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The world of qualifications can be confusing, especially when it comes to choosing your path after high school. This is starting to be the case in Japan, where more and more international schools are increasingly offering a variety of programs, not just the IB (International Baccalaureate). If you're eyeing universities in the UK or internationally, then A-Levels (Advanced Levels) might be the key you need.
As an experienced tutor of Kokusaba who has also sat through the A Levels, here's a breakdown of what A-Levels are and how they can help you unlock your university dreams.
What are the A-Levels, anyway?
A-Levels are subject-based qualifications typically taken by students aged 16-19 in the UK and other countries. The A Levels is also offered internationally and is slowly gaining traction as a program in many international schools in Japan. The programme involves two years of focused study in 3-4 chosen subjects.
Think of A Levels as deep dives into specific areas of knowledge, allowing you to master complex concepts and showcase your passion to universities.
The A Levels are a Gateway to University
A-Levels are highly regarded by universities worldwide. When applying, your A-Level grades play a crucial role in determining your eligibility for specific courses.
Universities often set minimum A Level grade requirements and may even prefer certain subject combinations for different programs.
For instance, a Biology, Chemistry, and Physics combination might be ideal for aspiring doctors, while English Literature, History, and a Language could be perfect for those aiming for an English Literature degree.
In my case, I took a combination of the sciences with languages like English and French as a fun way to learn something new and different from my usual area of focus.
The A Levels provides you with a Subject Buffet:
The beauty of A-Levels lies in their vast subject selection.
Here's a taste of what you can choose from:
Sciences: Dive into the world of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or delve into specialized areas like Computer Science or Psychology.
Humanities: Explore history, literature, languages, or philosophy. Perfect your research and analytical skills.
Social Sciences: Unravel the complexities of human behavior with subjects like Economics, Sociology, or Business Studies.
Creative Subjects: Unleash your creativity with Art & Design, Film Studies, Music, or Drama.
Since there were no limitations to my choice of subjects, I made sure to take subjects in my area of focus, and also subjects that were more fun and relaxed such as French. This way, it gave me time to relax and learn without the added pressure of perfect grades (which are required for my ‘main’ subjects).
This freedom to choose what you want to take is something I love about the A Levels, and if a subject doesn’t work out for you, the A Levels does allow you to drop it, as long as you take a minimum of 3 or 4 subjects.
The A Levels goes Beyond the Grades
In addition to grades, you need to work on extracurriculars yourself if you take the A Levels. This adds less pressure on students as they can do an extracurricular that they like and it does not have to be graded. The A Levels gives you a lot of free time, but you need to ensure that you are using it wisely.
While excelling in exams is important, A-Levels are about more than just grades.
The A Levels program helps you develop valuable skills like critical thinking, independent learning, and time management – all essential for university success and beyond.
Ready to Take the A Level Plunge?
If you're a focused student who thrives under pressure and has a clear direction for your future studies, then A-Levels could be the perfect stepping stone. For more details on the official program, please visit the official Cambridge A Levels website.
Remember to research university requirements and talk to teachers and advisors to ensure you choose the right subjects for your desired path. With dedication and the right choices, A-Levels can unlock a world of exciting academic opportunities for you. If you would like A Level tutoring support, click here to sign up for a free 1 hour trial lesson with our experienced Kokusaba tutors!
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