A Level Reforms
AS and A Levels have changed over the last few years. Instead of assessments being modular, there are 100% final exams at the end of the course. Below is a quick guide to how the changes will affect you. For more information, please contact our Student Support Team.
What are linear exams?
New A-Level qualifications are now linear. This means that students will sit exams for their particular qualification at the end of the completed course in the June series. Re-sits also can only be sat in the June series. You will still receive UCAS points as part of your A-Level qualification and these can be used to help you gain entry to University.
What does the term decoupling mean?
AS levels will become decoupled from A-levels, which means that they will both become entirely separate qualifications. You will no longer be able to carry forward your AS qualification to the A-level qualification and you will sit either AS or A-level exams. This does not affect previous AS/A2-levels that are being phased out over the next few years.
If I am studying Biology, Chemistry or Physics, do I need to take practicals?
The practical skills are separate to the overall A Level grade. So, if students do not gain the practical endorsement, they can still receive the A Level qualification at the end of the two years.
However, a number of Universities have already stated: if a student is going on to do a Science based degree, they would expect students to have a pass in the practical endorsement. You should check with the relevant University what their exact requirements are.
Please note that all of the above information on A Level reforms relates to AQA subjects and not CIE.