First Class
A former student of SMK Damansara Jaya
“A dynamic institution, accommodating students of diverse backgrounds without compromising its integrity as a centre
of higher learning. My lecturers delivered lessons that transcended the limits of mere academia. They helped craft me
into what I am today and what I will become in the future. And this they did with undying dedication and diligence.
A-Level at Sun-U was a truly rewarding experience !”
“A-Level at Sun-U was the perfect transition from secondary school to university life. With professionalism and dedication, my
lecturers honed my critical-thinking skills and boosted confidence in my abilities. I am now more prepared for the future.”
Felicia Long
Actuarial Science, Heriot-Watt University
A former student of SMK Convent Pulau Tikus, Penang
“At Sun-U A-Level, I learned that the only limits you face are the ones you impose on yourself. And so my latent abilities found
sweet release and I was well on my way to the realization of all of my dreams.”
Karyn Khor
University of London
A former student of Sekolah Sri Kuala Lumpur, Law, King’s College
“My father once said, “It’s a smooth transition from primary to secondary school, and then to college; the hardest part is
getting into the university of your choice.” He clearly meant that the pre-university stage is critical. He then offered me the
best programme available: A-Level at Sun-U. I am glad I took it !”
www.sunway.edu.my