Contact Strode CollegeA Levels
If you want to search our AS or A levels courses, click here to reach the search box. Enter 'AS Level' in the course level box.
AS and A level qualifications give you the opportunity to study four or five subjects in detail. They are highly valued by universities, colleges and employers. The 'A Level route' is sometimes known as the Academic Route and many students who follow this route progress to university. There is no work experience included in an A Level programme.
A Levels are at Level 3 on the National Qualification Framework.
Entry Requirements
The college entry requirements for a 4 subject AS programme are 5 GCSEs Grade A* - C. However, many AS subjects also have specific subject entry requirements which are listed in the School Leaver prospectus which can be viewed by clicking on the How to Apply link. The full-time course application form can also be downloaded and completed.
Structure
A levels: AS plus A2
A levels are made up of the AS level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A level grade.
AS level
The AS level can be either a free standing qualification, or be valued as the first half of the full A level.
At the end of the AS year, you have two options (depending on the preference of your school or college):
- take the AS level qualification only
or:
- continue to the second year and go for the full A level
Year two: the A2
In year two of a full A level, you take the A2 - this is not a separate qualification, but the second half of the A level. The A2 is designed to deepen the knowledge you gained during the AS level.
Grades, marks and 'cashing in'
Grades
AS and A levels are graded A-E. An A* grade will be first awarded at A level in 2010. The results are announced in August and March.
Marks
Your results slip will also show a score on something called the 'uniform mark scale' (UMS). The AS is scored out of 300 UMS marks, and the A level out of 600 marks.
UCAS points
If you're applying to university or college, A and AS levels earn the following points in the 'UCAS Tariff'.
|
Grade |
A level |
AS level |
|
A* |
140 |
n/a |
|
A |
120 |
60 |
|
B |
100 |
50 |
|
C |
80 |
40 |
|
D |
60 |
30 |
|
E |
40 |
20 |
Normally, to take a higher education course you'll need at least two full A levels or equivalent.
