A Levels Explained

Confused about how your child’s A level studies are structured, or just what they are in the first place? Not to worry, a Sixth Form College in London have put together the following information to help parents understand how they work.

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A levels are a type of qualification that are offered to school leavers once they have finished their GCSEs. They are available across a range of subjects and studied across two years; the AS year and A2 year. Generally speaking, students will choose to study four different subjects in their first year and drop one so that they only have to worry about three in their second year. They will then have an AS level qualification in one subject and full A levels in three more.

Although students normally drop a subject after the first year, it is still very important and will contribute to your son or daughter’s university application. Furthermore, teachers use AS level performance as an indicator for a student’s predicted grades, which will also help them when it comes to applying to university.

A levels have 6 pass grades, from A* to the failing grade E and they are usually assessed by end of year examinations. If your son or daughter does intend to go to university, they will need to have a good understanding of what grades they’re expected to receive in order to be accepted onto the course.

However, university isn’t the only option for young people after they have completed their A levels. They could jump straight into a full-time job or perhaps consider an apprenticeship, which essentially provides on-the-job training. Lots of young people also take it as an opportunity to have a gap year and perhaps do some training.

There are lots of benefits to studying A levels, in addition to the qualifications. They help young people become more independent and hardworking. If you would like more information about A levels, it would be wise to speak to your child’s teachers.

This is a collaborative post.