So, you’ve collected your GCSE results on a sunny day in August, what next?
We imagine that during Year 11 you’ve been given lots of information about what you can do after results day. And one of those things is study A Levels.
What is an A Level?
An A Level is an ‘Advanced level qualification’ which can be studied in a variety of different subjects. Once you’ve gained your A Levels, it can help you go onto university, further education, training, apprenticeships or employment.
How Long Does It Take to Gain an A Level?
You normally study A Levels over two years. At our Leeds sixth form, you are expected to study four different elements, so this could be four A Levels alone or three A Levels along with a forth element. This fourth element could be an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or directed study. We offer lots of different subject choices, you can look at our course offering here.
How Are A Levels Assessed?
Normally with a series of examinations but some subjects may have a practical element or coursework.
What GCSE Grades Do You Need to Study A Levels?
This can vary depending on where and what you want to study. So, it’s important to check what grades are required for the subjects you want to take.
To come and study at our sixth form in Leeds, you will need to meet our minimum entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including a minimum of grade 5 in Maths and English. Though most of our courses require higher entry grades and this information can be found here.
Why Would you Want to Study A Levels?
If you aspire to go onto university, most courses will require that you have a combination of some specific A Level subjects. So, for example, if you want to study for a degree in Physiotherapy you might need to gain three A Levels including two in a science or numerate subject, like Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Physical Education, Psychology, Applied Science and Maths.
But if you aren’t set on going onto study at university, having A Levels under your belt can be a good basis for exploring other options.
That’s A Levels in a nutshell!