Why A-Level?
A-Level enables a narrower range of subjects than Higher to be studied to a more satisfying intellectual depth, and provides a very good basis for the transition to university education.
Examination is by six public examination modules, the first three of which constitute the AS Level and the second three of which are called A2. (AS + A2 = A-Level.) Since there are three opportunities during the course to sit modules, students sometimes choose to re-sit module that they need to improve.
What are "AS" Levels?
The modern "AS" stands for "Advanced Subsidiary" and should not be confused with the old "Advanced Supplementary". The qualification was awarded for the first time in 2001. They may be used in one of two ways:
1. as a final qualification, allowing candidates to broaden their studies and postpone specialisation
2. as the first half of an Advanced Level qualification.
It is intended that the demands of "AS" should be consistent with the attainment of students who have completed the first half of an "A" Level course. "AS" forms the first 50% of the marks of an "A" Level.
What is A2?
The second year of an A-Level course is nowadays called the A2 year, (A-Level Year 2.) . The subject is usually taken to a greater depth rather than greatly increasing the breadth of coverage. A complete A Level course will usually involve a total of six modules.
Two years of an A-Level Course
1. "AS" Modules 1 to 3
In many subjects it will be possible to enter all three "AS" module in the summer diet of the students' sixth year. In some subjects one or more modules may be postponed until the following January. It should be emphasised that this does not reflect on the ability of the students and stems from a lack of complete congruity between the Higher and "AS" syllabuses. Unsatisfactory "AS" grades may be declined in certain circumstances. Class teachers and subject teachers will advise on this. |
2. A2 Modules 4 to 6
Although the marks are similar to those of the "AS" modules, the standard expected in A2 modules is of a student who has progressed beyond the level of a first year student. Synoptic moduleIn some subjects module 6 is synoptic. This means that it covers the whole syllabus. It may take the form of a dissertation or mini thesis making use of all the skills acquired in the other modules. |
Higher "en passant"
In some subjects an intensive "conversion" course is required in the weeks between Highers and the end of the summer term, and it is most important that students retain their focus in this period. |
AS and A-Level only
However it remains our policy that no modules should be taken in January of the first year of the course, since students will usually have both types of subject in their programme and we must not compromise one for the sake of the other. |
"AS" Levels are divided into three modules, and in most subjects these will be of an introductory nature. They are related themes, but examined separately. Marks in each modular examination are totalled to determine the final grade, and candidates may re-take modules where they consider that they could do better. There are two diets of modular examinations per year, in January and June. In The Academy, sixth year students in the first year of their course will not be entered for the January diet. 
It is possible that one or more of the A2 modules could be taken in January in some subjects. Others may prefer to treat the course as linear and take all three modules in the summer. The January diet is also normally used by those subjects that have postponed AS modules from the previous year, and for resitting of any modules in which candidates are seeking an improved mark. .jpg)
In many subjects the AS syllabus and the Higher syllabus overlap sufficiently for candidates to be prepared for both examinations simultaneously. They may therefore sit their AS modules in the summer shortly after Highers. No AS modules will lbe taken in January of the Higher year since this would involve too much dislocation of the Higher course..jpg)
In a small number of subjects the Higher course is unsuitable for combination with the AS Level course. In these subjects it is not possible to take the Higher en passant.This page is: Edinburgh Academy / curriculum / alevel.htm
