A Levels – those much-anticipated examinations which loom over all teenagers. They’re much discussed, and many teens feel a degree of anxiety about them. Parents too may have fears and concerns. The best way to alleviate these worries is to get to know how they work. Once you understand the system, you can better enable your child to succeed first time around.

A Levels and AS Levels

AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications are based on traditional study skills. The usual time for completion is 2 years full-time in a school or in a college of further education.

You can however choose to study them part-time in some institutions. Understanding the different types of qualifications required for different courses or institutions may also be beneficial in helping your child move forward with tertiary education.

What are AS and A Levels?

Study is split into 2 parts. One part takes a year to complete. The first part is called the Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level) and the second is called the A2 Level. The AS Level which is undertaken in the first year is actually a qualification too. When it’s joined up with the second year of study – the A2 – and passed, then it becomes an A Level qualification.

Who can study for the AS and A Levels?

Your child will usually need at least 5 GCSEs with grades coming in at A* - C. Occasionally your child might need to get a B or more in some subjects. Some schools and colleges require students to have achieved grade C or more in their GCSE maths and English exams before taking on A Levels.

What can be studied at A Level?

There are about 80 AS and A level subjects available to study though not all institutions will provide every subject. You can continue with subjects taken in Years 11and 12 and/or take new ones. During the first year of study it is usual for students to take on 3 or 4 levels and some choose fewer to concentrate on in their final year of study.

How assessment works

The majority of AS and A2 are now each made up of 2 units - although some subjects still have 3. Assessment is usually based on a mixture of around 70% written exams and 30% internal assessment. This A Level college in Cardiff believes that it’s pupils all have the capacity to succeed.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.