A-level is a classic two-year program of British schools and colleges designed for students 16 to 19 years old. This program is senior - 12 and 13 classes, the last frontier before higher education institution. The purpose of the program is the preparation of foreign students for admission to the university.
A-level structure
- Level 1 AS-level is taught in the first year, it is an independent part of the program, including 4 modules;
- Level 2 A2 is taught in the second year and includes 2 modules.
Modules should be understood as learning subjects.
The advantage of the program is that students are given an independent choice of subjects, according to which they pass the exams. Many students study one subject in the first year, and the other three in the next year.
One of the conditions for entering British universities is the positive results in three A-level subjects. The same requirement is made by many employers, taking graduates to work.
Advantages of A-level
Experts on British education unanimously acknowledge that, in comparison with other programs, A-level is more conducive to in-depth study of subjects. This is an intensive program, involving independent theoretical and practical exercises.
A-level was recognized as the most appropriate program for the world's learning standards. Its results are recognized not only in the UK, but in all countries of the world as entrance examinations to higher educational institutions.
Classes in the A-level program are a good start to further education, career building, professional and personal growth. Thanks to the application of university teaching methods, the program facilitates the adaptation of students in universities.
A-level is a flexible program that takes into account individual abilities. Good students can take additional subjects and electives, the weaker ones - concentrate on the main subjects.
How A-level promotes entry to a university
Applications for admission are submitted through a unified system UCAS, which recounts the results of A-level in points. Depending on the requirements of each university: scores, the number and nature of subjects studied, electives - is determined by the passing score, which differs from the rest in each institution.
Most universities have a minimum of 2 subjects on A2, in some - 3 on A2 and 1 on AS.
It is worth knowing that Cambridge and Oxford administer by their own rules, conducting exams and interviews. UCAS results in these universities are not used.
The right choice of subjects on the A-level
This stage is very important, since it affects future studies at the university and the chosen specialty. To the services of students are consultations of specialists in the choice of subjects, which are compulsory in universities.
Here are a few examples. To select a specialty, you must take the following items to the A-level:
- for medical specialties - chemistry, mathematics + an additional subject;
- for the specialty economist - mathematics and higher mathematics;
- for specialization in English - English and literature;
- for legal specialties - humanitarian subjects, for example history, English, other languages;
- for engineering specialties - physics, mathematics, higher mathematics
- for biology and biochemistry specialties - biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics;
- for the specialty physics - physics and mathematics ;
- for musicians - music and the highest result for the leading instrument;
- for future veterinarians - biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics;
- for language specialties: English and other foreign languages ;
- for future geographers - geography;
- for dentists - biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics;
- for future IT specialists - mathematics, information and communication technologies;
- for experts in classical languages - Latin, Ancient Greek language;
- for nurses and midwives - biology + other subjects;
- for future historians - history.
A-level and future career
The choice of subjects for A-level has a direct impact on the future career, which should be taken into account. Career in the banking sector is impossible without knowledge of mathematics, in engineering - without physics and mathematics. When planning a career in healthcare, you should know that, in addition to the A-level results, you need a certificate obtained after passing the professional medical tests (Health Professions AdmissionsTest).
How to act for those who have not yet decided on the choice of future specialty? In this case, experts on British education recommend choosing several items from fundamentally different areas. There is a so-called "list of handy items" - at least one of it is accepted by many prestigious universities.
Here is the list:
- Mathematics;
- Physics;
- Chemistry;
- Biology;
- Geography;
- English;
- History;
- classical and modern languages.
The more items a student selects from this list, the higher his chance to get into one of the many universities.
It is clear that a 16-year-old student can not always make a fateful decision. Councils of educational consultants, parents on the use of a "convenient list" will be of considerable help. But do not forget about the individuality of future students, their abilities and preferences. The A-level program in England provides ample opportunities for successful selection.
