A-LEVELS: ITS STRUCTURE, SUBJECTS, GRADING SYSTEM AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

 What are A levels?    

A Levels (Advanced Level Qualifications) are globally recognised, subject-based qualifications that are studied by students between the ages 16 to 18, generally after they have completed GCSEs or IGCSEs. A Levels, developed in the UK, are widely accepted by many universities and higher-education institutions across the globe. Unlike many other curricula, A-Levels allow students to focus on a smaller number of subjects, usually three to four that align with their interests and future aspirations. 

Need structured information about the A-Levels curriculum? You just arrived at the right place! The Tutor X community provides you with a clear and easy-to-understand guide to the A-Levels curriculum along with its subjects, assessment and grading system, countries which recognize it (with special reference to the UAE), advantages and more.

Who studies A levels?

A-levels are studied by students typically of ages between 16 - 18 years, who are willing to specialize on smaller number of subjects rather than studying an array of multiple subjects. Students generally begin A-Levels after they have completed a qualification equivalent to secondary education, such as -

• IGCSE or GCSE
• CBSE Class 10
• ICSE Class 10
• State Board Class 10
• Any other recognised equivalent secondary-school qualifications

Major A-Levels Examination Boards

• Cambridge International Education (Cambridge International)
• Pearson Edexcel
• OxfordAQA
• AQA

Structure of the A-levels curriculum

The A-levels comprise of two stages that follow a two-year programme-

AS level (Advanced subsidiary): It represents the first year of the programme and introduces students to the fundamental concepts of the subjects required for advanced studies. AS levels, depending on the examination board, can also be recognized as a stand-alone qualification or form a part of the complete A-Level qualification.

A2 level: It represents the second or final year of the traditional two-year A-Level pathway, in which students develop in-depth knowledge of the chosen subjects in a more advanced manner. Depending on the International A-Level systems, the AS level and A2 level are combined to form the full A-level qualification. While in other systems, AS level might be offered as a stand-alone qualification and not contribute to the final A-level grade.

Some of the popular A level subjects

Assessment and grading system

The assessment system is a combination of written exams, coursework, and practicals, depending on the subjects and examination board. The assessment system varies between UK A-Levels and International A-Levels.

Exams and coursework: Written examinations are conducted at the end of each year in International A-Levels like Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel, which counts for 50% of the total qualification and will be 100% after the A2 exams, conducted at the end of the second year. For United Kingdom A-Levels, the written exams are held at the end of the two-year programme. AS Level can be considered a stand-alone qualification but then it won't contribute to the final A-Level grade.

Practical assessment and Coursework: These are mainly for science subjects but their assessment methods differ by examination boards. In Cambridge International and Edexcel International, the practical exams are conducted annually, which contribute directly to the final A-level grade at the end of the second year. In UK-based boards, practicals are not formal, but rather continuous throughout the course. Teachers assess the laboratory skills over these two years and offer a separate practical endorsement (pass or fail) on the certificate.

Grading system

Grade	Meaning
A*	Highest grade
A	Excellent performance
B	Very good performance
C	Good/satisfactory performance
D	Lower pass
E	Minimum passing grade
U	Ungraded

A* grade represents the highest A-Level grade, while U indicates that the student did not achieve the minimum standard or score required for a graded result.

UCAS Points

UCAS points are the tariff points or numerical values given for each A-level grade which are used by UK university admissions system to compare different qualifications (IB, A-Levels, BTECs and others) and grades to determine course admission but there are some universities that set their own entry requirements. More points are provided for better grades and larger qualifications.

Why is UAE considered as one of the strongest regions for A-level students?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considered one of the strongest regions for A-level students due to various reasons, some of which are mentioned below-                                                                                                                            

1.Well-established British education ecosystem: The UAE has one of the largest accumulations of British curriculum schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and others, offering qualifications like-

• Cambridge IGCSE
• Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
• Cambridge International A-Levels
• Pearson Edexcel International A-Levels

2.Globally recognized by universities: In UAE, A-levels are accepted by most of the major universities, including public universities, private universities, or international branch campuses as they consider A-levels to be a rigorous qualification that builds a strong academic foundation of students for undergraduate study.

3.Home to many international university branch campuses: The UAE, being a higher-education hub, offers branch campuses of universities from the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, India, France and more. Examples include -

• University of Birmingham Dubai
• Middlesex University Dubai
• University of Wollongong in Dubai
• Heriot-Watt University Dubai

4.Scholarships for high achievers: There are many UAE universities that offer merit-based scholarships to students who achieve excellent A-level grades (for example A*, A, or B grades) helping reduce tuition costs.

5.Strong career and industry connections: The UAE is a hub of thriving sectors such as-

• Finance
• Technology
• Artificial intelligence
• Aviation
• Healthcare
• Renewable energy
• Tourism and Hospitality

6.Many universities often collaborate with these companies and organisations in these sectors. These connections provide students with opportunities such as internships, industry projects, research and placement opportunities, giving A-level students pathways into global careers.