Key stage 5 - A-levels

Advanced level examinations

A-levels are the traditional qualifications of the British school system that are offered by schools and colleges for students aged between 16 and 19 years old. Short for Advanced Level, A-levels, focus on the more academic subjects, compared to vocational qualifications like BTECs.

Advanced level qualifications are subject-based qualifications that are necessary to attend university, further study, training and often work. Students normally study three or more A levels over two years. Courses culminate in an examination or series of examinations.

In Year 12, the first year, students will start with AS level, which is the first half of an A level and a qualification in its own right. If they continue to enjoy the subject and want to learn more, they can progress, in Year 13, studying for the whole A-level.

AIS makes every effort to prepare students in making an informed decision about subject choices. This is was done in our last academic year by having local Careers officer, Gwenda Daud visit the relevant students to run some informative sessions about the variety of FE (Further Education) courses available. In addition we held 'Taster sessions' in many of the subjects offered in order to give students an insight, introduce course structures and generally provide a glimpse of what subjects are like at A-level.

What A-level subjects can your student take with us?

At AIS 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

Who they are for?

What A-level subjects can your student take with us?

A-levels are begun in Year 12 with courses which last for two years. If your child is considering attending University, most higher education courses require specific A levels or combinations of A levels for entry.

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.

Choosing A-levels

What can I do once I've taken my A levels?

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:

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.
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.
How open your child wishes to keep their future study and career choices?

What can I do once I've taken my A levels?

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.