What are GCSE and A-Levels?
Asked by: Mrs. Tressie Predovic Sr. | Last update: March 30, 2022Score: 4.5/5 (8 votes)
A-Levels are a higher level of qualification compared to GCSEs. They are usually taken in a sixth form or college by those 17 and above whereas GCSEs are usually taken in high schools by those 13 to 16.
What is GCSE and A Level in UK?
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's harder GCSE 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 is the A levels in UK?
A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are a UK subject-based qualification for students aged 16 and above. They are usually studied over two years, leading to qualifications recognised for entrance to higher education institutes in the UK and many others worldwide.
What level is GCSE and A level?
Level 1 qualifications constitute GCSEs at grades G, F, E, and D or 1, 2, and 3. Level 2 qualifications are those at grades C, B, A, and A* or 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
UK School Exams - GCSEs, A-Levels, IB's
Is GCSE higher than A levels?
A-Levels, short for Advanced Levels, are a higher qualification than the GCSEs. A-Levels are subject-based qualifications that are divided into two stages.
Can I go to university 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.
What age do you do A levels?
A Levels are usually studied by students in Sixth Form, which refers to the last two years of secondary education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, taken at ages 16–18.
Can I go to uni with 2 A levels?
Can you take A-levels and Btecs at the same time? Yes you can. When deciding whether to take a combination of Btec and A-levels, you should think about how it might affect what you want to do in the future, particularly when it comes to university.
What is the easiest A-Level?
What are the 12 easiest A-Level subjects? The 12 easiest A-Level subjects are Classical Civilisation, Environmental Science, Food Studies, Drama, Geography, Textiles, Film Studies, Sociology, Information Technology (IT), Health and Social Care, Media Studies, and Law.
What are the hardest A-Levels UK?
- Modern foreign languages.
- Further maths.
- History.
- Physics.
- English literature.
- Chemistry.
- Maths.
- Psychology.
Are A-Levels harder than uni?
A-Level students are able to spend a lot more time in lessons, and tend to have more contact and support from teachers, compared to university students. University students are required to do a lot more independent study than A-Level students are. Content is more detailed at university than it is at sixth form.
What levels are GCSE grades?
The new GCSEs will be graded 9–1, rather than A*–G, with grade 5 considered a good pass and grade 9 being the highest and set above the current A*. The government's definition of a 'good pass' will be set at grade 5 for reformed GCSEs. A grade 4 will continue to be a Level 2 achievement.
What GCSE means?
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.
Is GCSE the same as high school diploma?
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). This will be sufficient for a student to gain entry to less selective US colleges and universities.
Can I do a levels at 19?
Although most people take A-levels in sixth form between 16 and 18, you can take them at any time.
Can you get an A * at AS?
You cannot get A* at AS level, no.
Can you take A levels after 18?
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 happens if I fail my 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.
Should I do A levels or BTEC?
A-levels are more academic and classroom-based, while Btecs are more vocational and practical. A-levels give you a broader academic base if you're not totally sure what you want to do later, while Btecs are more focused on a particular career path.
How do you get an A level?
- at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4/A* to C.
- at least grade 6 in the specific subject(s) you want to study.
What level is a BTEC?
BTEC Nationals are available from Level 3 (similar standard to A levels). Many of these are well regarded by universities, further education colleges, and employers. A BTEC National qualification can lead to employment, continuing study, or professional development programmes.
What are the different levels of education in UK?
The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts, primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education. Children in the UK have to legally attend primary and secondary education which runs from about 5 years old until the student is 16 years old.
What is a university level qualification?
The most common undergraduate degree is the bachelor's degree, although in some countries there are lower level higher education qualifications that are also titled degrees (e.g. associate degrees and foundation degrees) and higher level (e.g. undergraduate master's degrees).