General questions about A levels

**tw5** · 11-07-2012, 09:36 AM

I am in need of some info about A-levels, as Ive never taken them and really don’t know a whole lot about how they are set up etc.. So, from what I gather there are five boards, AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC and CCEA. How does one go about choosing a particular board, as a private distance learner? Also, some people (on this forum) were saying that A level chem via distance learning will shortly be unavailable, because of the difficulties in arranging the practical components: Most of these posts were from 2009 though. So has this problem been solved or is A-level chem now impossible to do as a distance learner? Also, I don’t see how biology or physics would be any easier because they also have practical components don’t they? Should I find a tutor to do all the exam/practical arranging for me, or is it just as easy to do all this on your own (and save some money)? Also when is the best time to start studying for A-levels and when is the 1st module exam usually given? Any other info or advice is really appreciated, because Im a little confused about how people plan for these exams (as a private candidate i mean). thanks someone!

**rachaelc** · 12-07-2012, 12:53 AM

Hi,

You are correct, there are five examining boards that administer the A level examinations, with AQA, Edexcel and OCR covering all of UK, WJEC being a Welsh examining board but also now covering the UK and CCEA being the Northern Ireland examining board.

As for picking which examining board to register with, it really doesnt matter. I doubt anyone will discriminate against you for choosing one over another. Have a look on their respective websites at the course you want to study, and download the specifications and have a read through those, it will tell you what you will cover and be expected to know for each unit of A/AS level. Then its basically a case of picking which one you like/think you would enjoy the most. They cover broadly the same material.

A level chemistry, biology and physics are still available as a distance learning option. There are various places that offer it, however quite a few will require you to arrange the practical components yourself by either contacting local colleges/schools or finding some other means to complete the practical exam. If you go for this option you would pay the distance learning provider for the course notes/written exam entries and anything else they offer, sit the written exam and then arrange yourself to sit the practical exam with a school/college.

There are also companies/establishments that offer the practical exam and also practical 'dry run' sessions to help you become familiar with equipment and the laboratory before your exam. Understandably these dont come cheap, but they do take the pressure out of finding a college that is willing to take a private candidate. With companies like this you fill out the application forms with the exams and units you want to register for, pay the fee and then turn up for the exam. They may or may not provide study material.
Im sure ive also seen individual tutors that arrange for you to take practical examinations at a local college/school, however as with private companies you will need to pay quite alot of money, especially as each science A level has 2 practical units.

As for the best time to start studying, it all depends on how dedicated you are, how much free time you have to study, how much youalready know and how many units you want to take and when. Written exams are taken in January and June, and practical units are usually taken in May/early June. So if you want to do A level chemistry in 2013, you could take unit 1 in January, unit 2 in June and unit 3 in May/June (whenever it is scheduled). Being a private candidate also gives you the option of completing the whole A level in one year by taking all AS units in January and all A2 units in June, with 2 practicals in the middle (its a massive amount of work to complete in one year though!)

Book wise, each exam board has recommended study texts, you just need to decide who you want to take the exam with and get the corresponding texts (ebay/amazon is good if you dont mind second hand). There are also loads of resources on the internet if you get stuck, not to mention private tutors.

Reading my post back it does seem a little complicated, but its pretty straight forward once you look into it.

**rachaelc** · 12-07-2012, 12:59 AM

some centres:

Private candidates - Campbell Harris - Private College - Kensington - London

http://www.3atutors.co.uk/

Our Examination Centre

**tw5** · 14-07-2012, 10:33 AM

Thanks rachaelc for the info.. Also, to anyone who has done a full 3, 4 or even 5 A-levels, what kind of time commitment did you find was necessary for you to get the grade you needed? (A's) in terms of hours per day? I realize its a bit subjective, but I just mean for the average student? I looked over some info from OCR site and it says that a full A-level requires roughly 300 hours study time: So thats 150 hours per year = 45mins per day, every day. So if I round that to 1 hour per day, then for 4 A levels that would be 4 hours per day of study. is that about right? Im not the type of person who studys 10 hours one day and none the next day, I do well with a set routine, so thats why I am asking about hours per day. How many hours were you putting in when you did A-levels? Thanks guys