The General Certificate of Secondary Education Advanced Level (GCE A Level) is one of the world’s most recognised qualifications, leading students to direct university entry. To obtain this qualification, students undertake a 2 year course normally starting at the age of 16.
Is GCE A level the same as a level?
What is the difference between the exam boards offering GCE/International A-level subjects? There is no difference in the level or standard of the A-level offered by different exam boards. There are differences in emphasis and also some differences in the format of the papers.
What are advanced level qualifications?
Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A levels over two years. They’re usually assessed by a series of examinations.
What are GCSE and A levels?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (International GCSE) and International Advanced Level (IAL) are the UK equivalent of school-leaving or university entrance examinations and are available in a wide range of subjects.
What is higher GCSE or A level?
A-Level exams are usually longer than GCSE exams, as there is more content you have to be assessed on. However, as you only study 3 A-Levels instead of around 9 GCSEs, you will have much fewer exams during the exam season at the end of Year 13. They also tend to be harder than GCSE exams, funnily enough.
What is the difference between GCE and GCSE?
The GCE Ordinary Level (known as the O-Level) was abolished in 1987 and replaced by the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). The change was made to create a national qualification for those who wanted to leave school at 16 without attempting A-levels or pursuing a university education.
What does GCSE stand for?
General Certificate of Secondary Education
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. They are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, together with some investigative work, while some subjects also involve practical work.
What level are GCSE qualifications?
GCSEs are awarded on a graded scale, and cross two levels of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF): Level 1 and Level 2. These two levels roughly correspond, respectively, to foundation and higher tier in tiered GCSE qualifications. Level 1 qualifications constitute GCSEs at grades G, F, E, and D or 1, 2, and 3.
What UK qualification level is GCSE?
Qualification levels
| RQF/CQFW | Example qualification |
|---|---|
| 4 | Higher National Certificate |
| 3 | A-level, National Diploma |
| 2 | GCSE (grades A*–C) |
| 1 | GCSE (grades D-G) |
How many GCSEs do you need for university?
Most colleges like you to take a minimum of five GCSEs, including English Language and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, while sixth forms have slightly higher entry requirements, looking for at least six GCSE examination results achieving at least a grade 4 (C).
What’s harder GCSE or A levels?
You hear it all the time – A-Levels are a lot harder than GCSEs. While this doesn’t sound that comforting coming from your teacher or parent just as you’re trying to choose your A-Level options, it’s true. A-Levels are a big jump from GCSE.
How many GCSEs equal A Level?
You can compare work load to gcse. I figured out that 1 Linear A Level (As and A2 taken at end of yr2) is equivalent to taking roughly 6 GCSE’s. So, if you’re taking 3 A Levels that’s roughly equivalent to revising for 18 GCSE’s.
Is GCSE high school?
Instead, the US universities will generally ask for GCSE’s and AS level results, along with an indication of academic progress in the final (A2) year. 5 GCSE passes at grade C or higher are considered the rough equivalent of a US High School Diploma (without Honors or ‘Advanced Placement’ (AP) classes).
What is equivalent to A-Levels in UK?
There are three main types: BTEC Firsts (a Level 2 qualification), BTEC Nationals (a Level 3 qualification) and BTEC Higher Nationals (a Level 5 qualification). BTEC Nationals are the ones that are equivalent to A-levels, recommended for those who have achieved at least four A*-C grades at GCSE.
What year did O levels end?
It was in 1988 that 37 years of O-levels came to an end, under the stewardship of education reformer Kenneth – now Lord – Baker, based on legislation begun by his predecessor, Sir Keith Joseph.
What are GCSE called now?
General Certificate of Secondary Education
| A mock-up of an English Language exam paper’s front page | |
|---|---|
| Acronym | GCSE |
| Countries / regions | England, Wales and Northern Ireland |
| Languages | English, Irish and Welsh |
| Fee | Free to students in schools. Resits and private entries incur variable fees. |
Can you retake GCSEs at any age?
Who can do it? Anyone can retake their GCSEs, regardless of age or previous experience. For A Levels, you’ll need a GCSE at Grade C or above in the equivalent subject to get started.
How long are GCSEs valid for?
The short answer is that GCSE qualifications do not expire – neither do any other qualifications such as A-Levels and degrees. There is also no expiration date on your GCSE certificates meaning that the proof of qualification lasts forever too.
What is a level 7 equivalent to?
master’s degree
level 7 NVQ. master’s degree, for example master of arts ( MA ), master of science ( MSc ) postgraduate certificate. postgraduate certificate in education ( PGCE )
What level is advanced diploma?
Qualifications: credits, modules and NQF levels
| New NQF level | Vocational | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Advanced diploma | Bachelor degree Advanced diploma |
| 7 | Postgraduate certificate (120 credits and 132 credits) | Postgraduate Certificate in Education |
| 6 | Diploma (240 credits and 360 credits) | Diploma (360 credits) |
| 6 | Advanced certificate (120 credits) |
What are the levels of education in UK?
Across the UK there are five stages of education: early years, primary, secondary, Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE).
