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A Levels Explained
A Levels Explained
Most students study four subjects in the first year of the A Level studies at the end of which they take AS or Advanced Subsidiary exams. These exams make up 50% of the overall A Level qualification. At the end of their second year students take a further two exams per subject at the advanced level- A2.
New A Level specifications are being introduced in September 2008. The specifications will require students to take four modules per A Level instead of the current six. Under the new system each module or unit will be equally weighted with 100 marks per unit. A new A* grade is being introduced at the A2 level for students who achieve 90%.
Each A Level grade also equates to a number of tariff points. Some universities will make applicants offers on the basis of points, others on the basis of A Level grades. Typically, the more demanding the entrance requirements, the more likely the university is to require grades rather than points.
Maximum number of points for the full A Level = 400 marks
| Grade | Percentage | Marks | A Level (UCAS point value) |
AS Level (UCAS point value) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 90% | 360+ marks | ||
| A | 80% | 320+ marks | 120 | 60 |
| B | 70% | 280+ marks | 100 | 50 |
| C | 60% | 240+ marks | 80 | 40 |
| D | 50% | 200+ marks | 60 | 30 |
| E | 40% | 160+ marks | 40 | 20 |
| U | Unclassified below 40% |
Re-taking A Level Modules
The modular A Level system allows students to re-take modules to boost their overall marks. It is very common for students to re-take AS units in Year 13 or Upper Sixth. Indeed, it is sensible to do so as most students will have made considerable academic progress both in terms of knowledge and exam technique in their final year in the Sixth Form.
Students who underperform in their final A2 exams are also able to re-take units in which they received disappointing marks to boost their overall grade. Not all units are offered in the January exams. See exam board websites for further details:
One Year Intensive A Level Courses
Tutorial colleges run one year intensive A Level courses as well as the conventional two year courses. One year intensive courses are suitable for the following students:
- Some students who have achieved E/ D grades at A Level (Others may just re-take one or two units)
- Some students who have performed disappointingly at AS
- Students who made the wrong subject choice at A Level
- International students who have already achieved the high grades in their school leaving exams in their own countries
Advantages of A Levels
- A very wide range of subjects
- Students can choose subjects which develop their strengths but do not expose their weaknesses
- The modular system reduces pressure on students in the final exams
- Many A Level specifications include coursework which is an advantage for organised and diligent students.
- Coursework is also an advantage for students with specific learning difficulties who may perform less well in exams
- The new specifications include more demanding questions to allow outstanding students to prove their worth
- A Levels are highly regarded internationally