After completing their GCSEs your child will have the option to study a selection of A Levels. Students are recommended to complete four, although they can study fewer subjects if they wish to study part-time or combine with a vocational course. Your child will need to think carefully about those that they choose as they will be committing to them for the next two years. To help them make their decision, we share tips for parents below from an independent school in Bath.

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What are A-Levels?

A-Levels, short for Advanced Level, are a set of academic qualifications widely recognized and offered in the United Kingdom and several other countries. They are typically taken by students in their final two years of secondary education, usually around the ages of 16 to 18. A-Levels are considered one of the main routes for students to gain admission into universities in the UK.

A-Levels offer a more in-depth and specialized study of subjects compared to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams, which are typically taken at the age of 16. Students usually choose three or four subjects to study at A-Level, although the exact number may vary depending on the educational institution and the child’s abilities.

The subjects available for study at A-Level are diverse and include a wide range of disciplines such as mathematics, sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), humanities (history, geography), social sciences (economics, psychology), languages, and creative arts (art, music). Each subject is typically studied over a two-year period, with examinations taken at the end of the second year.

The A-Level examinations are administered by various examination boards, such as AQA, OCR, and Edexcel, among others.

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What are the grades for A-Levels?

When helping your child to choose A-Level subjects, it’s important that you understand the grading of the A-Levels now. Even if you did A-Levels yourself at school, the grading system may have changed. The grading system for A-Levels in the United Kingdom follows a scale from A* (pronounced “A-star”) to E. Here’s a breakdown of the grades and their corresponding meanings:

  • A* (A-Star): A* is the highest grade attainable and represents exceptional performance. It indicates a deep understanding of the subject, mastery of skills, and excellent overall achievement.
  • A: Grade A signifies a high level of proficiency and strong academic performance. It reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply knowledge effectively.
  • B: Grade B denotes a good level of competence and a solid understanding of the subject. It demonstrates a strong grasp of concepts and the ability to apply them in various contexts.
  • C: Grade C represents a satisfactory level of achievement. It shows that the student has a reasonable understanding of the subject but may have some areas for improvement or further development.
  • D: Grade D indicates a basic level of performance. It suggests a limited understanding of the subject matter and some gaps in knowledge or skills.
  • E: Grade E represents the lowest passing grade. It implies a minimal level of achievement and indicates that the student may have struggled with understanding key concepts or applying knowledge effectively.

It’s important to note that grades below E are considered “unclassified” or “ungraded” and generally do not count as a pass for A-Level purposes. Furthermore, some subjects may have additional grade descriptors or assessment criteria specific to their respective fields.

Universities and colleges often require specific grades in A-Level subjects for admission. The grade requirements can vary depending on the institution, course, and level of competition. Therefore, it’s crucial for students to aim for grades that meet their desired academic and career goals.

Where are A-Levels studied?

A-Levels are primarily offered in the United Kingdom, but they are also available in other countries around the world (I actually did mine when I was at high school in Zimbabwe in the late 90s). Here are some of the institutions where A-Level studies are commonly offered:

  • Schools and Colleges in the UK: A-Levels are widely taught in sixth-form colleges, grammar schools, and comprehensive schools throughout the UK. These institutions provide A-Level courses as part of their curriculum for students in their final two years of secondary education.
  • Independent Schools: Many independent or private schools in the UK offer A-Level programs. These schools often have a strong academic focus and may provide a broader range of subject choices or specialized teaching.
  • International Schools: A-Levels are also offered in international schools around the world. These schools often follow the British curriculum or offer British qualifications, including A-Levels, alongside other international educational programs. There are huge benefits to choosing an international school education for your child.
  • Online Education Providers: With the advancement of technology, online education providers have emerged, offering A-Level courses to students who prefer remote learning or have limited access to traditional educational institutions. These online platforms provide the necessary study materials, assignments, and support for students to complete their A-Level studies remotely.

It’s important to note that the availability of A-Level programs may vary from country to country, and the specific institutions offering A-Levels may differ based on the education system of each region.

Supporting Your Child to Choose their A-Level Subjects

As parents, we play a crucial role in supporting our children’s educational journey, especially when it comes to making important decisions that can shape their future. One such decision arrives during their secondary education years when they are faced with choosing their A-Level subjects. A-Levels offer a unique opportunity for students to delve deeper into their areas of interest, refine their skills, and pave the way for higher education or career pathways.

However, this process can often be daunting for both students and parents alike. The multitude of subject options, future implications, and academic considerations can make it overwhelming to navigate. That’s why in this section of our blog, we’ll explore valuable insights and practical advice to help guide you in assisting your child through the journey of selecting their A-Level subjects.

Understand Their Passions and Aspirations

The first step is to establish an understanding of the sort of career your child wants to pursue, as this will dictate the qualifications that they need. If they don’t know what that is, start with their interests and what they see themselves doing in the future. You may find career tools helpful or arrange an appointment with a career adviser. Once they have a rough idea, you can begin looking at what the minimum requirements are for getting into that field and colleges/sixth forms that provide those qualifications.

brown concrete palace under blue sky at daytime

Research University and Career Requirements

Before your child dives headfirst into selecting their A-Level subjects, there’s an essential step we can’t overlook—researching university and career requirements. Why is this so crucial, you ask? Well, let’s delve into it.

  1. Making Informed Decisions: By understanding the A-Level subject requirements for specific university courses or careers, your child gains valuable insights that can shape their subject choices. They’ll be able to align their A-Level subjects with the prerequisites needed for their desired paths, ensuring they’re on the right track from the start.
  2. Keeping Doors Open: Different university courses and careers often have specific subject requirements. By researching these requirements, your child can select A-Level subjects that not only match their current interests but also keep a range of future options open. They won’t feel limited or restricted down the line if they decide to explore different academic or professional paths.
  3. Identifying Subject Combinations: Some universities or careers may recommend or favor particular subject combinations. By researching these preferences, your child can create a well-rounded set of A-Level subjects that showcase their versatility and readiness for higher education or the workplace.
  4. Gaining Competitive Edge: In competitive fields, having the right combination of A-Level subjects can give your child a competitive edge when applying to universities or seeking employment. It shows their dedication, commitment, and suitability for their chosen field of study or career.

So, where can you find this valuable information? Start by exploring university websites. They often provide detailed information about subject requirements for each course. Additionally, reach out to career counselors, teachers, or professionals in fields of interest. Their firsthand knowledge and experience can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Remember, this research isn’t about putting unnecessary pressure on your child or limiting their choices. It’s about equipping them with the information they need to make informed decisions and set themselves up for success.

By delving into university and career requirements, your child gains a clearer understanding of the path ahead, ensuring their A-Level subject choices align with their aspirations. So, let’s grab our research hats, dive into the information pool, and help our children chart a course that opens doors and sets them on the path to their dreams.

What They Enjoy

While of course, their options should be based on their future aspirations, it’s also vital that the subjects they choose are actually ones of interest to them. Unlike GCSEs, A-Levels involve much more commitment. For every hour of study completed in class, pupils are expected to complete another hour of independent study. There’s also far more content to cover within the two years that they will be studying the course. 

Think About Their Ability

Ability wise your child needs to be confident that the subject is their strong suit or an area that they can do well in as A-Levels are a huge step up. Students must apply themselves as opposed to just revising what they have been taught. A good way that children can see whether a particular subject is right for them is by talking to their existing teachers.

Taster Days and Course Specification

Alternatively, we recommend taking a look at course specifications and attending taster days where they can get a feel of the A levels they are considering.

It’s absolutely essential that your child is making the decision of their own accord and not because of their friends or to please you. A-levels hold a lot of weight and can help children leverage many opportunities in future so they should be chosen carefully.

Are you ready to help your child with how to choose A-Level subjects?

Conclusion:

And there you have it, folks! We’ve covered some valuable tips and tricks for parents to help their kids in choosing their A-Level subjects. It’s been quite a journey, hasn’t it?

By keeping the lines of communication open and creating a supportive atmosphere, we can guide our children through this decision-making process. We’ve learned the importance of understanding their interests, passions, and long-term goals. It’s all about encouraging them to explore different subjects and career paths, and helping them make choices that truly resonate with their ambitions.

We’ve also stressed the significance of doing some good old research. Checking out university and career requirements, seeking advice from teachers and career counselors—these steps can provide valuable insights to inform their decisions.

But above all, we need to remember that this is their journey, not ours. Our role as parents is to be their biggest cheerleaders, offering guidance and support along the way. It’s about empowering them to take ownership of their education and make choices that align with their individual talents and aspirations.

So, let’s keep those conversations going, keep the positivity flowing, and watch our kids thrive as they dive into their chosen A-Level subjects. With our guidance and their determination, there’s no doubt they’ll unlock their full potential and pave the way for a bright and successful future.

Cheers to you, parents, for being there every step of the way. Now, let’s raise a toast to our children’s exciting A-Level journey and the amazing things that lie ahead!