A-levels- What are they and what are their pros and cons?

You have to make some big decisions in Year 11 regarding your further education. There’s A-levels, T-levels, BTECs, IB, and apprenticeships. But which one(s) should you pick? This article will guide you through what A-levels are and help you to understand the pros and cons associated with this type of qualification so that you can make a more informed decision about whether they’re right for you.

What are A-levels?

Advanced Level qualifications, A-levels, are one of the most common routes of further education taken by students in England between the ages of 16 and 18. During Years 12 and 13, students will typically study three or four subjects (although different schools may offer different options). There is a huge range of subjects to choose from, including maths, sciences, humanities, languages and the arts.

A-levels are typically assessed through examinations at the end of the two years. However, some courses, including art-based subjects and the sciences, still have a coursework element to them.

Students can also choose to combine A-levels with BTECs. Before doing this, consider what you want to do after further education. If you want to attend a university, they may have specific qualifications you must take in order to get a place on your preferred course. Take a look at evulpo’s article on how to get into university.

Pros of A-levels

A-levels have many pros and cons, here we will discuss their pros.

• Academic focus: A pro of A-levels is the skills you obtain! A-levels, as their name suggests, are advanced. This challenging nature may appeal to some students as it enables them to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving and independent study skills. This is especially helpful for the students who are planning to attend university.
• Flexibility: When selecting your A-levels, you can choose three or four different subjects. This means that you can specialise in a specific area or mix-and-match subjects that you think you might enjoy. A-levels are also flexible in the sense that you can combine them with other types of qualifications. You can read more about that here.
• Global recognition: A pro that might appeal to some students is that A-levels are recognised across the globe, which means you can attend universities in many other countries after completing your A-levels.

Cons of A-levels

There are also some potential drawbacks of A-levels.

• Stress: A-levels have a high workload and are primarily assessed through exams at the end of the two year course which can put a lot of pressure on students to achieve high grades. In turn, this can take a toll on their mental health.
• All-or-nothing: A-levels may not suit certain students given the one-time method of assessment. As A-levels are assessed through a few exams, a student’s final grade will be heavily dependent on a few hours of work after two years of studying. Many students find this very stressful and therefore their exam results may not reflect their true abilities. For students that don’t perform well on exams, A-levels may not be the best way forward (but of course every student is different!).
• Subject limitations: Whilst there is a wide variety of courses available, there are still limits to the choices you can make. A-levels have a heavy academic focus, which won’t suit all students. If you prefer vocational subjects, like health and social care and construction, or any subject linked directly to a career path, then a vocational course like a BTEC might suit you more than A-levels.

Which are better, A-levels or BTECs?

BTECs are another further education option but they are more vocational courses that are assessed through coursework and projects. There is no correct answer to this question, it really depends on the student. If a student has a particular vocational career in mind for their future and they prefer learning practical skills then a BTEC may suit them better. But this does not mean that BTECs are better than A-levels.

The opposite is also true, if a student excels at exams and academic study then the theoretical knowledge based courses that A-levels offer would be better suited to that student. But, again, this does not mean that A-levels are better than BTECs.

The most important thing is to know your own interests and your own strengths and weaknesses in order to make the best decision for you.

Conclusion

Overall, while A-levels can provide students with a strong academic foundation and prepare them well for university, they can also be stressful and may not suit students with more vocational strengths. Therefore, it's vital that students think about their own strengths and interests when deciding whether or not A-levels are right for them.