What is GCSE and A level?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (International GCSE) and International Advanced Level (IAL) are the UK equivalent of school-leaving or university entrance examinations and are available in a wide range of subjects.

What is difference between a level and GCSE?

What is this? A-Levels focus on very specific topics and try to maximize the difficulty. This is the opposite of GCSE, where your learning is broader and covers more subject areas with easier content. Not to say that GCSEs are easy, because they most certainly aren't.

What's harder GCSEs or A-Levels?

You hear it all the time – A-Levels are a lot harder than GCSEs. While this doesn't sound that comforting coming from your teacher or parent just as you're trying to choose your A-Level options, it's true. A-Levels are a big jump from GCSE.

What are GCSE exams for?

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. They are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, together with some investigative work, while some subjects also involve practical work.

Can I go to uni without A-Levels?

Although A Levels are primarily for those seeking to get into university, yes it is possible to get to university without A levels and qualify for a university course. An Access to Higher Education (Access to HE) course is a flexible way of getting into university and suits those who are returning to education.

UK School Exams - GCSEs, A-Levels, IB's

What year do you take A-Levels?

A-levels are studied across two years: your AS year (Year 12) and your A2 year (Year 13). Students' grades are usually determined by the final exams they take at the end of Year 13.

What happens if you fail a levels?

If you completely failed your A levels or didn't even sit the exams, there are still apprenticeships you can take advantage of. You'll most likely have to start on a Level 2 apprenticeship. These are a great entry point to a career and will usually lead on to higher levels.

How many GCSEs equal A-level?

I figured out that 1 Linear A Level (As and A2 taken at end of yr2) is equivalent to taking roughly 6 GCSE's. So, if you're taking 3 A Levels that's roughly equivalent to revising for 18 GCSE's.

What is an A-level equivalent to?

Highers and Advanced Highers are considered the equivalents of AS and A levels. Currently theere are over 60 subjects available and you usually study four or five Highers subjects. Each Higher is made up of units, and you need to pass all units and the course assessment to achieve the qualification.

Do you need GCSE for A Levels?

To study A Levels you need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4-9 or above including English Language. If you do not gain a grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths you will have to study GCSE Maths alongside your A Levels.

Are A Levels harder than uni?

Although a degree is a higher level of study, for most students studying at university is not harder than studying for A Levels.

What subjects are in A Levels?

Subjects include English Language & Literature, French, Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Psychology, Economics, Art, Information Technology and Modern Foreign Languages such as French, German, and Spanish.

Can I go to uni with only GCSEs?

You could start with The Open University with just GCSEs, but this is distance learning so you would be learning at home (there are some tutorials but these are on average once a month).

Is A Levels equivalent to high school?

The completion of A Levels is considered equal to the completion of the 11th and 12th classes of the high school.

What are GCSEs equivalent to in America?

5 GCSE passes at grade C or higher are considered the rough equivalent of a US High School Diploma (without Honors or 'Advanced Placement' (AP) classes).

Can you do A levels at any age?

Actually, there's no age limit to A Levels, providing the entry requirements are met! So it doesn't matter if you're 16 or 79, you can still take your A Level exams.

What does A-Level stand for?

Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A levels over two years. They're usually assessed by a series of examinations.

How many GCSEs do you need for university?

Most colleges like you to take a minimum of five GCSEs, including English Language and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, while sixth forms have slightly higher entry requirements, looking for at least six GCSE examination results achieving at least a grade 4 (C).

Are A Levels necessary?

A Level Study is Important For Work

Whether you decide to go onto university or not, A Levels will remain highly beneficial. In instances where they are not required as a minimum for a role, by having A Level qualifications, you are demonstrating your ability to apply yourself to achieve success.

Can I do A Levels if I fail maths?

Taking A levels

However, if you have failed maths, most schools and colleges will allow students to study GCSE courses alongside A levels, especially lower-requirement colleges. They'll allow you to take certain A levels alongside a resit of GCSE maths.

What happens if I fail my Gcses?

Most schools and colleges allow GCSE students to resit failed examinations. You can resit English and Maths exams in November and examinations in other subjects are then taken in the following June. You will need to double check the examination schedule with your school.

Is A Level free in UK?

A-Level courses are provided for free to students aged 16 to 18 in the UK. All they have to pay to get their A-Levels are a symbolic fee for taking their final exams, which at maximum can be £100.

What year is GCSE?

Generally, students will take their GCSEs at the end of Year 11, following 2 years' learning in Years 10 and 11. GCSE options are usually chosen in Year 9. The actual GCSE exams take place every year in May and June.

Is a grade 7 GOOD?

A grade 7 is fantastic. That's like an A. If your getting a grade 7 right now then you'll be fine in your exams in May/June. Just keep revising and doing practice papers/ questions on topics you are struggling in.