Advance Levels

Advance Levels

Country of Origin: Great Britain

Exam Boards:
AQA: (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
OCR: (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations)
Pearson Edexcel Cambridge International
Age Group: 16+ generally
Duration: 2 Years (Can be completed in Less time, depending upon the Institution as well as the ability of the student).

Equivalence in India: Grade 12 ( HSC, IBDP, ISC, CBSE,
etc.)

Progression: Upon successful completion, Students can further progress to Higher Education like University bachelor’s degree Courses or Equivalent and/or Professional Careers.
Acceptance:
A-level is generally a Globally recognised qualification and is accepted mostly by all the Universities Globally.
Assessment & Grading System:
Assessments are Mainly through Final Exams with a mix of Coursework or Practical Assignments for certain subjects. There are some A-levels without Coursework as well.
Grading: The A-Levels grading system uses a scale, ranging from A* (the highest grade) to E (the lowest passing grade). The grades are assigned as follows:
The A-Levels grading system uses a scale, ranging from A* (the highest grade) to E (the lowest passing grade).
The grades are assigned as follows: Percentage Range
A*:- 90% and above
A :- 80% – 89%
B :- 70% – 79%
C :- 60% – 69%
D :- 50% – 59%
E :-40% – 49%
It is important to understand, how is A-level Formatted & Structured:
A-Levels are broken down into two parts: the AS Level and A2 Level.

AS Level is the first year out of the two years of A level qualification, where you’ll study courses in order to gain sufficient understanding to progress to A-level.
A2 Level is the second year as well as the second half of the A level qualification.

Number of Subjects

Typically, students take 4-5 AS Level subjects in their second to last year of high school and then further taking 3-4 of those subjects at the A2 level. Extra subjects as AS Levels are often chosen in the final year of high school in order to have more subjects in the kitty.

In order to compete for securing places in Top Universities, more than 4 A level subjects might be needed in order to demonstrate outstanding features in your application in such a competitive environment.

While this is the typical timeline for studying A Levels, if you’re interested in competing for spots at the top
US universities, you might need more than 4 A Level subjects to stand out in the competitive applicant pool.

University Course Options as well as Career Opportunities are largely affected by the selection of A-Level subjects.
Certain Universities demand specific subjects as pre- requisites for a particular Programme.

Popular Subjects

Mathematics Further
Mathematics English
Literature English
Language Biology
Chemistry Physics
History Economics
Business
Psychology Law

For a complete list of A-Level courses refer to the CIE’s official website.

Benefits of A-levels

Easy access to International University Programmes and ample of Work Opportunites due to the Worldwide Academic recognition. Students can focus on their chosen areas which results in specialization and development of knowledge expertise at a deep level in the chosen areas. Many other benefits like building a strong foundation due to the rigorous academic challenge of A-levels, a feel of Competitiveness and improving Decision Making Skills, Personal & Professional Development

Typical Exam Dates for A- Levels
A-Level examinations are a pivotal moment for students across the UK, typically scheduled during the summer exam period. The exact timing can vary slightly by examination board, but the exams generally fall within specific windows to ensure nationwide consistency.

May to June

The main period for A- Level exams, with most written assessments taking place over this time.

Results Released in August:
Students receive their results in mid-August, which determines their university placements and future education paths.

General Facts

Studying A-Levels without previous qualifications:
Apart from the prerequisites demanded by the A Levels, there are situations whereby mature individuals or students with relevant work experience can to study A Levels.
Certain Education Institutions do offer pathways leading to study A levels for those who do not posses traditional qualifications.

Studying A-Levels part-time:
For Individuals or students who have prior commitments, can opt to study A-levels in a part time mode as some Education Institutions do offer flexible study options to study A-levels.
Education authorities emphasise the significance of these dates not only for logistical planning but also for the psychological preparation of students. Schools and colleges typically provide detailed schedules and revision timetables well in advance to support students in their preparation, highlighting the critical nature of this exam period in the academic calendar.

Studying A-Levels online:
In order to study A-Levels remotely, there are many Education Institutions that offer resources and access to online study materials and interactive or recorded lectures to study A-levels online, but learners should ensure that the boards offered are recognised enough for further progression to employment and/or University Programmes/Pathways.

Switch of subjects during your A-Levels:
Yes, it is possible to switch subjects during your A-Levels but it largely depends upon your Education Institution’s Policies hence it is essential to consult with your Teacher, School Counselor, Programme Leader or other relevant academic staff of your Institution