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Original poster

What is the point of AS Levels?

30 replies

Jewel1968 · 21/08/2022 18:23

DD got her AS levels results which were very good but all feels a bit anticlimactic for her. Lots of work and stress and not sure if there is any benefit to her having done them.

I have done research but can't see any logical reason to do AS levels. Thought I would ask mn in case there is a benefit I am missing.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jewel1968 · 21/08/2022 19:06

Yes, I can see the practical formal exam experience given the last 3 years. That is a good point!
Do they count towards UCAS in any way other than helping with predicted grades. Do universities look at them at all?

OP posts:
poorbuthappy · 21/08/2022 19:02

My dd1 has gained valuable experience taking her AS levels this year's after gaining her teacher assessed GCSEs. I know this isnt the same for every year but we are grateful for them.

redskyatnight · 21/08/2022 19:00

DS's school offer some subjects to AS that they can't offer until A Level. So it 's a chance to take a subject that you don't otherwise have (unless you go somewhere else, clearly).

catndogslife · 21/08/2022 18:53

Given that there were no GCSE exams in 2021 and grades were teacher assessed, I think that it's valuable experience for your dd to have taken external exams for the first time. It will also help her teachers with their grade predictions for 2023.
In a normal year there is minimal advantage if pupils do well, except for grade predictions.
However there are 3 years of funding for pupils post 16. So pupils who don't do very well on their chosen subjects can change direction and do something different and still have their level 3 courses funded.

daisychain01 · 21/08/2022 18:36

Instead of studying (the old style) A Levels for 2 years and then failing or not doing well in the exam, the AS Level gives the student Year 1 of the subject, with an attainable exam/coursework at end of Year 1.

All being well, the student enjoys Year 1 and decides to take it all the way through A2 for the full A Level. If not they have AS in a subject rather than nothing. They are a good intro to a subject to try it out.