A-Level reforms with effect from September 2015.
As you may already know the government has announced a number of reforms to A-Levels. The reforms
are being phased in from September 2015, with additional subjects being added from September 2016
and 2017. The reforms see a return in A-Levels to the linear format of yesteryear. This means in essence
that the students will be assessed at the end of the whole 2 year programme of study for their A-Level.
During the first year (known as AS) students can take external examinations, however this exam will not
count towards the actual overall A-Level (A2) grade.
The position South Cheshire College has adopted is as follows.
All A-Level learners will be entered for the AS external examinations at the end of year 1 (AS) in all 4 of
their AS subjects, most learners then progress onto 3 A-Levels in year 2. This provides our learners with
the best opportunity to maximise their chances of success. For the following reasons:
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The AS exams provide the students with a ‘real’ experience of assessment at this level, and the
educational expectations they should meet.
The results will provide a true indication of student performance in the subject.
Students can make an informed and rational choice about which subjects to continue to A2
(year 2) in order to ensure they achieve the best grades.
Students benefit from greater curriculum flexibility as taking the AS allows them to be credited
with a qualification should they choose to change subject areas or qualification type at the end
of year 1.
It allows for breadth as learners can choose to study all four subjects should they wish to do so.
Indeed some learners will be able to maintain 5 subjects.
It appears that many University admissions officers still see the AS qualification as the best
indicator of projected achievement at A2, on which they base their University offers. This has
been evidenced in public statements from high stakes Universities like Cambridge who have
said:
“We have for some years been strongly of the view that, for A-Level students, AS-Levels taken at
the end of Year 12 are of significant educational benefit...They allow students to assess their
academic progress, review their A-Level choices, and make appropriate higher education
applications with confidence” (Dr Mike Sewell, Director of Admissions).
Longevity for the future as the qualification allows students, who choose to do so, to be able to
take a gap in their education, and return to study later, this is especially helpful for students who
become unwell or who experience a sudden personal or family event, or who decide to enter
the world of work.
We strongly believe the position we have taken is in the best interests of our learners. We will continue
to review the situation as the reforms unfold.