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A-Level
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IB
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Course Length |
- AS Levels are a one-year standalone qualification.
- A Levels are a two-year standalone qualification.
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Subjects Studied |
- Typically 3 subjects studied at A Level and 1 at AS Level.
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Prescribed Subject |
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At AS or A Level the number of subjects, or what they are, is not prescribed. However, subject choice not endless and is normally bound by time timetabling constraints.
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The AS & A Level pathway allows students a free choice of subjects, although students are likely to be guided as to the sensible combinations of subjects appropriate to their proposed university studies.
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AS and A-level syllabuses have been designed to be 'co-teachable'. This means that students who have opted to take the AS-level will have covered the necessary material to continue on to A-level in Year 13 if they so wish.
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IB students must study 6 subjects from the following groups:
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Three are studied in depth as Higher Level subjects, and three at Standard Level.
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Students may choose whether to study a subject at Higher or Standard Level.
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Assessment |
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- The IB examinations are at the end of the course.
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Grading System |
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Each IB subject is graded 1(low) – 7 (high), with up to a further 3 points for the core modules.
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Maximum points available are 45, with 24 being required for the award of a diploma.
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How do universities regard the A-Level and IB? |
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Perceived Advantages |
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The majority of British Sixth Formers sit them and university admissions tutors and employers understand the system.
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Students are presented with a broader choice of subjects at AS and A Level.
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AS & A levels allow students to specialise in subject areas that are relevant to chosen Higher Education courses.
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Students are able to drop subjects that they are weaker in, with permission.
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The majority of A level courses examine subjects in a lot of detail, which is a definite advantage prior to studying specialist academic subjects at university.
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A useful avenue for students who are unsure which subjects to specialise in.
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Only one set of public examinations, at the end of the two year course.
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Universities find it easier to differentiate between students, therefore offers can be favourable.
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