A-level courses have become a way for more and more students to go to their dream schools, but for many students who have just learned about A-level courses, they still don't know much about the A-level curriculum system, such as what is AS and what is A2? How is it different from A-levels? Today, we will first start with A-level, AS, and A2 to have a preliminary understanding of the A-level curriculum system.
What is AS, A2?
AS is the first year of a full A-Level course.
A-level study is divided into two years, with the first year being AS and the second year being A2. To be precise, AS is the first year of A-level and A2 is the second year. Students at the AS stage can choose 4-5 courses that they are best at and most interested in to take the exam. A2 students can choose 3-4 courses in which they have performed well at AS level. AS and A2 results are combined to form the final A-Level results, each accounting for 50%.
If AS is selected, the exam can be taken at the end of the first year. However, since 2015, UK AS results have no longer been counted towards the overall A-Level score and have become a stand-alone certificate. In the international curriculum, AS results are still counted towards A-level, which is half of the total score.
The highest grade grade grade for A-level is A* and the highest grade grade for AS is A.
A-level grades are divided according to A* -U. The number of points you need for each level is as follows:
It should be noted that the AS and A2 examinations must be completed within a 12-month interval, otherwise the AS results will be "expired" and the final A-level results cannot be combined with the A2 results.
Normally, students start applying to universities shortly after the start of the first semester of A2, but by this time the important A2 exams have not yet been taken, so students can only apply using their AS results and estimated A-Level grades.
After receiving a pre-offer, students take an A2-level exam and submit their results to the university after the results are released for an unconditional offer. If the A2 grade is significantly different from the estimated grade, it may result in the cancellation of the offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About AS
Is AS worth learning? The results of AS account for 40% of the UCAS Tariff Point. If you want to study 4 subjects but don't want 4 A-levels, you can choose one of them to study until the end of AS.
In addition, universities will also look at AS scores when applying. Universities do not decide admissions directly based on AS scores, because they know that some schools offer and some don't, but if AS scores are relatively high, it will undoubtedly be helpful for application.
The last official test score before applying is GCSE, and if the GCSE score is not satisfactory, it is worthwhile to take the AS test to improve your chances of admission.
The AS score of international students is still counted towards the overall A-level score, so the AS test is compulsory.
How does AS compare to A2 difficulty? AS is the first year of A-level, so the difficulty of A-level is naturally higher.
A2 is more difficult, more knowledgeable, and more complex than AS courses. AS is halfway through A-Level coursework, but it is the easier half.
AS revision is simpler, A-level revision is more difficult, but if you work hard, you can handle it.
UCAS Points ConversionBoth AS and A-level grades can be converted to UCAS points.
A grades at AS-Level can be converted to 20 UCAS Points. A grades at A-Level convert to 48 UCAS Points.
Some universities often use UCAS points instead of direct grades when setting entry requirements.
Most business majors require a BBB for A-level entry, which is equivalent to 120 UCAS Points. If the entry requirement is ABB, the corresponding UCAS points are 128. Of course, the specific requirements vary from university to university and from major to major.
AS and A-Level papersLike EDEXCEL International Edition Alevel Physics, Chemistry, etc., you need to complete 6 exam papers to get the Alevel certificate, which are the first unit, and you can get the AS certificate by completing the first three units. Complete all 6 papers to obtain an Alevel Qualification.
If you want to get the Alevel Physics, Chemistry, etc., you need to complete 5 test papers each to get the ALevel certificate, and **complete the first three*** to complete the AS. Complete all 5 papers to obtain an Alevel Qualification.
What should I do if I fail the AS examIn contrast, the A-Level exam is a complete course that includes content from the AS exam and content from the A2 course. Students are required to complete the entire course content and take one exam within two years. The final score is based on the results of this exam.
SoIf you do not do well in the AS, it will not directly affect the final A-level results。But it can affect students' confidence and ability, as well as how schools and teachers evaluate students and**.
What should students do if their AS grades are not satisfactory?
1.Re-review the AS course content:By checking the questions or knowledge points that you made mistakes in the exam, and discussing and communicating with teachers and classmates, you can relearn the content of the AS course.
2.Make a plan:Specify a review plan, including the knowledge points that need to be reviewed, the review time, and the review method. Use your time and resources in a planned way to improve the efficiency of revision.
3.Find your own learning method:The AS exam requires students to have certain learning methods and strategies, such as note-taking, question practice, exam skills, etc.
February** Dynamic Incentive Program