Getting Familiar With A-levels In The Uk

By Author: Peter Jones
Total Articles: 7
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AS and A2 are both parts of an A-level with separate syllabus and exams. Students often opt for a 4AS, 3A2 pattern as it is convenient and many universities also prefer it. As for the subject combination, you may choose the subjects that inter-relate or are totally different.

Students who intend to do A-levels from London often lack the information which is essential for making the right decision regarding education. They ought to have basic information at the least about A-levels so that they feel confident about what they are doing.

In the UK, A-level examinations are held by five boards – The Assessment & Qualifications Alliance (AQA), Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR), Edexcel, WJEC and CCEA. Inquire with the college you intend to take admission of which board they conduct exams.

You may or may not be familiar with AS and A2. These are both parts of an A-level. All subjects have separate syllabuses and exams for both parts. Knowledge and skills students gain during AS come in handy in A2, so it is important you take your studies seriously in AS.

If you are thinking of taking an ...
... AS on its own, you can do so. However, do factor in that A2 isn’t a separate qualification in itself. There are courses which require A2 along with AS. When final A-level grade is determined, marks of the students for AS and A2 are added. Many students may choose also to retake exams for some subjects in AS in order to boost their marks, while doing A2.

As for the subjects, many students opt to take 4 in AS, then focus on 3 A2 courses in the second year. This pattern of A-levels provides students with flexibility. Most students will go for 4AS, 3 A2 pattern as it is convenient and is preferred by universities as well. Taking just 3 courses may not meet the requirements of the university you would like to enrol in.

As for choosing the fourth AS, it will help if your career goals are clear. You may use this to broaden your programme or just try different subjects out. There are students who choose subjects that inter-relate, while you will also find those who pick a subject which has no match to their area of interest. This approach provides them with diverse abilities which is an asset in itself.

Though colleges will usually allow students to change subjects if they do so early, you are advised to try and pick up the right subjects in the first instance. Or you could carry on with the subject and drop it after AS. If you are finding it hard to take the decision yourself, take the advice of your teachers.

Your GCSE results do count when it comes to choosing subjects. It is your performance in GCSE that shows how well you are likely to perform in particular subjects. Moreover, you can expect schools to place a general requirement for students for A-level. In case your GCSE results are not as expected, be ready with a plan.

Your subject combination is an issue you must take care of. Subjects which are similar in matter and course content could be regarded as a easy option. Choosing subjects which help you acquire the skills relevant to your career goals will help.

Whether you plan to go for two year or one year A-level courses in London, it is important that you make a decision after taking into account these issues.

The writer recommends CIC, a renowned sixth form college in London where students can get enrolled for two year or one year A level courses.