A levels are qualifications taught to children between the ages of 16 and 19. They provide a gateway to getting into university or a stepping stone into the world of work. Unlike GCSE’s, A levels require a higher level of thinking and much more independent study to consolidate class learning.
We have paired up with a private school in Somerset to deliver a parents’ guide to A Levels.
How are A-Levels graded?
Unlike GCSE’s that took a U-turn in their grading system, A levels are still graded alphabetically as most of us are used to. An A* is the highest grade that you can be awarded, and U is the lowest which is ungradable.
When Should My Child Start Revising?
A good time to revise is in the Easter holidays, just after all new content is covered and where your child has plenty of free time. However, it is always good to revise sooner so that your child is confident with the content. Revising as you go along is always recommended as it can help your child to stay abreast of course content and participate better in class.
What Is Reading?
Reading can allow your child to stand out from the average student, allow them to explore their passions and improve their overall subject understanding. Despite the name itself, reading doesn’t need to be done by soaking in written content. It can be done by watching videos on YouTube, tuning into podcasts and going on field trips. Essentially, it’s anything that allows your child to explore their learning further.
When Do A-Level Exams Take Place?
The exam timetable changes year-on-year but generally speaking they take place between May and June.
How Can I Help My Child Apply for University?
To help your child you can start by looking at all of the different options available. Discuss their passions and look at ways into the field. You can use the website ‘Prospects’ for this and see if there are better ways for them to achieve their dream job. Once that is done, you can help by attending university open days and trawl through university stats to help them to make a more informed decision.
Note: This is a collaborative post
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