Two-Year A-Level Courses

Two years is the standard period for a complete A-level course. In the first year, students will usually study three or four subjects to AS level. In the second year, they will continue with three of these to A2, thereby completing three A-levels. AS comprises the first three modules of the A-level course, and A2 the remaining three. Only a student who is both very bright and hard-working should attempt to take more A-Levels than this. Some A-Level modules may be taken either in January or in June. Taking a module early, in January, may decrease a student's workload for the rest of the school year; it also leaves a further opportunity in June to sit the same module.

One-Year A-Level Courses

Under the current AS/A2 system of A-levels, a full course can still be taught over one year. Any subject can be taken over this period but, in such a limited time, success will depend on a student's background in a subject, their intelligence and lots of hard work. A student who decides to attempt a full A-Level in one year may well need extra classes. These can of course be arranged.

A-Level Retake Courses

Intensive retake courses are available from September to January and from January to June. Here there is a strong emphasis on making sure of the foundations of the subject, on clearing up any particular difficulties a student may have and on improving examination technique. Experience shows that a great deal can be achieved in a relatively short time.

What are A-Levels, AS and A2?

A-Levels are the examinations traditionally taken by students in England who want to enter university. They are divided into two parts called AS and A2. In most subjects there are three modules in AS, and three in A2. The whole course usually takes two years: the AS exams are taken after the first year, and the A2 exams after the second. Alternatively, all six modules can be taken at the end of the second year, as in the old A-Level exam. Some modules may also be taken or retaken during the winter. Students will usually study four subjects during their first (AS) year, and go on to study three of these in their second year, for the A2 exam.