A-levels
A-levels
The A-levels, or Advanced Level qualifications, are subject-based qualifications that students in the United Kingdom and several other countries take at the end of their secondary education. They are typically studied over a two-year period and are a key requirement for university entrance.
History[edit | edit source]
The A-levels were introduced in the United Kingdom in 1951 as a replacement for the Higher School Certificate. They were designed to provide a more flexible and specialized education for students aged 16 to 18, allowing them to focus on a smaller number of subjects in greater depth.
Structure[edit | edit source]
A-levels are usually taken over two years, with the first year known as the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) level and the second year as the A2 level. The AS level can be a standalone qualification, but it also contributes to the full A-level.
Subjects[edit | edit source]
Students typically choose three or four subjects to study at A-level, although some may take more. Popular subjects include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, English Literature, and Economics.
Assessment[edit | edit source]
A-levels are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. The exams are usually taken at the end of the second year, although some subjects may have exams at the end of the first year for the AS level.
Importance[edit | edit source]
A-levels are a critical component of the UK education system and are often required for entry into higher education institutions. They are recognized by universities around the world and are considered a benchmark of academic achievement.
International Variants[edit | edit source]
While A-levels are primarily associated with the UK, they are also offered in several other countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Zimbabwe. These international variants may have slight differences in structure and content.
Criticism and Reforms[edit | edit source]
Over the years, A-levels have faced criticism for being too narrow and not preparing students adequately for university. As a result, there have been various reforms aimed at broadening the curriculum and improving the assessment methods.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
