What are GCSE and A levels?
Asked by: Mrs. Justina Collier | Last update: April 4, 2022Score: 4.1/5 (65 votes)
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. Level 1, known as AS, which is taken by students aged 16-17 and level 2, known as A2, are taken by students aged 17-18.
What is the difference between GCSEs and A-Levels?
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.
UK School Exams - GCSEs, A-Levels, IB's
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.
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.
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.
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 ARE AS levels?
What AS and A levels are. AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications normally take two years to complete full-time in school or FE college, although they're also available to study part-time. It is split into two parts, with one part studied in each year.
Do universities look at GCSE results?
Do universities look at GCSE grades? Some universities will only look at your A-level grades and your application before they consider accepting you. But at more competitive universities, they will look at your GCSE results to see how consistent your academic career has been.
What is the hardest a level?
In order of easiest to most difficult, our list of the top 15 hardest A-Levels are: Art, Design & Technology (Product Design), Business Studies, Politics, Economics, History, English Literature, Psychology, Modern Languages, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, and Physics.
What is better a level 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.
Is GCSE a 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.
Does GCSE stand 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.
What are GCSEs called in America?
There is no common equivalent to GCSE in the USA; there is no exam at 16. There is no direct equivalent to A-level, though AP gets quite close. There is no common equivalent to GCSE in the USA; there is no exam at 16. There is no direct equivalent to A-level, though AP gets quite close.
Can you go to university with 2 A-Levels?
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.
Can you get an A * at AS?
You cannot get A* at AS level, no.
Is English an easy A-Level?
A-Level English Literature is an extremely hard A-Level, and not because of any hidden features or unseen required skills. A-Level English Literature is a difficult A-Level because of the content, and how much you have to write.
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 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.
Can I do A levels at college?
Most colleges offer A levels as do sixth forms, but also have a huge number of other qualifications available in different subjects and at different levels. Not all colleges, however, will offer the same 'mix' of subjects so it's very important to check carefully what is available locally.