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Once your child has completed their GCSEs at the end of Year 11, they will likely go on to study their A Levels. These are available across a variation of subjects and studied across a two year period. Typically, students study four a level subjects during their first year and then drop one when they move into the second year. As a result, they will finish with one AS level qualification and three full A level qualifications. You should encourage your child to choose a level subjects that will help them with their future plans. For instance, if they want to study medicine at university, they will need relevant science related a levels in order to guarantee a place on the course.
This will be a stressful time for your child. During lessons, they will delve much deeper into their chosen subject than they did during their GCSEs, which is why they only end up studying three subjects. Much more independent learning is required, and the subject matter will be more complicated, so it’s important that you give your child as much support as possible during this time. Try to ease the pressure by providing them with plenty of positive reinforcement and reminding them that you are proud of them no matter what.
A levels exams usually take place in May and June, although the exact timetable varies year on year. It would be wise for your son or daughter to start their revision several months before, as little and often is usually the best motto. Perhaps you could help them prepare a revision schedule so that they know what to revise and when. Be sure to add in additional time for those areas that your child struggles with. You may want to consider hiring a private tutor to give your child some one-to-one support on the topics that they’re not doing so well on, if applicable.
Unlike the confusing grading system for GCSEs, A levels are graded from A* to E. Universities will require candidates to achieve specific grades in order to be accepted onto the course of their choice. Students should start considering their university options during the later half of Year 12. Don’t hesitate to speak to your child’s teachers for more information on A levels or what happens after.
