A Parents’ Guide to A Levels
The GCSEs are over and now they’re on to something bigger. Their A levels. This can be a scary time for your child. The pressure is on to either join the world of work or secure a spot at a high-flying university. The transition from GCSE to A level is a big one but not to fear mum and dad, we have teamed up with a college in Hampshire to give you a quick run-down.
What is the difference between A-Level and GCSE?
Well, to start off, A levels are level 3 qualifications. The transition from level 2 (GCSE) and level 3 involves a lot more independent study. Unfortunately, there is no escaping wider reading. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended for students to spend between 15 and 20 hours outside of class to enrich their learning.
What are UCAS points?
A-levels also provide “UCAS points” which is ultimately the currency needed for university. Points are based on a tariff system that determines how many points can be allotted for a particular grade. For example, an A* is worth 56 points. This is also dependent on whether a grade is achieved as a part of an AS level or a full A level qualification.
Are A-levels the only way of going to university?
No, thankfully there are a lot of universities in the UK that appreciate vocational education such as equivalent BTEC qualifications as a part of their entry requirements.
How can I help my child find the right university for them?
There are lots of resources available compared to when many of us were at university. Take the complete university guide as an example. The guide measures and ranks universities on a range of different factors such as student satisfaction, entry requirements to get in, quality of facilities and research as well as grades.
It’s best to also take into account that all these factors don’t necessarily mean that university (A) is better than university (B). Always attend open days, review the courses on offer and career pathways to make a well-informed decision.
*This is a collaborative post
