EDUCATION
AIS A-Level | 16 to 18 years old
Advanced level
AIS A-Level Ages 16 to 18
A-levels are the traditional qualifications of the British school system, offered by schools and colleges for students aged between 16 and 18 years old and recognised by colleges and universities worldwide.
At this stage in a young person's school career, they are able to focus on the subjects that they really want to do for the next two years.
Choosing subjects for Year 12 allows students to:
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Choose courses and subjects that match their interests, abilities and talents
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Choose courses that will help them prepare for further education at university or for their chosen career
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Take brand new subjects that interest, enthuse and excite them.
Most students study between three and four subjects at A-level. However, we are happy to be flexible so please let us know if you would like to study more or fewer subjects.
A-level is often quite different to GCSE. The subjects are often more challenging, and students will be expected to work independently and on their own initiative much more than you have been previously. There is a lot more responsibility on their shoulders to ensure that they go above and beyond what is taught in the classroom and continue learning in their spare time.
There will also be opportunities for students to volunteer to help your school community and to take part in the wider life of the school. This is because students need to build a profile of themselves that will appeal to university admissions officers or potential employers.
Students will also follow a Careers programme that will help them to write their CV and guide them through the process of applying for university, if they decide that this is what they want to do.
Choosing A-levels
The most important criteria for choosing A level subjects are:
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Looking at what a student is likely to enjoy, what they are good at. If they enjoy a particular subject or have an ability in it already, they are more likely to do well. As already mentioned, students are expected to complete quite a lot of work independently, enjoyment will help to keep students motivated.
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If students have a particular career path, job, or further study in mind, they may need to choose specific A level subjects in order to meet entry requirements. AIS is happy to give advice in these situations.
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Note for students: Don’t do subjects just because the teachers or your parents (or even your friends) say you should. Of course, you should listen to the advice of people that you respect, but make your own decisions. After all, you will be the one who has to do the work!
We also hold open evenings and taster sessions in the spring term to enable students in Year 11 and students from outside our school to make informed choices.
Download our Year 12 Options Booklet
The Year 12 Options Booklet has full information regarding course work and subjects offered at AIS.
What can I do once I've taken my A levels?
The vast majority of students who take A-levels intend to go to University. However, A levels can open up a variety of options, including work, further study or an apprenticeship. Some students also choose to take a gap year to work or to travel before moving on to the next phase of their lives. The Careers programme is designed to make sure that students are aware of all of their options.
AIS has experience in helping students apply for universities in countries all around the world, from researching options to crafting personal statements and preparing for interviews. We are also responsible for writing references. Students have gone from AIS to study in the UK, Ireland, the USA, France, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands, to name but a few. We will work with students and their parents to find the course that is right and provide the support every pupil needs to get wherever they wish to go.