Key stage 5 - A-levels

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At The Algarve International School we offer a wide variety of A-level courses. For the academic year beginning in September 2020 the subjects are as follows:

• Art and design
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Critical thinking
• Economics
• English language
• English literature
• French
• German
• Geography
• Global development
• History
• Politics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Portuguese

A-levels are begun in Year 12 with courses last for two years. If your child is considering attending University most higher education courses require specific A levels or combinations of A levels (or alternative level 3 qualifications).

Even in the case your child does not yet sure what career path or further education route they wish to follow, studying a selection of A levels can be a good way of keeping options open.

It's in moments of decision that one's destiny is shaped.

 It is important to make the right choices when selecting the subjects your student undertakes. The most important criteria for choosing A levels subjects are:

1. Looking at what your child is likely to enjoy, what they are good at. If your student enjoys a subject or has an ability in it  already, they are more likely to do well.
2. Are there any particular  subjects and/or grades your child may need? If they have a particular career,  job, or further study in mind, they may need to choose specific A levels  in order to meet entry requirements.
3. How open your child wishes to keep their future study and career choices?

 A levels can provide your student with a variety of options, including work, further study or an apprenticeship.

Options for further study could include applying to university or a  BTEC Higher National, NVQ or BTEC qualifications at college.

If your teenager is applying to a university you're likely to apply through  the University and College Admission Service (UCAS). 

You can find out  more about UCAS and how A levels are valued by Further and Higher  education institutes on the UCAS website.