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General qualifications

Want to study some of your GCSE subjects in more depth? Want to study more than one subject? If so, this pathway could suit you.

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GCSEsNQF - L1/L2

Some people take new GCSE subjects alongside or as part of other qualifications like the Diploma. Others take or retake important GCSEs like English and mathematics.

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GCE A/AS LevelsNQF - L3

  • Official name - General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A Level), and General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level).
  • Entry requirements - Depends on the subject but normally four or five GCSEs at grade C and above or equivalent.
  • Length - Generally two years. Many people study three or four subjects in the first year then decide which to continue studying in the second year.
  • Subjects - You pick your own subjects from those a school or college offers. Look at your online 14-19 prospectus opens new window to see what's available locally. There are over 80 A Level subjects in total. Some called Applied A Levels have a work-related focus.
  • Courses - A Levels are split into units. You study AS (Advanced Subsidiary) units in the first year of a course. Most subjects have two AS units although some, like science and music, have three. You study A2 units in your second year. Most subjects have two A2 units but some, like science and music, have three. If you choose to study a subject for one year and pass the AS units, you will gain an AS Level qualification.
  • Assessment - Each unit is assessed separately through a mix of internal assessment and examinations.
  • Where they lead - A and AS Levels prepare you for higher education and employment. They're useful whatever you plan to do at the end of your course.

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Extended Project qualificationNQF - L3

Helps you develop the skills that higher education courses demand. The Extended Project is part of the Advanced and Progression Diplomas and an option for A/AS students. To gain the qualification you must:

  • choose a project and agree it with a teacher - you can choose a topic that lets you explore an aspect of your studies in greater depth or one that is of personal interest
  • do the project and show that you can plan, deliver and present an extended piece of work at level 3.

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Other optionsNQF - L3

Some people study the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Pre-U post-16 instead of A/AS Levels.

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What next?

Find out more about work-related options.

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Tool kit

Comparing styles of learning

Francesca underestimated the jump from GCSEs to A Levels.

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