If you are a student who is preparing for higher studies internationally, you must have come across A-level which is short for Advanced Level qualifications.
A-Levels are subject-based qualifications that students in the United Kingdom and a few other countries typically take at the end of their secondary school education.
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Understand A-Levels
As already mentioned above, A levels are subject based qualification for learners aged 16 and above. This assessment has been a cornerstone of the British education system since their inception in 1951.
They were introduced as a more rigorous and specialised alternative to the Ordinary Level (O-Level) qualifications, which have since been replaced by the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
A-Levels have evolved over the years, with the most recent changes occurring in 2015, which saw a shift from modular to linear qualifications.
This modification ensures that A-Levels continue to be a comprehensive and challenging pathway for students looking for university, further students or work.
What subjects do A Level students take?
For A Level qualification, learners are free to choose subjects that hold their interest or they feel the topics are going to help them in their future studies or career. There are no compulsory subjects with A Levels.
The most popular subjects include:
- English Language & Literature
- French
- Maths
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- History
- Geography
- Psychology
- Economics
- Art
- Information Technology
- Modern Foreign Languages such as French, German, and Spanish.
If you are looking for a complete list of A-Level subjects, refer to the Cambridge International Education’s (CIE) official website.
What is the Structure and Format of A Level Qualification?
A Level Qualification has two main parts:
- AS Level (First Year)
- A2 Level (Second Year).
The first year of the A Level qualification is known as the AS Level, where students will study courses that provide enough understanding to progress to A-level.
The second year of the A Level is called the A2 Level. A2 Level courses are the second half of the A-level courses, and build on the curriculum included during the first year that is AS level.
Here’s a summary of typical timeline of an international A-levels student:
Second to last year of high school: 4-5 AS-level subjects
Final year of high school: 3-4 A2 level subjects +additional AS-level subjects.
Cambridge vs. Edexcel
There are two exam boards for A-Levels: Edexcel and Cambridge.
Cambridge Exams
Cambridge Assessment International Education administers A-Level examinations in two sessions, that is in June and in November.
Additionally, this board is considered to be very selective and is affiliated with an international organization.
Cambridge exams are recognized by all universities and employers all over the world thus making them an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue international opportunities.
| Aspect | Cambridge | Edexcel |
| Exam Boards | Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) | Edexcel |
| Exam Session | June and November | June, October, and January |
| Syllabus Flexibility | Internationally recognized with a focus on a wide range of subjects | Broad and flexible with a focus on vocational and academic subjects. |
| International Recognition | Highly regarded globally, especially for university admissions | Well-regarded, particularly in the UK and Commonwealth countries. |
| Resources and Support | Extensive resources and support are available worldwide. | Good resources with a strong emphasis on vocational pathways. |
Edexcel Exams
Edexcel offers more frequent exam sessions than Cambridge. They conduct exams in June, October, and January.
This flexibility may prove especially helpful to students who might have to retake some exams or those who wish to sit for their examinations at a slower pace.
Edexcel is also another internationally recognized and accredited examination body that is highly regarded and provides a wide array of subjects and materials to support student’s learning.
Tips for Choosing A-Level Subjects
Selecting the right A-level subjects is crucial as it can influence your university options and career path.
Here we have listed below some advice that help you to make an informed decision:
- Interests and Strengths: Choose those areas that you have a passion for learning in and those areas that you are good at. When students enjoy a subject, there is a chance for them that they can perform well and achieve greater lesson fulfillment.
- Future Plans: Think about your Work or University Course choices in the Future. Some professions and university programs require specific A-level subjects for the applicant. Check the requirements in your preferred area of specialization so that you may be aware of the subjects you need to take.
- Balance: Make sure the chosen subjects provide a good distribution of assessments. Combining the sciences with humanities/arts can give a more balanced education and leave more doors open for the future.
- Advice: Share time with teachers, career advisors, and others who are affiliated with the jobs or careers of interest to you. Their ideas may help you resolve some of the difficulties and help you make wiser decisions regarding your choices of subjects.
After A-Levels: What Can You Do?
When students complete A-Levels, they have several options depending on their career goals and interests:
- University: Most learners prefer to further their education and they sit for university intakes in order to get courses of their desire. A-Levels are required when joining university and they are the determinant of whether one will get into a preferred course in a university.
- Vocational Training: For all the persons that are looking forward to the learning of particular hands-on skills vocational training or apprenticeship forms a more concrete pragmatic alternative rather than the university routes. Such an organized program usually leads to placing people in several fields of employment.
- Employment: Some students enter into work after A-Levels and work in different capacities for different organisations. A-level qualifications are appreciated by a lot of companies and many of them provide their employees promotions.
Conclusion
It is important to understand that A-level is important if planning for educational and career paths.
Among the various options available when you complete your A-level, it is important to proceed with an option that is suitable in terms of the desired goal.
Further, 21K schools are here to also assist you in your A–level education and help you prepare for further learning and a profession path.
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