Key Takeaways

  • A-level courses are usually a two-year programme of study involving in-depth exploration of selected subjects prior to university education.
  • AS level is generally half the A-level syllabus and is also offered as a standalone qualification.
  • Cambridge A-level is an internationally recognised qualification giving students a wide choice of subjects.
  • Students can choose subjects that are of interest and strength to them as well as what they intend to study at university.
  • AS-level can be the first step towards completing a full A-level.
  • Entry onto A-level may include academic references, subject-specific tests and an interview for the student and parent.
  • Witty can help students navigate through the choices of subjects at Cambridge and with the admissions process for A-level.

Deciding between A Level and AS Level could seem daunting at first. Don’t worry, we are here to help. In this blog, we discuss both options and what they mean and don’t mean. This will help you know what’s right for your child.

What Are A-Level Courses?

A-level courses lie at the end of the Cambridge progression. Students usually study them between the ages of 16 and 19, prior to university entrance. A-level classes are specialised, meaning that students narrow their field of study as opposed to learning a broad range of academic areas. For example, your child would further develop their expertise in areas such as physics, economics or English literature as opposed to studying these subjects at a general level.

What Is the Difference Between AS Level and A Level?

AS Level and A Level are two parts of the same journey, but they are not the same thing.

  • AS Level is usually the first year of study. It covers about half the full course.
  • A Level is the full, two-year course. It goes deeper and counts more with universities.

Some students take AS Level alone as a stand-alone certificate. Others use it as the first step towards the full A Level. Here is a simple table to make this clear:

Feature AS Level A Level
Duration 1 year 2 years
Depth of study Covers half the syllabus Covers the full syllabus
University weight Lower Higher, widely accepted
Can be taken alone Yes Yes, includes AS content

Why Choose Cambridge A Level?

Universities across the world accept Cambridge A-Level qualifications. It is a course provided by the Cambridge Assessment International Education, and it is taught in more than 160 countries across the world. To be more precise, in India, the Association of Indian Universities recognises the Cambridge A-levels as equivalent to the class 12th exam conducted by the CBSE or ICSE boards. So, studying this programme does not take away any advantage from your child.

A Level: What Subjects Can My Child Choose?

Amongst many advantages of this programme, the most prominent one is the flexibility it offers. The A Level courses offer a wide range of subjects, from physics and chemistry to commerce and languages. Your child can choose the subjects as per their interest and the stream they want to pursue after the 12th standard.

AS and A Level: How Are They Related?

You can think of AS and A-level courses as two steps of the same staircase. The majority of students opt for subjects at AS level first, and then they proceed to select their desired A Level subjects in the second year. So, it works like a trial, where the students explore their areas of interest and then specialise in them in the second year.

A Level: How Does Admission Work?

The admission to A-level courses generally depends upon the grades or marks that your child has scored in their equivalent of the 10th standard examination. Some institutions conduct an interaction session with the students and their parents before the admission process begins. The process of securing a seat in A-level is smooth; once it is done, the student’s course is planned out, keeping in mind the subjects they would like to study in the 12th standard.

A Level: What Are The Entry Requirements?

A-level courses have quite simple eligibility criteria; nevertheless, it is essential to keep the following points in mind:

  • A good academic record in the 10th standard or IGCSE equivalent examination.
  • A firm academic grasp of the subjects your child wants to study in the A-Level course.
  • An interaction (may be in the form of an interview) with the school and the parents.

Why Study Cambridge A Level at Witty?

At Witty, we don’t just teach the syllabus. We help your child think clearly, ask good questions, and build real confidence. Our Cambridge curriculum is delivered by trained teachers who understand how each stage connects to the next.

If you want to understand the full Cambridge journey, right from the early years to A Level, do read our comprehensive guide to the Cambridge curriculum.

Making the Right Choice for Your Child

There is no right answer. Some kids do well with the short AS Level route. Some may be up for the challenge of full A-Level. It’s all about your child and their needs.

We would love to help you through this process. Come and visit Witty, meet our teachers, and see just how we bring our Cambridge A Level to your child no matter which route they choose.

Still deciding between AS Level and A Level? Enquire now, and our admissions team will help you choose the right path for your child.

FAQs

1. Which is tougher, A Level or AS Level? 

 Generally, A Level is harder than AS Level, as A Level covers the entire syllabus, while AS Level focuses on 50% of the A Level syllabus.

2. Which A-Level subject is most prestigious? 

 There is no single A-Level subject considered to be the most prestigious. It should depend on the learner.

3. Do students have to do A Level before AS Level?

 AS Level can be taken without completing A Level. It is possible to take AS Level as the first step before A Level.

4. What is the ideal number of subjects students should take at A Level?  

 The number of subjects depends on the student and the school. It should be based on an individual’s strengths and weaknesses and what they want to pursue in university.

5. Can a student change A-Level subjects after starting the AS Level?

 Some schools may allow a student to change subjects. In addition, many schools have rules about how students can and cannot change subjects.