A-levels: What Are They?
- egcisjp
- 2024年12月17日
- 読了時間: 5分
Table of Contents
1.1 Middle School/Early Secondary Qualifications Required for A-levels
1.2 Types of A-levels and Their Importance
A-level Subjects, Choices, and Career Paths
2.1 How Should You Choose A-levels if You Are Considering a Degree or Career?
1. What Are A-levels?
A-levels are internationally recognized university entrance qualifications, but there are many misconceptions about their academic rigor, the "freedom" they offer students, and their outcomes.
A-levels (Advanced Level qualifications) occupy an important place in the UK education system and are typically studied by students aged 16 to 18 in the final two years of their secondary education.
They are the most commonly obtained university entrance qualifications, with over 10,000 schools in more than 160 countries offering A-level courses. Among them are British schools outside the UK, and there is a growing number of schools offering the UK A-level or its international version.
Additionally, A-levels are recognized and accepted by higher education institutions worldwide, but there is still confusion among parents about what the A-level program is and why it might be the best choice for their children.
1.1 Middle School/Early Secondary Qualifications Required for A-levels
A-levels are often pursued after obtaining the UK version or the international version of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). However, students who achieve sufficient grades in selected subjects may also join an A-level program from other curriculums, including the MYP (Middle Years Programme).
1.2 Types of A-levels and Their Importance
A-levels come in linear and modular formats, with AS-levels (Advanced Subsidiary) typically studied at the end of the first year. AS-levels are recognized qualifications at universities in Switzerland, Europe, the US, and the UK. Schools outside the UK offer both the UK version of A-levels and the international version.
The international A-level is essentially the same as the UK version but offers a broader curriculum suited to international contexts. For example, UK-based questions in A-level exams might focus on the UK, while international A-levels use more global terminology and include international contexts. Some universities, like those in Switzerland (such as EPFL), only recognize the UK A-level, so it is important to understand which type of A-level the school offers.
1.3 How Are A-levels Assessed?
A-levels are primarily assessed through standardized exams, but some courses may include non-examined assessments (NEA). Some schools also offer International Project Qualifications (IPQ) or Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ), which are conducted and graded similarly to university thesis projects, though on a smaller scale. These qualifications are graded based on research, writing, and the presentation of results.
1.4 How Do A-levels Differ from the IB Diploma?
Choosing between A-levels and the IB Diploma can be difficult. Both paths lead to university admission and provide valuable skills and knowledge.
Generally speaking, A-levels offer "deep" study into specific subjects that interest the student, fostering independent learners. In contrast, the IB Diploma provides a more comprehensive and holistic educational experience.
2. A-level Subjects, Choices, and Career Paths
Students typically choose three or four A-levels, which may include subjects like mathematics, science, humanities, and arts. Each A-level requires about 300 hours of study, and students develop subject-specific expertise in areas that interest them.
A-levels also include independent study time. During this time, students are expected to conduct independent research, using critical thinking and analytical skills to delve deeper into their chosen topics. Some students choose to undertake an International Project Qualification (IPQ) or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
2.1 How Should You Choose A-levels if You Are Considering a Degree or Career?
When choosing A-levels, how can you make your life easier? It’s simple. If you have a specific field in mind for further study, or you already know you want to pursue something like medicine or law, you might still be unsure whether your decision is the right one.
If you already know the degree you want to apply for after completing your A-levels, try "reverse engineering." That is, check the universities you might apply to and confirm the entry requirements for the degree programs you are considering.
2.2 Common Subjects Required for Degrees
Many universities specify the grades and subjects required for admission.
Below are some common subject requirements for various degrees. However, because university entry requirements can vary significantly, it’s always a good idea to verify specific requirements on the UCAS website or the university’s website:
Economics: May require mathematics, but an A-level in economics itself is not usually necessary (very rare).
Earth Sciences or Geology: Typically requires at least two subjects from science and mathematics.
English: Typically requires English and possibly literature.
Business/Accounting/Management: No mandatory subjects, but economics, business, and mathematics are useful. Many top universities recommend not studying both economics and business at A-level.
Medicine: Typically requires chemistry and often also biology, physics, mathematics, and sometimes another language.
Law: No mandatory subjects, but subjects that demonstrate writing ability (a mix of humanities and sciences) are common.
Psychology, Sports, Nursing: Often requires science subjects, though not always.
Biology: Typically requires A-levels in biology and chemistry.
Engineering: Likely requires A-level mathematics or equivalent, and often science subjects (e.g., physics).
2.3 Let’s Think About This Important A-levels List
Did you know that top universities have a "desirable" list of A-level subjects recognized as high quality? However, this may not be clear to all students. If you are considering applying to universities like Cambridge, Oxford, or those in the "Russell Group," it’s a good idea to choose A-levels from the following list:
Classical/Modern Languages
Mathematics or Further Mathematics
History
Geography
English Literature
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
3. Details of Schools in Japan Offering A-levels
British School in Tokyo
Harrow International School Appi
Laurus International School of Science
Musashi International School Tokyo
4. Concerns Parents Have About A-levels
"A-levels are too focused. My child is still young and doesn't know what they want to study at university."
A-levels are very specialized, but the core skills learned in the courses can easily be applied and transferred to a wide range of university subjects. This means that, except for degrees that require specific subject combinations (like medicine or veterinary science), students can apply to and gain admission to a variety of degree programs.
"A-levels are not academically rigorous."
This is probably the biggest misconception. A-levels allow students to focus on topics they are passionate about, encouraging critical thinking and deepening their understanding. A-levels are similar in many ways to the first year of university. In fact, students who complete A-levels often have the ability to skip the first year of their degree or gain credit for the required units.
Whether UK-based or international, obtaining A-levels opens the door to applying to top universities worldwide, including Harvard and Yale.
"A-levels are only recognized in the UK."
Although A-levels are known as a UK qualification, they are recognized and accepted internationally in countries such as the US, Canada, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America. As such, A-levels are a valuable qualification for students wishing to pursue higher education abroad.
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