AS LEVELS
AS levels are qualifications typically taught over one year in Year 12 . They used to count towards A level grades , but that ’ s no longer the case . However , they are still a good way of measuring students ’ performance in Year 12 , and taking AS levels can enable your child to broaden their studies by taking a fourth subject that they enjoy but don ’ t want to take a full A level in .
Good AS grades can also be a benefit because :
• Teachers will take AS grades into account when predicting students ’ A level results .
• Your child ’ s AS results will appear on their university application .
GOOD TO KNOW
Universities understand that not all students will opt for AS levels – if your child doesn ’ t take AS levels , they won ’ t be at a disadvantage when it comes to the university application process .
CHANGES TO A LEVELS AND AS LEVELS
In England , the government has been introducing new A and AS levels since 2015 . The final phase of revised subjects were taught from September 2018 .
The main changes were :
• Assessment is now mainly by exam . Coursework and practical assignments are only used in certain subjects .
• Courses are no longer divided into modules , and exams take place at the end of the course . There are no longer exams in January .
• There is no longer a link between AS Levels and A Levels , so a student ’ s AS Level marks don ’ t count towards their A Level grade .
• Some A Level subjects were withdrawn .
Universities will be aware that students could have a mixture of old- and new-style A and AS levels on their application and will treat them equally . The A * to E grading system will stay the same .
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT A LEVEL REFORMS
The Uni Guide https :// www . theuniguide . co . uk / advice / a-levelchoices / a-level-changes-what-it-means-for-you
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