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.
The Algarve International school 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.
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:
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:
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.
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