Decoding the UK A-level Curriculum: Insights from an Advisor's High School Experience in the UK

In the British middle and high school curriculum, students move on to A-levels after completing their GCSEs. But what exactly is the A-level curriculum like? And how should students adjust their learning attitude and time management when advancing from GCSE to A-level? Professional advisor Johnny continues to share his experiences studying in a British high school. 

Continuing from where we left off about the IGCSE curriculum, after completing my IGCSE exams, I smoothly transitioned to studying A-levels in the UK. Before the term started, I was relieved, thinking that studying only three elective subjects for the next two years would be a breeze. However, compared to the GCSEs, the difficulty level of A-levels doubled, requiring a deeper and more complex understanding. Just when I thought I had adapted to the new learning environment and English-language instruction, A-levels presented a new set of challenges. Students should know that learning requires dedication, and failing to play by the rules can lead to regret.   

In the past, A-levels were relatively easier for academically inclined students because they knew how to leverage exam strategies. A-levels used to be divided into multiple papers, with each subject broken down into four to six papers. The whole A-level was split into AS and A2 parts, with exams taken twice a year. In essence, as long as students managed each semester's material well, they could excel in exams. Thus, diligent students who had found effective study methods could easily score well in each paper, leading to high overall grades. In contrast, students like me who crammed at the last minute often had to retake exams, which compounded the pressure. 

Today, the UK A-level system has changed and no longer splits exams into multiple papers. Since 2015, AS and A2 exams have been decoupled; AS results are standalone qualifications and do not contribute to A2 outcomes, with some institutions opting for a single set of exams. This shift means that, like the old Hong Kong A-levels, UK students now face their exams only after two years of A-level courses. 

Fortunately, even in the UK, students can choose to take an A-level in Chinese. Compared to Hong Kong, taking Chinese at A-level in the UK is much easier, and achieving an A or B grade is quite feasible. The Chinese exam in the UK A-level system is even more straightforward than Hong Kong's DSE Chinese exam. However, the current Chinese exam is not as easy as before, but universities now often consider Chinese results in their admissions. For students with a solid foundation in Chinese, achieving an A is not very difficult. But remember, not all universities consider the Chinese subject in their admissions criteria, so students should not rely solely on Chinese and neglect their other subjects. 

UK universities mainly consider the results of three A-level subjects for admission. I took three A-level subjects plus Chinese, giving me four grades to report. Since my Chinese grade was strong, it helped boost my overall score. The university I applied accepted my Chinese result, so combining my three highest scores, I successfully gained university admission. 

As competition has increased, most capable students now take four to five subjects. If they find the workload unmanageable after the first year, they can drop one subject. However, careful consideration is needed before dropping a subject to avoid regrettable choices. For certain degree programs, specific A-level subjects are required. For example, engineering degrees typically require mathematics and physics. Students who are weaker in these areas can avoid them and choose arts or commerce subjects instead. Thus, before selecting A-level subjects, students should consider their future university courses and understand the subject requirements to avoid missing out on their preferred field.

Apart from applying to UK institutions, UK A-level qualifications are recognised in most countries worldwide. Students can therefore consider applying to universities in other countries after obtaining their A-level results. For those wishing to return to Hong Kong for higher education, they can apply through the non-local admissions system. 

If you have questions about subject choices or wish to learn more about UK A-levels, feel free to contact us.