Cambridge AS and A-Levels are an internationally benchmarked qualification system that provides students with a high level of preparation to access universities around the world and can be taken in over 125 countries.

In the first year of the British Baccalaureate, Year 12, students take the Cambridge Advanced Supplementary Level or AS Level. These tests are a measure of how well the student is assimilating the syllabus. Then, depending on the results, they will go on to take the Advanced Level or A-Level the following year in Year 13.

 It is important to note that these exams are widely recognised and highly regarded by both universities and the business sector. For more than 50 years, they have been accepted by universities and higher education institutions all over the world. In addition, they are even a prerequisite in some companies when applying for certain jobs.

But do you know exactly what A-Levels are? What is this system and how does it work in Spain? In this article, we explain it all to you.

 

What do A-Levels consist of?

Cambridge A-Levels are one of the most internationally recognised qualifications. They are the final exams that take place in the British system in Year 13, which corresponds to the second year of Sixth Form – Key Stage 5, which would be the equivalent of the second year of Bachillerato in the Spanish education system.

A-Levels should not be confused with the AS Levels mentioned at the beginning. While A-Levels last two years, AS Levels last one year and are taken in Year 12, which is the first year of Bachillerato. Some subjects can be started as an AS Level and extended by taking the A-Level the following year. So the main difference between AS Levels and A-Levels is the amount of content taught.

It should be noted that it is not necessary to have done the AS Level in order to do the A-Level, but we should bear in mind that the A-Level syllabus is designed to be done in two academic years. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain it in one year without having taken the relevant AS Level.

If the student takes three A-Levels, they will obtain the Bachillerato + EvAU qualification. This certification is recognised by all university centres that have an agreement with Cambridge Assessment International Education.

 A-Levels structure

A complete A-Level subject can be made of four or six units known as papers. Students can register directly for the A-Level, but they have to do all the papers of the AS-Level and A-Level. Therefore all the exams have to be taken at the same time.

Exams of the different examining boards are equally valid, regardless of if they are Edexcel or Cambridge, for example. They usually take place in centres and schools certified by the examining boards.

Subjects and exam formats 

The A-Levels system allows students to specialise and choose between 3 or 4 subjects in which they can obtain the best grades and which allow them to focus on the university degree they want to take, studying each of them in depth and with a high level of specialisation.

Theoretically, there is no minimum or maximum number of A-levels that can be taken, but most of the universities require a minimum of three A-Levels, which is the most advisable, even when you want to convalidate the A-Levels with the Spanish Bachillerato.

Exams can have a flexible format that allows students to choose among the subjects that best adapt to the level of the students. Generally, students usually take four AS Levels and then continue with another four A-Levels or drop one and take only three. Our advice is to always try to do four, as there is the possibility that you may not pass one of them. And, if you decide to do more, you can always increase both grades and the required score. 

 

How to prepare for the A-Levels

At A-Level there is no continuous evaluation, but students must take the final exams to show all the knowledge they have acquired. It is true that, in certain practical subjects such as Art and Design, students have to do a project that is developed through the academic year.

Here you have some very useful tips on how to prepare for exams:

Study resources and techniques 

Some of our recommendations to prepare the A-Levels exams and obtain good grades are the following:

  • Put into practice the knowledge acquired by doing the past papers, that is, the exams of previous years. The more past papers you do, the better, as you will have a clearer idea of the type of questions you can find. If you have any doubts, discuss them with your teacher afterward.
  • Take notes in class and make summaries and outlines of each unit so that you can do a quick review whenever you need it.
  • You can also make recordings of the content of each unit to listen to when you are on the metro or doing sports.

Advantages of A-Levels certifications

Cambridge A-Levels offer two clear advantages:

  • This qualification gives students the opportunity of studying in universities all over the world with the same conditions as a British student. It is not necessary to have a sworn translation of their EvAU grades or to validate the documentation required by the university, which can be a long and expensive process. Thus, the whole process is simplified. 
  • It has many benefits from an academic point of view since students are more prepared for university. By choosing between 3 or 4 subjects, the level of specialisation is higher, which also favours a more personalised, autonomous, and flexible learning.
  • This educational system also allows students to develop professional skills that are currently in high demand in the labour market, mainly related to leadership and teamwork, communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
  • The Cambridge A-Levels also offer personal benefits. Students learn how to organise themselves better, develop critical thinking, manage emotions, and use technological tools.

To sum up, the A-Levels are part of an educational system that not only allows students to access universities from all over the world, but also provides them with incomparable advantages academically, professionally, and personally. The first step to a successful and fulfilling personal and professional career.