[pinkfox]

Hey,
I want to retake my G.C.S.E's this September but I'm also thinking about A levels as I never took them and have no idea how they work.

Is it like G.C.S.E were you do coursework/essays and a written exam. I would hopefully be taking:
Maths
Biology
Chem
Physics or Psychology

I've also heard it's a big leap from G.C.S.E and since I've been out of education for about 6 years I don't really know how anything goes.
I emailed my college 3 weeks ago but they never got back too me.

And any other information about A level and these subjects would be great thanks.

[Rtcw]

Yeah they're very much like GCSEs, only difference is difficulty and how much you learn.

[AceStacks]

They are just like GCSE's only difference is the level is higher.

[Lunch_Box]

The basics of A levels:

Year 12 - AS levels
Year 13 - A2 levels

The highest achievable grade on AS grades are A. This is what forms the basis of your predicted A2 grades that universities use to make offers to students. You apply to the universities using a UCAS form together with a personal statement.

The highest achievable grade at A2 is A*.

A-levels tend to be split into modules, with some subjects requiring coursework. Your raw scores in exams are converted in UMS (Unified Mark Scheme), such that universities can choose between candidate A and B; so it is very important to do well in these.

If you are a very strong student who is capable of independent study, I would strongly suggest you take Physics over Psychology. Psychology is seen as a "weak" subject by many universities. Despite this, many universities only care about your top 3 A-levels - so if you are indeed intrugied by this subject and feel it is more enjoyable, then by all means take it.

I assume you wish to study medicine at university with these subjects. Physics offers a greater educational rigour when compared to Psychology.

If you wish to retake your GCSEs, then I believe you can take the November GCSE exams (that is this year - I may stand corrected, though). However, I would strongly suggest not doing too many GCSE resits, as this may affect your early development from GCSE onto A-level.

Yes, the gap is very big - but if you can talk yourself into starting hard work from day one, then you should be fine and should expect future success accordingly.