Keystone Tutors Blog
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Should my child take A Levels or the IB?
When it comes to deciding on the best educational path for students post GCSE, the choice between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a topic of debate for many families. Both qualifications offer unique approaches to learning and present opportunities for children to excel academically at school and beyond.
Webinar: A Level vs IB (Inc. GCSE vs. IGCSE)
Keystone’s Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by Jenny McGowan, Keystone's Director of Asia, to discuss the similarities and differences between IGCSEs and GCSEs as well as A Levels and the IB. They also covered how students might choose subjects to study at the different levels.
How to Get an A* or A in A Level Spanish
Achieving an A or A star in A Level Spanish is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right approach and dedication, it's entirely attainable. This guide will equip you with essential strategies resources and tips to excel in all aspects of the exam.
How to get an A* or A in A Level French
A Levels are challenging, and French is no exception. Even native speakers can struggle with the complexities of the language at this level. However, with the right approach and dedication, achieving top grades is entirely within reach. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to excel in your A Level French exams.
Webinar: Navigating A Level Results Day and UCAS Clearing
Keystone's Director of Asia, Jenny McGowan, and Managing Director, Ed Richardson, hosted this webinar about preparing for A Level results day and what to expect. They discussed what you can do before receiving your results, what to do on results day, what you can expect to hear from UCAS on the day and what to do if you don’t receive your predicted grades and their tips for navigating clearing.
A Level Results Day 2024: How to Prepare and What to Expect
With A level Results day almost upon us (Thursday 15th August), here is a helpful guide to ensure you are appropriately prepared.
Languages Super Curricular Activities
Super-curricular activities are intellectually enriching pursuits that extend beyond the standard curriculum. Super-curricular activities are essential for applications to top universities, demonstrating commitment and deeper engagement with a chosen subject.
A Guide to A Level English Language
Is English Language a good A Level subject? English Language A Level is a really good choice if you have enjoyed the language aspects of your GCSE English course. Students will recall that study for the GCSE Language qualification is what we might call more ‘programmatic’: this is a more technical discipline, requiring a focus on technical aspects of language, and which looks as ‘texts’ that are sometimes a long way from the highbrow and romantic reading of the Literature qualification.
Guide to A Level English Literature
Is English Literature a good A Level subject? Studying English Literature at A Level is a fantastic option for those who have enjoyed English at GCSE and want to take their study to the next level. But be under no illusions that this is a step up - in terms of the knowledge you will be required to retain and process, the language you will be required to use, and the general ‘seriousness’ of the course. And examinations.
Guide to A Level Drama & Theatre Studies
In this article, experienced Theatre Studies tutor Matthew Dann, addresses some common questions and concerns around A Level Theatre Studies, including, the advantages of studying Theatre Studies at A Level, the best subject combinations, and the relevance of the subject for future studies or careers. He also explores the key components of the A Level Theatre Studies curriculum and discusses effective revision techniques and his tips for getting a top grade in the subject.
English Super Curricular Activities
In a world full of distractions, there are few more satisfying ways to spend your time than immersed in a good book. But studying literature at university is about more than wiling away your days in the company of great authors; it’s a rigorous and exacting discipline that will stretch the way you think about language and about art.
Psychology Super Curricular Activities
What are super curricular activities? Every student that applies to university will know something about psychology. They may have seen a true crime documentary about a serial killer, read an article about attachment styles, or even studied the subject at GCSE or A-level. But in order to convince universities to give you an offer for undergraduate study, you will need to go above and beyond this level, exploring the subject to a greater extent.
Guide to A Level Economics
Choosing your A levels can be a challenging time. In the UK, we specialise at a relatively young age, meaning that choices you make at 16 will have a not-insignificant influence on your future employment prospects. But choosing your A levels shouldn’t be this daunting, so, in this article, I’ll cover some common questions many have surrounding A level Economics.
A Level Revision Techniques and Skills
A Levels can be a stressful time for anyone sitting them – as well as their parents. In this short blog, I’ll discuss how best to approach A Level revision, covering how much to do, when do to it, and how best to revise, including some best practice.
Guide to A Level History
What is the difference between History GCSE and A-Level? Many students who have enjoyed GCSE History choose to continue studying the subject at A-Level, making it one of the more highly ranking courses in lists of the most popular A-Levels. One of the key differences between GCSE and A-Level History is the breadth and depth of content.
Guide to A Level Maths and Further Maths
Should I take Maths for A Level? Mathematics has been the most popular A Level choice for some time now. This is due to Maths being a highly applicable subject in a range of professions, and is often a requirement for some university degrees. While it is a popular choice, it is also a challenging subject that will require a lot of work to get top marks.
Guide to the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
What is an EPQ? An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone A-Level qualification designed to extend students beyond the A-Level specification and prepare them for university and beyond. It is worth half of an A-Level (28 UCAS points for an A*) and is recognised for university applications.
A Guide to STEP Maths
What is STEP Maths? STEP stands for Sixth Term Examination Paper and is a collection of three exams (STEP 1, 2 and 3) which traditionally are used in conditional offers by Cambridge to determine if you get accepted for Maths or Maths-related degrees. Other universities, like Warwick and Imperial, use STEP in some of their Maths offers. You sit these papers in the Summer alongside your other exams like A-Levels, IB and Pre-U.
Webinar: Getting Your Child Exam Fit
Keystone's Homeschooling and Courses Manager, Poppy Dundas, was joined by Professional Tutors Jon Gale and Lara Isaac. Lara is also a trained nutritionist and together they discussed how best to get your child prepared for the upcoming exams. Topics included keeping motivation strong, the best foods to eat, how to structure revision days, how to calm nerves and general revision tips and tricks.
Keystone Tutors A Level Guide
Advanced Level qualifications, better known as A Levels, help students enter universities or colleges or careers related to the subjects they choose to study. Originally introduced in the UK in 1951, they are also offered in a range of Commonwealth countries, and are normally studied over the course of a 2 year period. Most students will study either 3 or 4 A Levels between the ages of 16 and 19.
Can a Quarter of Exam Grades Awarded Really Be Wrong?
As an avid Podcast listener, the More or Less Podcast has long been a weekly essential. The Podcast looks to explain the numbers and statistics used in political debate, the news and everyday life. I was particularly captivated by a recent episode, in which the Podcast investigated the truth behind claims made by The Times that “48% of A level results are wrong”.
Getting Ready to Start AQA A-Level Philosophy
Maybe you’ve just finished your GCSEs and have decided to enter the brave new world of Philosophy at A Level. It might feel both exciting and a little daunting to be beginning a brand-new subject in Year 12, rather than continuing one, such as Physics or English, that you’ve studied for some years.
