A Levels/AS Levels

AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications focus on traditional study skills. They are available in a wide range of academic subjects, and also some work-related subjects. They normally take two years to complete full-time in school or college, but they're also useful if you want to go straight into employment.

A levels are made up of the AS level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A level grade. The AS level can be either a free standing qualification, or be valued as the first half of the full A level. At the end of the AS year, you have two options (depending on your / your school or college's preference:

You can either take the AS level qualification only or continue to the second year and go for the full A level.

In year two of a full A level, you take the A2 - this is not a separate qualification, but the second half of the A level. The A2 is designed to deepen the knowledge you gained during the AS level.

If you started your A levels after September 2008, you can also choose to take the extended project. This is equivalent in size to half an A level and requires you to produce a single piece of work of your own choosing, showing evidence of planning, preparation, research and working on your own.

If you're taking your A2 before June 2009, and are expecting an A grade, you might want to consider taking an Advanced Extension Award (AEA). These are available in 19 different subjects.

For more information please speak to your school, college or Connexions, or contact the Learning and Curriculum Team at Herefordshire Council. Alternatively you can access information from the Department for Education