O-levels

[Henry Chai <chai%utflis%toronto.csnet@CSNET-RELAY.ARPA>]

Someone asked what an O-level is; I haven't seen a reply so I'll give
one -- trust that I know coz I've got a few of them (including music!)
and a couple'a A-levels as well!

The U of London gives a (yearly?) public exam called the General Certificate 
of Education Exam (GCE), of which there are the ordinary level (O) and
advanced level (A), on a host of academic subjects including math,
chemistry, economics, art, french etc etc.  The O-level corresponds
roughly to grades 10-11 in North America, and the A-level grades 12-13.
To get into university in the UK (or most U's in the world, as a matter
of fact) you need (at least) 2 A's and 3 O's. (and that's how many I have.)
(no no, I didn't take it in the UK but in Hong Kong where I'm from)

 -- Henry