There are two stages to A-levels:
Year 1 — Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level
Year 2 — A2 level
Together, the AS and A2 make up the full A-level qualification
At Kings, there are five components to the A-level course:
1. Main subjects:
Depending on your future degree course and ability, we will agree your personal study programme, choosing from three to five subjects.
At the beginning of term we’ll introduce you to different subjects and help you choose the final subjects most appropriate for your future degree.
2. Additional subjects:
During the course your personal study programme may also include lectures on: 20th Century World History and Politics and International Relations to help you gain an understanding of the society where you are going to live and study, its history and philosophy.
You may also take classes in Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Quantative Methods.
3. Academic skills development:
You will have classes in Academic English, IELTS and Communication & Study Skills. These will help you to use academic English effectively in your studies.
4. Examination practice:
You will have practice exams every week to ensure that you learn the disciplines of working concisely, accurately and to precise time limits.
These weekly exams give your teachers valuable information about your progress so they can make sure each lesson is relevant to your exact needs.
5. Examinations:
You will take two sets of public examinations: AS levels at the end of your first year and A2s at the end of your second year. These exams together constitute the General Certificate of Education (GCE).
Depending on your subjects, you may take some of the exams in January.
Your weekly study programme
Typically you’ll have about 20 – 25 hours per week of coursework.
As well as your main small-group classes, this programme may include lectures, problem classes, revision clinics, workshops, practice exams and 1:1 tutorials.
We encourage you to take lecture courses (e.g. 20th Century World History and Politics and International Relations) to broaden your general knowledge. These will usually be in groups of 16 students.
To make the most of this concentrated teaching and guidance you'll be expected to spend 14 to 20 hours per week on individual study, reading and research.
This is a very important part of your learning plan. You will develop the independent study skills which will be essential for success at university.
