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General Qualifications

GCSEs, AS and A levels are often taken as a mixture of subjects. Although not directly related to work, employers often ask for a set number of GCSEs at grade C+ or specific subjects such as English, maths and science.

GCSE

Most young people in years 10 and 11 study a mixture of GCSE subjects. You will study some core subjects (including English, maths, science and ICT) – because they are regarded as essential and have to be taken by everyone.

Over 50 subjects can be studied at GCSE level.

There are also:

short course GCSEs which are worth half a GCSE.
Double award GCSEs which are worth the equivalent of two GCSEs.

GCSE re-takes

You may be able to have another go at GCSEs as part of a work-related course or mix BTEC work-related qualifications at level 2 with GCSEs to help you move up to level 3 courses.

If you just missed out on a C in English, maths or science but got good grades in most of your other GCSEs you may be able to re-take it alongside A levels.

A levels – AS + A2

There are about 80 different A Level subjects – although not all of them are on offer in every school or college. You can continue with subjects taken in year 11 and/or choose new subjects. A levels are usually taken over two years.

AS - In the first year, you usually choose 3 or 4 AS levels. You can choose to have an AS Award and Grade in a subject if you don’t want to take a second year to the full A level Award.

A2 - In the second year, you can continue with the same subjects and get full A levels in all or some of your subjects, do more AS levels or change on to another course.

Choosing A level subjects

You can choose the subjects you did well in at GCSE. It is really important to find out just how the subject changes at A level to make sure that it is what you expect.

If you are thinking about adding in new subjects that you haven’t studied to GCSE level, it is even more important to research what is involved in the subject and check to see if it will suit you.

Need help to choose?

Speak to subject teachers about what is involved and/or go to any talks and taster sessions. Your teachers may suggest useful exam websites or that you read a course guide - to help you make up your mind.

If you are planning to go to college take advantage of Open Evenings, read all the course information and talk to subject lecturers.

What can A levels lead to?

You can go on from A levels to a Degree or other level 4+ course, or into an Apprenticeship or employment.

Find out more:

For information about where GCSEs, AS and A levels are on offer locally use the Walsall area prospectus.
For more information about all the 16+ options, including general courses on Direct Gov.

If you are really unsure about which subjects are best for you, talk to your:

Personal tutor or careers teacher at school or college
Personal Adviser from Connexions – you can speak to them at school or college or at Walsall Connexions centre