Как оцениваются экзамены a levels

A-Levels – это британская программа высшего уровня старшей школы, двухлетний квалификационный курс, необходимый для получения полного среднего образования и поступления в вуз. Результаты A-Levels exams имеют решающее значение при зачислении в университеты. Несмотря на кажущуюся схожесть с российской программой 10-11 классов и экзаменами ЕГЭ, A-Levels имеет существенные отличия.

A-Levels, программа обучения в старших классах английских школ, многим может показаться специфичной. Необходимость специализации и ограниченный набор предметов для изучения выделяют A-Levels среди других известных программ, включая российскую программу старшей школы, популярный IB (International Baccalaureate), американскую программу High School Diploma и схожую с ней канадскую программу. В отличие от большинства перечисленных программ, предусматривающих обязательное изучение предметов из всех основных групп дисциплин (математика, естественные и социальные науки, иностранные языки, искусство и физкультура), A-Levels предполагает выбор всего 3-4 предметов, но эти предметы изучаются на продвинутом, предуниверситетском уровне.

С вами Mr.Great – британец, живущий с семьей в Москве, и сегодня мы говорим об A-Levels. Для меня, как для человека, закончившего школу в Англии, формат программы A-Levels всегда казался чем-то естественным. В 16-17 лет, а именно в этом возрасте английские школьники переходят на уровень A-Levels, подросток, как правило, уже определился с приоритетами по учебе и планами на будущее. Он имеет представление о том, какие направления профессиональной карьеры могут быть ему интересны, и не должен испытывать затруднений в выборе предметов A-Levels для изучения. Однако, для многих иностранцев, включая россиян, формат A-Levels непривычен: необходимость выбрать всего 3-4 предмета вызывает панику, а страх не справится со сложной программой или понять в разгар учебы, что выбор был сделан неправильно, заставляет и самих ребят и их родителей раз за разом пересматривать списки доступных дисциплин и по несколько раз менять комбинации, выбирая оптимальную. В хороших школах с выбором предметов помогают специальные кураторы. Как правило, с началом обучения стресс остается позади, и ученик может сконцентрироваться на индивидуально выбранных предметах.

СОДЕРЖАНИЕ

• Что такое A-Level?
• Структура программы
• Выбор предметов на A-Levels
• Где можно сдать A-Levels?
• Резюме

Что такое A-Level?

Разберемся с определениями. Полное название A-Levels — General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level или в переводе Общий Сертификат об Образовании на продвинутом уровне.

Это двухлетний курс предуинверситетской подготовки, предусматривающих углубленное изучение 3-4 дисциплин по выбору.

Экзамены A-Levels были введены в Великобритании в 1951 году, т.е. применяются для оценки знаний старшеклассников уже более 70 лет!

Разработкой программ и проведением экзаменов A-Level в Великобритании занимаются пять основных экзаменационных комиссий:

• AQA (the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
• OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA)
• Edexcel (Edexcel Pearson)
• WJEC (Валлийский объединенный комитет по образованию)
• CCEA

Результаты A-Levels – основной критерий академической успешности школы. На основании результатов экзаменов составляются рейтинги школ, так называемые school league tables.

A-Levels на протяжении последних десятилетий была и остается основной программой старшей школы в Великобритании. Модель оказалась настолько успешной, что ряд других стран, таких как, например, Сингапур и Маврикий, полностью скопировали ее в своей образовательной системе и даже сохранили название!

Структура программы

Учебный план программы A-Levels разбит на 2 части. В течение первого года обучения студенты проходят начальный блок учебного материала и сдают экзамены первого уровня – AS (Advanced Subsidary). Второй год обучения завершается финальным экзаменом A2 exam. Считается, что второй год обучения на A-Levels более сложный, программа максимально углубленная.

Распространена практика, когда по окончании первого года A-Levels ученики отказываются от одного из 4 выбранных в начале курса предметов, и сдают только 3 экзамена на уровне A2.

AS (AS-Level) по предмету, которые изучался в течение одного года, выступает в таких случаях как самостоятельная квалификация.

Академическая нагрузка на уровне A-Levels включает 20-25 учебных часов в неделю. Большое внимание уделяется самостоятельной работе и исследовательским проектам.

Система оценивания балльная, используется буквенная шкала от A до E (A, B, C, D, E), где A – наивысший балл. Особые успехи в учебе отмечаются дополнительной звёздочкой в оценке A – баллом A*.

Для поступления в топовые британские вузы, например University of Cambridge, выпускник школы должен иметь комбинацию оценок A*AA или A*A*A по необходимым для выбранной специальности предметам.

Выбор предметов на A-Levels

Выбор предметов для изучения на уровне A-Levels – сложная задача. Для английских школьников или иностранцев, обучающихся по британской программе, необходимость определиться с 3-4 основными предметами на последние 2 года обучения в старших классах может вызывать затруднения. Что уж говорить о подростках, которые не учились ранее по программе GCSE (двухлетний курс для детей 14-16 лет, предшествующий курсу A-Levels).

На данный момент существует более 45 возможных опций A-Levels! Важно отметить, что список доступных для каждой школы предметов может отличаться. Наиболее популярные дисциплины, такие как математика, статистика, английский язык, естественные науки, информатика, искусство, инженерия, география, дизайн и иностранные языки доступны в большинстве школ. Более редкие предметы, например, религиоведение или философия, предлагаются не везде. В престижных частных школах, курс A-Levels по той или иной дисциплине могут проводить даже ради одного ученика, который заявил, что хочет выбрать именно этот предмет, а других желающих не нашлось. В таких случаях преподавателя приглашают для индивидуальных занятий.

При выборе предметов A-Levels стоит отталкиваться от предполагаемой специализации в университете. Так, например, для того чтобы поступить в Оксфорд на медицинский факультет, нужно в обязательном порядке изучать химию и биологию, а в качестве третьего предмета можно выбрать физику, математику или высшую математику. Лишним будет говорить, что оценки по этим предметам должны быть не ниже A, а лучше A со звездочкой! Требования для конкретной специализации можно посмотреть на сайтах университетов, а также на едином портале для подачи заявок в вузы UCAS.

Если понимания по дальнейшей специализации в вузе еще нет, стоит выбрать классические дисциплины или предметы, которые нравятся или легко даются. Полезные рекомендации по выбору предметов дают школьные тьюторы — консультанты, которые, есть в большинстве английских школ.

Где можно сдать A-Levels?

Очевидные преимущества обучения по программе A-Levels заставляют многих родителей задуматься, где можно получить данную квалификацию. Возможность узкой специализации и дальнейшая перспектива поступать в лучшие вузы мира без дополнительной подготовки и сдачи экзаменов – веские основания, чтобы отправить ребенка учиться за рубеж. Английские школы-пансионы ежегодно принимают на обучение тысячи детей из России и других стран. Помимо классических бордингов, A-Levels можно пройти и в международном колледже – это специализированные учебные заведения для студентов из-за рубежа, где предусмотрена дополнительная языковая подготовка.  

Однако, получить британское среднее образование можно и не выезжая из России. Английские школы есть не только в Лондоне, но и в Москве. Например, Heritage International School, где учатся мои сыновья, работает по классической кембриджской программе, и по окончанию школы мальчики будут сдавать такие же экзамены, как и их ровесники в Туманном Альбионе (кстати, бонусом они еще получат и российский аттестат!)

Я знаю, что многие родители даже не рассматривают для себя возможность отпустить детей на учебу за рубеж до окончания средней школы, и международное образование в России для таких семей – отличный выход.

Помимо классических очных программ полноценного среднего образования, есть возможность готовиться к A-Levels дистанционно. Онлайн-школы существуют достаточно давно, но особую популярность они получили с началом пандемии. Скажу честно, на мой взгляд, это вариант подойдет исключительно мотивированным и дисциплинированным подросткам. Такие вероятно существуют в природе, но у нас в семье почему-то не встречаются.

Резюме

Итак, делаем выводы. Почему стоит выбрать A-Levels?

• Можно будет сконцентрироваться только на тех предметах, которые интересны и пригодятся подростку в будущем
• Не нужно будет изучать «общие для всех» дисциплины, которые не даются, не нравятся и не будут нужны в дальнейшем
• Необходимость задуматься уже в 15-16 лет о выборе предметов поможет подростку «собраться», осмыслить свои предпочтения и разобраться с ориентирами. Возможно, придется прибегнуть к помощи школьного консультанта или даже профориентолога.
• С результатами A-Levels можно поступать без дополнительной подготовки в любые вузы мира без ограничений (в топовые – только с высокими баллами, разумеется). Сдавать экзамены не придется!
• Программу можно пройти не выезжая из России, британские школы в Москве работают по тем же стандартам, что и английские учебные заведения

A-Levels не зря называют «золотым стандартом британского образования». На мой взгляд, возможность самостоятельного выбора и необходимость принимать «взрослые решения» – это именно то, что нужно подростку, чтобы начать серьезней относиться к учебе и максимально выкладываться в старших классах. Академический материал практически на уровне первого курса университета позволяет получить не поверхностные, а фундаментальные и глубокие знания по каждому из выбранных предметов.

Всегда ваш,
Mr. Great

География (Geography)

Задания по географии включают как темы строения земли: движения тектонических плит, ледниковый период — так и экологию: сейсмоопасные зоны, влияние человека на окружающую среду, предотвращение экологических катастроф. Кроме того, приготовьтесь отвечать на вопросы на стыке географии, политики, социологии, юриспруденции: права человека и глобальные организации, миграция, идентичность и суверенитет, сверхдержавы и т. п. Современные языки (французский, испанский) (Modern languages (French, Spanish))

По данным The Guardian, в 2019 году впервые в истории количество студентов, изучающих испанский язык на А-Level, обогнало тех, что изучают французский. По сравнению с 2011 годом французский выбрало на 36% меньше старшеклассников. Аналитики видят причины в том, что испанский сравнительно легче и что один из самых распространенных языков мира, конечно, давно заслуживает такой популярности.

Как проходят экзамены A-Level по испанскому или французскому? Письменно и устно. Устная часть проходит отдельно и предполагает пересказ прочитанного текста и ответы на вопросы экзаменатора. Письменная часть предполагает чтение текста и ответы на вопросы по содержанию, аудирование и перевод текста на английский. И, наоборот, нужно будет перевести английский текст на испанский или французский. К чести создателей — задания основаны на общественной жизни и культуре изучаемого языка, так что сдавать экзамен будет сложно, но познавательно.

Экзамены A-level — неотъемлемая часть подготовки к поступлению в университет, следующая после экзаменов GSCE

General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level — переводится как Общий Сертификат об Образовании на продвинутом уровне или просто известный как A Level от A(Advanced). Школьники сдают экзамены A-level, когда учатся в старшей школе (в Англии называемой 6th form) на Year 13. Экзамены проводятся в мае-июне.

Лучшие школы Лондона и его окрестностей, показывающие наиболее высокие результаты по экзаменам A-level

A levels — в основном, это письменный экзамен, хотя по большинству предметов потребуется написание курсовых работ. По таким предметам, как науки и арт, может потребоваться оценивание практических навыков.

Большинство школьников выберут 3-4 предмета для сдачи экзаменов A-level. Выбираемые предметы могут сыграть решающую роль в будущем, поэтому важно серьезно подойти к их выбору. Необязательно выбирать строго между точными науками и гуманитарными, смешанный вариант тоже возможен. Однако, если ребенок уже нацелен на определенную карьеру, выбор предметов для экзаменов A-level — хорошая возможность начать специализироваться.

Также невероятно важно, в случае если уже понятно, на какой факультет и в какой университет школьник хочет поступать, выбирать предметы на A-level имея в виду требования на определенный факультет определенного университета — по составу предметов и предполагаемых оценок.

Подробно о среднем образовании в Англии

Одна из важный составляющих успеха — выбрать предметы, изучение которых приносит удовольствие. Подготовка к A-level — это учеба на более глубоком уровне по сравнению с GCSE и для получения более высокой оценки понадобиться прочесть много дополнительной литературы и полностью погрузиться в предмет.

В зависимости от школы или колледжа выбор предметов для A level может быть довольно большим. Он схож с выбором для экзаменов GCSE и школы обычно разрешают своим студентам продолжать изучать любимые предметы GCSE. GCSE — необходимое требование для продолжения обучения на A level.

Оценивание экзаменов A levels

Система оценок — по шкале A*-E, где A*- наивысший балл.

Большинство университетов признает результаты экзаменов A-level в качестве стандарта для оценки готовности школьника к учебе в том или ином университете. При поступлении в университет окончательные оценки A level переводятся в UCAS points — чем выше оценка, тем больше UCAS points получает кандидат.

Большая часть университетов дает предварительные предложения о зачислении, основываясь на ожидаемых результатах экзаменов A-level. Если предложение о зачислении было предварительным или его еще называют условным (conditional), то в случае, если школьник не получает ожидаемые оценки на экзамене A-level, предложение о зачислении становится недействительным.

Университеты также могут специально указать, какого рода оценки требуются для подтверждения предложения о зачислении. Например, предложение о зачислении может быть выдано при условии, что студент получит на экзамене A-level A-A-B (английская система оценивания экзаменов) с обязательным А по математике.

В настоящее время существует два основных экзаменационных совета: Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) и Edexcel. Международный A-level широко распространен по всеми миру и более 125 стран предоставляют возможность его сдачи по порядка 60 предметам.

Экзамены IB являются серьезной альтернативой A-level, хотя они и менее популярны в Великобритании.

Лучшие университеты Лондона

Недорогие университеты в Великобритании

Что необходимо знать до принятия решения о выборе предметов на экзамены A-level

1. A-levels намного сложнее, чем GCSEs

Причины, по которым студент выбирает определенный предмет для изучения на A-level, обычно сводятся к одному из трех нижеперечисленных:

• он или она мечтает об определенной карьере
• это интересный предмет, который хочется продолжать изучать
• это предмет, который не изучался до этого, но он кажется подходящим

В любом случае, надо быть готовым к большой разнице в плане уровня сложности во время перехода от GCSE к A-level (or любой другой продвинутой квалификации). Разница будет заключаться в том, как будет проходить обучение, а также в плане ожиданий от ученика. 

2. Выбрав предметы, называемые ‘facilitating’, на A-level откроет больше возможностей при поступлении в институт

Много людей, не готовых к выбору профессии в возрасте 16 лет. В этом случае можно выбрать комбинацию наиболее часто запрашиваемых университетами предметов, известных как ‘facilitating’:

• биология
• химия
• английский
• география
• история
• математика
• иностранные языки — современные или древние
• физика

Необходимо помнить, однако, что некоторые университеты не рекомендуют студентам выбирать некоторые комбинации предметов A-level, особенно если предметы схожи, как например, бизнес и экономика.

Выбираем предметы A level

3. Некоторые университеты потребуют определенные предметы A-levels

Это важный фактор, если уже есть определенные планы на будущую карьеру. Школьник не сможет подать документы на некоторые факультеты, если он не сдал определенный набор A-levels (и не получил по ним нужные оценки, конечно же).

Вот некоторые примеры:

• Фармацевтика: химия плюс еще один минимум (биология, математика или физика) 
• Для поступления на изучение английского обычно требуется английская литература, иностранный язык или английский язык 
• Геология: по крайней мере два предмета по выбору из математики, физики, химии и биологии 

4. Некоторые факультеты и университеты имеют списки предметов A-level, которые они не принимают

5. Изучите все возможные варианты. Научитесь отличать миф от реальности

В чем разница между подготовкой к GCSE и A-level?

Классы будут меньше для подготовки к A-level (или другим продвинутым дипломам, как, например, BTECs). Участие в обсуждениях в классе будет больше оценено. Учитывая это, ключ к успеху — усиленная подготовка к урокам, повторение пройденного без напоминаний, изучения дополнительной литературы.

Учитывая меньшее количество предметов, повыситься необходимость более глубокого изучения каждого. По этой причине, очень важно выбрать правильные предметы на A-level, чтобы можно было получать удовольствие от учебы.

Письменные работы будут более длинными

Понравилась статья? Следите за появлением новых на нашей странице в Фейсбуке или В Контакте. А если есть вопросы, пишите на londonbestschools@gmail.com или оставьте комментарий внизу.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Advanced level (A-Level)

GCE Advanced Level logo by University of Cambridge International Examinations
Acronym	A-Level
Type	General Certificate of Education
Duration	2 years
Languages	English language, Welsh language
Prerequisites / eligibility criteria	Typically General Certificate of Secondary Education

The A-Level (Advanced Level) is a subject-based qualification conferred as part of the General Certificate of Education, as well as a school leaving qualification offered by the educational bodies in the United Kingdom and the educational authorities of British Crown dependencies to students completing secondary or pre-university education.^[1] They were introduced in England and Wales in 1951 to replace the Higher School Certificate.

A number of Commonwealth countries have developed qualifications with the same name as and a similar format to the British A Levels.^[2][3][4] Obtaining an A Level, or equivalent qualifications, is generally required across the board for university entrance, with universities granting offers based on grades achieved.^[5] Particularly in Singapore, its A level examinations have been regarded as being much more challenging than the United Kingdom, with most universities offering lower entry qualifications with regard to grades achieved on a Singaporean A level certificate.^[6][7]

A Levels are typically worked towards over two years. Normally, students take three or four A Level courses in their first year of sixth form, and most taking four cut back to three in their second year.^{[8][9][10][5]} This is because university offers are normally based on three A Level grades, and taking a fourth can have an impact on grades. Unlike other level-3 qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, A Levels have no specific subject requirements, so students have the opportunity to combine any subjects they wish to take. However, students normally pick their courses based on the degree they wish to pursue at university: most degrees require specific A Levels for entry.^[11]

In legacy modular courses (last assessment Summer 2019), A Levels are split into two parts, with students within their first year of study pursuing an Advanced Subsidiary qualification, commonly referred to as an AS or AS Level, which can either serve as an independent qualification or contribute 40% of the marks towards a full A Level award. The second part is known as an A2 or A2 Level, which is generally more in-depth and academically rigorous than the AS. The AS and A2 marks are combined for a full A Level award. The A2 Level is not a qualification on its own, and must be accompanied with an AS Level in the same subject for certification.^[12]

Current usage[edit]

Several countries use A Levels as a school-leaving qualification. The A Levels taken by students in other countries may differ from the A Levels taken in the United Kingdom.

Bangladesh[edit]

In Bangladesh, the GCE AS and A Level are offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel after completion of GCE O-Level or IGCSE (CIE), and is conducted by the British Council. GCE Advanced Level qualifications are offered by some of the private, public, and international schools as an alternative to HSC (Higher Secondary School Certificate) offered by the Governments Board of Education. It has become a popular choice among students, but due to financial implications, its reach is limited to the middle and upper classes in major cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong.

Brunei[edit]

In Brunei, the A Level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Brunei or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Brunei.

Cameroon[edit]

The Advanced level of Cameroon is based on the Cambridge International Examinations and similarly, conducted by the government of Cameroon in collaboration with Cambridge University. All the courses taken are related to what the candidate is willing to pursue a career in university and these courses are on a recognizable international standard for university entrance; as they are major relevant courses. You can select between 3 and 5 courses during your advanced level studies, prior taken your advanced level examination on which.

Hong Kong[edit]

The British A Level qualifications such as GCE A Level and International A Level are widely accepted in Hong Kong as an alternative to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education for both admission and employment purposes. It is one of the most popular qualifications used for university admission via the non-JUPAS channel. For example, average non-JUPAS offers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology require one to three A*s (the mid-50% range). Since the introduction of the high distinction grade (A*) in 2010, the British A Level examination has regained its power to differentiate the very top levels of ability. According to the British Department for Education, in the academic year 2014/15, approximately 7.3%, 2.7%, 1.0%, and 0.3% of all the candidates from the GCSE cohort (548,480) achieved one to four A*s or a better result in the GCE A Level examination. This percentile rank is one important input for equating the levels in both examinations. On the sole basis of percentile ranks and the grade statistics from HKEAA in 2017, a score of 29/35 from the best five subjects in Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education is comparable to 1A*2A in the best three British A Levels, 32/35 to 2A*1A, 33/35 to 3A* and 34/35 to 4A*. In deriving inferences from these statistics, it is important to note that slightly more than a third of the GCSE candidates can go on to study in the sixth form before applying to universities via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) while almost all Hong Kong students can study Form 6 before sitting the HKDSE examination.

Relevant authorities such as the Hong Kong Examination and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) and UCAS also sought to connect the results from both exam systems to open doors for the holders of these qualifications who wish to study locally or overseas. Officially, the top distinction levels, A* in A Level and 5** in HKDSE, are currently recognized as broadly equivalent.^[13] In particular, in the light of statistical evidence, the 1% cut-off line is often set by admission offices at 2A*1A as compared to a score of 43/45 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma but the Uniform Mark Scale (UMS) instead of the letter grades would be used in many cases to offer a much more subtle view of the candidate’s academic potential. Typical offers from Cambridge Medical School require 2A*1A and Oxford University Medical School require 1A*2A whereas those from the medical and dentistry schools of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong require 4A* and 3A* respectively in A Level due to fierce competition.

India[edit]

In India, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Learning Resource Network (LRN) GCE Advanced Level qualifications are offered at private and international schools as an alternative to the conventional Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).

Malaysia[edit]

In Malaysia, the A Level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Malaysia or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Malaysia. For instance, there are two types of A Level in Malaysia, Cambridge A Level (administered by Cambridge International Examinations) and Edexcel International Advanced Level (administered by Pearson International).

Mauritius[edit]

In Mauritius, A/AS Level qualifications are taken as part of the Higher School Certificate, awarded upon successful completion of secondary school after passing of examinations jointly administered by the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate and the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). Some exam papers offered, such as French, are customized to support the national educational standards. Additionally, International A Level qualifications from Edexcel are available, for which exams may be registered through the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate.

Nepal[edit]

In Nepal, A Level offered from Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the most popular. And are offered by some of the private, public, and international schools as an alternative to the National Examination Board (Nepal) (HSEB) +2. A level has become a popular choice for many students in Nepal. Besides A Level, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement, are some other international qualifications offered for this level. In Nepali, students generally appear for 4 subjects at A level, and 5 at AS level. There are several colleges of A level in Nepal but these are the 30 best A level colleges in Nepal.

Pakistan[edit]

A Levels are offered in Pakistan by non-governmental, private institutions, along with International Baccalaureate and other international examinations like the Advanced Placement. Examinations are handled by international British boards and the program is equivalent to Higher Secondary School Certificate. Cram Schools are established all around the country which prepares the students to take the examinations as private candidates.

Seychelles[edit]

In Seychelles, the A Level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Seychelles or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Seychelles.

Singapore[edit]

In Singapore, H1/H2/H3 level qualifications are awarded upon successful completion of examinations jointly administered by Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) and the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). Singaporean A levels are notably much more difficult than the British A levels, as part of the country’s wider robust educational policy.^[7]

Sri Lanka[edit]

In Sri Lanka, A Level qualifications are offered by governmental and non-governmental schools (Private Schools). The qualifications are awarded upon successful completion of examinations called Local A Levels while most of the private schools award them upon London A Levels. Local GCE Advanced Level qualifications are offered by the Department of Examinations. Private Schools (International Schools) in Sri Lanka provide A/L qualifications which are offered by:

• Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE)
• Edexcel

Passing A Levels is a major requirement for applying to local universities and for private universities in Sri Lanka. Since the recent past, Universities in Sri Lanka have given the opportunity to apply for their foundation courses which only require O Level (Ordinary Level) results. ^[14]

Tanzania[edit]

A level is an education structure after the completion of 11 years of Universal Primary Education (UPE). The Universal Primary Education consists of two levels, the primary school level of seven years and ordinarily secondary level, of four years.

Students are then required to sit for the National Examination which is done on specific month in a certain year. The exams are done throughout the country the same date provided by the examination board. Examinations will depend on the cluster and core subjects in which a student shall take. There are three major clusters, namely Science, Business and Liberal arts plus core subjects of which are seven in total or more. Students who will then pass according to the National Examination Standards, shall be selected to join Advanced Secondary Education and are selected according to the subjects they passed the most and by their wills to pursue certain subjects.

There are only three core subjects to study in Advanced Level and one or more optional subjects to sit for the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination(ACSEE). Then students are awarded Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education only if they have passed. The pass marks are arranged according to grades and the grades will determine whether a student will qualify to join tertiary education.

A level education is a two years education which is offered by the government and non-government schools. It is regulated by ministry of education which assures both qualitative and quantitative of subject matters and there is a special independent council which is responsible in composing the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) namely The National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA).

Uganda[edit]

In Uganda, a Uganda Advanced certificate of education is awarded to students who have passed their national examinations that are set and marked by Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB). It is among the requirements requirements for one to join a university in Uganda. The advanced level takes two years for one to complete.

United Kingdom[edit]

A Levels are a college or sixth form leaving qualification offered in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These are not compulsory, unlike GCSEs. In Scotland, A Levels are also offered by some schools as an alternative school-leaving qualification in place of the Scottish Advanced Higher. The main examination boards which administer British A Levels in the UK are:

• Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
• Oxford, Cambridge, and RSA Examinations (OCR)
• Edexcel (Edexcel Pearson – London Examinations)
• Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC)
• Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA)
• Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE)
• Learning Resource Network (LRN)

Oxford AQA, Edexcel, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and Learning Resource Network (LRN) also offer international versions of the British A Levels in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

The British variant of A/AS levels is also taken in many Commonwealth and former Commonwealth countries, as well as in examination centers worldwide. British international schools in foreign countries generally offer the British A Levels as offered through Edexcel or Cambridge International Examinations. At select examination centers, the British A Level exams may also be available to private candidates.

Subjects offered[edit]

A wide variety of subjects are offered at A Level by the five exam boards. Although exam boards often alter their curricula, this table shows the majority of subjects that are consistently available for study.

A Level reforms in England[edit]

Between 2015 and 2018 (first assessment Summer 2017), A Levels in England were reformed, transitioning from a modular to linear structure (initially across 13 subjects). This means all A Level exams are taken in one sitting as a set of terminal exams (3 exams for the majority of subjects), and there is no coursework set for many subjects. For A Levels that retain a coursework element, the percentage of the final grade determined by coursework has been reduced. An example of this can be seen in Edexcel’s new English Literature A Level, reformed in 2015, which reduces the amount of coursework to 20% (from 40% in the old modular specification). A Levels are no longer separated into units, and students must resit all of their exams if they wish to resit the qualification. While these reforms were expected to be complete for first teaching in 2017, this was extended to 2018 to include the reforms of less common languages such as Modern Hebrew and Bengali.

The AS Level is now a separate qualification and is not required for an A Level award, although it still encompasses the first year of the full A Level content. However, unlike AS Levels in the old modular courses, they are now worth only 40% as many UCAS points as a full A Level (from 50% in the modular courses), as content from the second year of A Level is considered more academically challenging than that of the first year.^[21][22]

As these reforms took place in stages, many students took a combination of modular and linear courses before all reforms were complete, with AS Levels still being part of an A Level in older modular courses.

These reforms look to combat grade inflation, where the proportion of students achieving the highest grades increases year upon year, causing the value of those grades to be eroded. The modular system has also been criticised for nurturing a ‘resit culture’,^[23] while new linear courses give no opportunity to resit individual units.

Controversially, some A Level course subjects have been abolished from 2017 as part of these reforms. These include archaeology, anthropology, creative writing, critical thinking, general studies and home economics. Many universities criticized the scrapping of exams taken at the end of AS level, which used to be worth 50% of the overall A level grade. This is because the universities used the grades achieved at AS level (available to universities after a student applies during the second year of A levels) as an indication of a student’s ability and thus whether to give said student an offer.^[24][25]

Opposition to these reforms in Wales and Northern Ireland has resulted in maintaining the modular structure of their qualification.

Zimbabwe[edit]

The GCE Advanced Level qualification is offered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC).^[26] Before, this qualification was jointly offered by Cambridge International Examinations and the Council in Zimbabwe.

Former usage[edit]

Caribbean[edit]

In 2002, there has been a move away from the GCE Advanced Level to the CXC CAPE examinations,^[27] making them a de facto university entrance examination. Some universities also require applicants to take separate entrance examination. The International Baccalaureate and European Baccalaureate are also accepted.

See also[edit]

• GCSE – General Certificate of Secondary Education (An entry qualification)
• GCE – Ordinary (O) Level (An entry qualification that has been phased out in the United Kingdom)
• Further / Special
  • GCE – Special (S) level (last offered 2001)
  • Advanced Extension Award (AEA – 2002–2009, 2015 mathematics)
  • Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP – used by the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick for admissions to study mathematics at undergraduate level)
• International A Levels
  • Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level (harder examination in Singapore)
  • Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE – now defunct)
  • Sri Lankan Advanced Level
• Scotland
  • Higher (Scottish) (Scottish university entrance qualification)
  • Advanced Higher (Scottish) (Scottish equivalent to A Level)
• Canada
  • Ontario Academic Credit
• Vocational
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (Is the highest level of the BTEC structure and is taken by people aged 16 or over (Equal to A Levels).)
  • T level (level 3)
  • NVQ (level 3)
  • Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE)
• Europe
  • Abitur (similar qualification in Germany and Finland)
  • Eindexamen (similar qualification in the Netherlands)
  • Matura or Maturità (similar qualification in some European countries)
• Baccalaureate
  • Baccalauréat (similar qualification in France)
  • European Baccalaureate (examination used mainly in the European School system)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma (alternative examination found across the world)
• International alternatives
  • Advanced Placement Program (similar qualification in the United States)
  • Bagrut (similar qualification in Israel)
  • Leaving Certificate
  • Malaysian Higher School Certificate (better known as «STPM», an equivalent examination in Malaysia)
  • Matriculation Certificate
  • Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Australia)

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency: A Level resources
• University of Cambridge: International A & AS levels
• The Guardian 2005 A Level results
• 2005 A Level results
• CIE O level and A level Timetable 2018

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Advanced level (A-Level)

GCE Advanced Level logo by University of Cambridge International Examinations
Acronym	A-Level
Type	General Certificate of Education
Duration	2 years
Languages	English language, Welsh language
Prerequisites / eligibility criteria	Typically General Certificate of Secondary Education

The A-Level (Advanced Level) is a subject-based qualification conferred as part of the General Certificate of Education, as well as a school leaving qualification offered by the educational bodies in the United Kingdom and the educational authorities of British Crown dependencies to students completing secondary or pre-university education.^[1] They were introduced in England and Wales in 1951 to replace the Higher School Certificate.

A number of Commonwealth countries have developed qualifications with the same name as and a similar format to the British A Levels.^[2][3][4] Obtaining an A Level, or equivalent qualifications, is generally required across the board for university entrance, with universities granting offers based on grades achieved.^[5] Particularly in Singapore, its A level examinations have been regarded as being much more challenging than the United Kingdom, with most universities offering lower entry qualifications with regard to grades achieved on a Singaporean A level certificate.^[6][7]

A Levels are typically worked towards over two years. Normally, students take three or four A Level courses in their first year of sixth form, and most taking four cut back to three in their second year.^{[8][9][10][5]} This is because university offers are normally based on three A Level grades, and taking a fourth can have an impact on grades. Unlike other level-3 qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, A Levels have no specific subject requirements, so students have the opportunity to combine any subjects they wish to take. However, students normally pick their courses based on the degree they wish to pursue at university: most degrees require specific A Levels for entry.^[11]

In legacy modular courses (last assessment Summer 2019), A Levels are split into two parts, with students within their first year of study pursuing an Advanced Subsidiary qualification, commonly referred to as an AS or AS Level, which can either serve as an independent qualification or contribute 40% of the marks towards a full A Level award. The second part is known as an A2 or A2 Level, which is generally more in-depth and academically rigorous than the AS. The AS and A2 marks are combined for a full A Level award. The A2 Level is not a qualification on its own, and must be accompanied with an AS Level in the same subject for certification.^[12]

Current usage[edit]

Several countries use A Levels as a school-leaving qualification. The A Levels taken by students in other countries may differ from the A Levels taken in the United Kingdom.

Bangladesh[edit]

In Bangladesh, the GCE AS and A Level are offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel after completion of GCE O-Level or IGCSE (CIE), and is conducted by the British Council. GCE Advanced Level qualifications are offered by some of the private, public, and international schools as an alternative to HSC (Higher Secondary School Certificate) offered by the Governments Board of Education. It has become a popular choice among students, but due to financial implications, its reach is limited to the middle and upper classes in major cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong.

Brunei[edit]

In Brunei, the A Level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Brunei or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Brunei.

Cameroon[edit]

The Advanced level of Cameroon is based on the Cambridge International Examinations and similarly, conducted by the government of Cameroon in collaboration with Cambridge University. All the courses taken are related to what the candidate is willing to pursue a career in university and these courses are on a recognizable international standard for university entrance; as they are major relevant courses. You can select between 3 and 5 courses during your advanced level studies, prior taken your advanced level examination on which.

Hong Kong[edit]

The British A Level qualifications such as GCE A Level and International A Level are widely accepted in Hong Kong as an alternative to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education for both admission and employment purposes. It is one of the most popular qualifications used for university admission via the non-JUPAS channel. For example, average non-JUPAS offers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology require one to three A*s (the mid-50% range). Since the introduction of the high distinction grade (A*) in 2010, the British A Level examination has regained its power to differentiate the very top levels of ability. According to the British Department for Education, in the academic year 2014/15, approximately 7.3%, 2.7%, 1.0%, and 0.3% of all the candidates from the GCSE cohort (548,480) achieved one to four A*s or a better result in the GCE A Level examination. This percentile rank is one important input for equating the levels in both examinations. On the sole basis of percentile ranks and the grade statistics from HKEAA in 2017, a score of 29/35 from the best five subjects in Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education is comparable to 1A*2A in the best three British A Levels, 32/35 to 2A*1A, 33/35 to 3A* and 34/35 to 4A*. In deriving inferences from these statistics, it is important to note that slightly more than a third of the GCSE candidates can go on to study in the sixth form before applying to universities via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) while almost all Hong Kong students can study Form 6 before sitting the HKDSE examination.

Relevant authorities such as the Hong Kong Examination and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) and UCAS also sought to connect the results from both exam systems to open doors for the holders of these qualifications who wish to study locally or overseas. Officially, the top distinction levels, A* in A Level and 5** in HKDSE, are currently recognized as broadly equivalent.^[13] In particular, in the light of statistical evidence, the 1% cut-off line is often set by admission offices at 2A*1A as compared to a score of 43/45 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma but the Uniform Mark Scale (UMS) instead of the letter grades would be used in many cases to offer a much more subtle view of the candidate’s academic potential. Typical offers from Cambridge Medical School require 2A*1A and Oxford University Medical School require 1A*2A whereas those from the medical and dentistry schools of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong require 4A* and 3A* respectively in A Level due to fierce competition.

India[edit]

In India, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Learning Resource Network (LRN) GCE Advanced Level qualifications are offered at private and international schools as an alternative to the conventional Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).

Malaysia[edit]

In Malaysia, the A Level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Malaysia or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Malaysia. For instance, there are two types of A Level in Malaysia, Cambridge A Level (administered by Cambridge International Examinations) and Edexcel International Advanced Level (administered by Pearson International).

Mauritius[edit]

In Mauritius, A/AS Level qualifications are taken as part of the Higher School Certificate, awarded upon successful completion of secondary school after passing of examinations jointly administered by the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate and the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). Some exam papers offered, such as French, are customized to support the national educational standards. Additionally, International A Level qualifications from Edexcel are available, for which exams may be registered through the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate.

Nepal[edit]

In Nepal, A Level offered from Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the most popular. And are offered by some of the private, public, and international schools as an alternative to the National Examination Board (Nepal) (HSEB) +2. A level has become a popular choice for many students in Nepal. Besides A Level, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement, are some other international qualifications offered for this level. In Nepali, students generally appear for 4 subjects at A level, and 5 at AS level. There are several colleges of A level in Nepal but these are the 30 best A level colleges in Nepal.

Pakistan[edit]

A Levels are offered in Pakistan by non-governmental, private institutions, along with International Baccalaureate and other international examinations like the Advanced Placement. Examinations are handled by international British boards and the program is equivalent to Higher Secondary School Certificate. Cram Schools are established all around the country which prepares the students to take the examinations as private candidates.

Seychelles[edit]

In Seychelles, the A Level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Seychelles or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Seychelles.

Singapore[edit]

In Singapore, H1/H2/H3 level qualifications are awarded upon successful completion of examinations jointly administered by Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) and the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). Singaporean A levels are notably much more difficult than the British A levels, as part of the country’s wider robust educational policy.^[7]

Sri Lanka[edit]

In Sri Lanka, A Level qualifications are offered by governmental and non-governmental schools (Private Schools). The qualifications are awarded upon successful completion of examinations called Local A Levels while most of the private schools award them upon London A Levels. Local GCE Advanced Level qualifications are offered by the Department of Examinations. Private Schools (International Schools) in Sri Lanka provide A/L qualifications which are offered by:

• Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE)
• Edexcel

Passing A Levels is a major requirement for applying to local universities and for private universities in Sri Lanka. Since the recent past, Universities in Sri Lanka have given the opportunity to apply for their foundation courses which only require O Level (Ordinary Level) results. ^[14]

Tanzania[edit]

A level is an education structure after the completion of 11 years of Universal Primary Education (UPE). The Universal Primary Education consists of two levels, the primary school level of seven years and ordinarily secondary level, of four years.

Students are then required to sit for the National Examination which is done on specific month in a certain year. The exams are done throughout the country the same date provided by the examination board. Examinations will depend on the cluster and core subjects in which a student shall take. There are three major clusters, namely Science, Business and Liberal arts plus core subjects of which are seven in total or more. Students who will then pass according to the National Examination Standards, shall be selected to join Advanced Secondary Education and are selected according to the subjects they passed the most and by their wills to pursue certain subjects.

There are only three core subjects to study in Advanced Level and one or more optional subjects to sit for the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination(ACSEE). Then students are awarded Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education only if they have passed. The pass marks are arranged according to grades and the grades will determine whether a student will qualify to join tertiary education.

A level education is a two years education which is offered by the government and non-government schools. It is regulated by ministry of education which assures both qualitative and quantitative of subject matters and there is a special independent council which is responsible in composing the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) namely The National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA).

Uganda[edit]

In Uganda, a Uganda Advanced certificate of education is awarded to students who have passed their national examinations that are set and marked by Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB). It is among the requirements requirements for one to join a university in Uganda. The advanced level takes two years for one to complete.

United Kingdom[edit]

A Levels are a college or sixth form leaving qualification offered in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These are not compulsory, unlike GCSEs. In Scotland, A Levels are also offered by some schools as an alternative school-leaving qualification in place of the Scottish Advanced Higher. The main examination boards which administer British A Levels in the UK are:

• Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
• Oxford, Cambridge, and RSA Examinations (OCR)
• Edexcel (Edexcel Pearson – London Examinations)
• Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC)
• Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA)
• Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE)
• Learning Resource Network (LRN)

Oxford AQA, Edexcel, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and Learning Resource Network (LRN) also offer international versions of the British A Levels in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

The British variant of A/AS levels is also taken in many Commonwealth and former Commonwealth countries, as well as in examination centers worldwide. British international schools in foreign countries generally offer the British A Levels as offered through Edexcel or Cambridge International Examinations. At select examination centers, the British A Level exams may also be available to private candidates.

Subjects offered[edit]

A wide variety of subjects are offered at A Level by the five exam boards. Although exam boards often alter their curricula, this table shows the majority of subjects that are consistently available for study.

A Level reforms in England[edit]

Between 2015 and 2018 (first assessment Summer 2017), A Levels in England were reformed, transitioning from a modular to linear structure (initially across 13 subjects). This means all A Level exams are taken in one sitting as a set of terminal exams (3 exams for the majority of subjects), and there is no coursework set for many subjects. For A Levels that retain a coursework element, the percentage of the final grade determined by coursework has been reduced. An example of this can be seen in Edexcel’s new English Literature A Level, reformed in 2015, which reduces the amount of coursework to 20% (from 40% in the old modular specification). A Levels are no longer separated into units, and students must resit all of their exams if they wish to resit the qualification. While these reforms were expected to be complete for first teaching in 2017, this was extended to 2018 to include the reforms of less common languages such as Modern Hebrew and Bengali.

The AS Level is now a separate qualification and is not required for an A Level award, although it still encompasses the first year of the full A Level content. However, unlike AS Levels in the old modular courses, they are now worth only 40% as many UCAS points as a full A Level (from 50% in the modular courses), as content from the second year of A Level is considered more academically challenging than that of the first year.^[21][22]

As these reforms took place in stages, many students took a combination of modular and linear courses before all reforms were complete, with AS Levels still being part of an A Level in older modular courses.

These reforms look to combat grade inflation, where the proportion of students achieving the highest grades increases year upon year, causing the value of those grades to be eroded. The modular system has also been criticised for nurturing a ‘resit culture’,^[23] while new linear courses give no opportunity to resit individual units.

Controversially, some A Level course subjects have been abolished from 2017 as part of these reforms. These include archaeology, anthropology, creative writing, critical thinking, general studies and home economics. Many universities criticized the scrapping of exams taken at the end of AS level, which used to be worth 50% of the overall A level grade. This is because the universities used the grades achieved at AS level (available to universities after a student applies during the second year of A levels) as an indication of a student’s ability and thus whether to give said student an offer.^[24][25]

Opposition to these reforms in Wales and Northern Ireland has resulted in maintaining the modular structure of their qualification.

Zimbabwe[edit]

The GCE Advanced Level qualification is offered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC).^[26] Before, this qualification was jointly offered by Cambridge International Examinations and the Council in Zimbabwe.

Former usage[edit]

Caribbean[edit]

In 2002, there has been a move away from the GCE Advanced Level to the CXC CAPE examinations,^[27] making them a de facto university entrance examination. Some universities also require applicants to take separate entrance examination. The International Baccalaureate and European Baccalaureate are also accepted.

See also[edit]

• GCSE – General Certificate of Secondary Education (An entry qualification)
• GCE – Ordinary (O) Level (An entry qualification that has been phased out in the United Kingdom)
• Further / Special
  • GCE – Special (S) level (last offered 2001)
  • Advanced Extension Award (AEA – 2002–2009, 2015 mathematics)
  • Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP – used by the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick for admissions to study mathematics at undergraduate level)
• International A Levels
  • Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level (harder examination in Singapore)
  • Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE – now defunct)
  • Sri Lankan Advanced Level
• Scotland
  • Higher (Scottish) (Scottish university entrance qualification)
  • Advanced Higher (Scottish) (Scottish equivalent to A Level)
• Canada
  • Ontario Academic Credit
• Vocational
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (Is the highest level of the BTEC structure and is taken by people aged 16 or over (Equal to A Levels).)
  • T level (level 3)
  • NVQ (level 3)
  • Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE)
• Europe
  • Abitur (similar qualification in Germany and Finland)
  • Eindexamen (similar qualification in the Netherlands)
  • Matura or Maturità (similar qualification in some European countries)
• Baccalaureate
  • Baccalauréat (similar qualification in France)
  • European Baccalaureate (examination used mainly in the European School system)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma (alternative examination found across the world)
• International alternatives
  • Advanced Placement Program (similar qualification in the United States)
  • Bagrut (similar qualification in Israel)
  • Leaving Certificate
  • Malaysian Higher School Certificate (better known as «STPM», an equivalent examination in Malaysia)
  • Matriculation Certificate
  • Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Australia)

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency: A Level resources
• University of Cambridge: International A & AS levels
• The Guardian 2005 A Level results
• 2005 A Level results
• CIE O level and A level Timetable 2018

Поступление в университеты по итогам A-level отличается от привычной многим траектории: если в России, например, выпускник сначала получает баллы ЕГЭ, а потом выбирает вуз, то с A-level все наоборот. «Во время последнего учебного года студент подает документы в высшие учебные заведения через систему UCAS. Можно подать до 5 заявок на разные программы бакалавриата одного или разных вузов. Причем, вузы выбираются исходя из приоритетов, т.е. на первое место вы ставите то учебное заведение и программу, которая является для вас приоритетной, а на последнее – вуз и программу – страховку. Важно также помнить, что подача осуществляется в разные сроки, и если вы не успеете подать заявку в свой дедлайн, то сможете подать уже только во второй заход до 30 июня (дедлайн для подачи заявок, которые будут рассматриваться только в случае вторичного набора в высшие учебные заведения). Так, до 15 октября подаются заявки в Оксбридж, а также на программы медицинского и ветеринарного направлений, до 15 января – во все остальные вузы (исключением являются вузы, специализирующиеся на искусстве и дизайне, – до 24 марта, как правило). Экзамены A-level сдаются гораздо позже, как правило, уже тогда, когда вузы отправят вам свое условное зачисление. Условным называется оффер, который предполагает, что вуз вам предоставит место только при выполнении каких-либо условий (например, сдача предметов на определенные баллы). Если абитуриент не выполняет условия оффера, то его кандидатура снимается с конкурса, если же выполняет — оффер становится безусловным, иначе говоря, происходит зачисление в вуз», – рассказывает Софья Сазыкина, генеральный директор SSA Education. Из-за такой системы еще в начале выпускного класса необходимо соотнести свои возможности с требованиями вузов, иначе есть риск того, что ни на одно из пяти выбранных направлений пройти не удастся.