The key changes to A level
A levels will be
fully linear, with students sitting their exams at the end of the two-year
course. From January 2014, there is no longer a January assessment window. This
change applies to current A levels as well as the new ones in development.
Basically it means as student you just have to get it right in Sixth Form (Y12 and Y13) if you have aspirations for that top university course.
AS levels will be
stand-alone qualifications and will no longer contribute to an A level
grade. Their purpose will be to encourage curriculum breadth and they will
remain broadly at their current standard. The AS level may be designed to be
co-taught with the first year of the A level.
Well Cambridge says - AS Levels are good for you.
There is a three-year roll-out plan with different subjects reforming at different times. If you're unsure
as to how your subjects will be affected it's best to speak to your future
sixth form or college.
Will
I still be able to take four subjects at the start of year one?
Most sixth forms and colleges will only be funded
for students to take three subjects.
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No, the AS qualification will be worth 40% of an
A-level. This means that when you apply to uni under the new UCAS tariff an A-level A grade will be worth
48 points and the A grade in AS will be worth only 20.
Is
an AS level still the equivalent of 50% of an A-level?
No, the AS qualification will be worth 40% of an
A-level. This means that when you apply to uni under the new UCAS tariff an A-level A grade will be worth
48 points and the A grade in AS will be worth only 20.
Can
I still take AS exams if I want to do the A-level version?
Some sixth forms and colleges will be offering AS
examinations at the end of the first year. This qualification is easier than an
A-level and the grade you receive will count towards the UCAS points for your
uni application. If you do well in your AS exam and decide that you would like
to continue and study towards A-level, your achieved AS level will not count at
all towards your A-level.
You’ve probably already decided on your where
you’ll be studying after your GCSEs but now is the time to ask if AS
examinations will be offered to students and how many. Why should I check?
If
I take an AS level exam but do really well and decide that I want to do the
A-level will I be at a disadvantage at all?
Most AS and A-level courses are being designed to
be “co-teachable” so that both groups of students will learn the same things in
year one. The key difference is that those students who have opted for the
A-level course will not be assessed at the end of year one.
If
I don’t achieve my grades can I retake my A-level exams?
Because exams will no longer be modular it will be
a lot harder to retake exams. We advise that you check the course
specifications and ask your teacher.
How
will it impact on my uni application?
Currently predicted grades for university
applications are based on AS results. With AS exams now being phased out unis
are very likely to focus more in future on GCSE results, their own testing
systems and of course A-level predictions.
Will
I be at a disadvantage if I don’t have AS grades on my uni application?
Only the University of Cambridge has commented that it strongly advises applicants to take AS exams
while other universities have commented that students will neither be an
advantage nor a disadvantage.
How do I show I’m a top student on my university
application without a grade to prove it?
GCSEs
Excellent GCSEs are now not only a gateway to further education studies, they’ll now indicate to universities your aptitude and potential capability as an undergraduate.
Teacher reference
Undoubtedly the teacher reference will become even more important with teachers being encouraged to clearly indicate consistent and measurable improvements made by you in your studies from day one of your A-level course.
No Time to Fool around
Realistically this means that you can’t afford to slack off at the start, every day counts and although you won’t be assessed officially until the end of year two, your effort and performance will be consistently monitored.
Mock exams
Although mock exams are commonplace in schools and colleges, it's questionable how seriously some students take these. It’ll be worth making the most of these opportunities as the results of these exams may be used to create your predicted grades which universities will want to see. They’ll also want to know that you’re performing consistently.
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