Help needed understanding the new A-Levels!

Hi, I'm home-schooled and I plan on taking Chemistry in September. But I don't understand how the new A-Levels works! So if you could answer the following, it would be really really appreciated:
Do I have to take/learn both the AS and A-Levels?
What's the difference between Chemistry A and Chemistry B?
What study books should I get?
And what should I do to maximize my chances of getting into uni?

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 1

jamestg

Original post by weamy

You learn the content for both the AS and A2. You don't have to take AS exams, but if you do they don't count to the overall A-level. Both years' content is examined at the end of the two years.

The difference is usually different emphasises on topics or a different course structure. But generally the overall content is the same.

Just get the best rated textbook off of Amazon!

Do well :-) good luck with your GCSE results, and your future studies!

Reply 2

theBranicAc

Original post by jamestg

so can you only take a levels and no as qulafiactions since as don't count to your a level grade

Reply 3

Verigans

I don't take chemistry but i am a Just completed Year 12 student.

Do I have to take/learn both the AS and A-Levels?

Yes. AS is year 1 of the course and A-Level is the second year. You need to know AS knowledge to do A level.

What's the difference between Chemistry A and Chemistry B?

Depends on what exam boards you're doing. The difference is mostly just little things, for example, learning a different key word or using a different case study,

What study books should I get?

Search amazon for books ACCREDITED by the exam board. My brother had 1 book for AS and 1 book for a level. A simple search on Google for ""~your exam board~ AS level chemistry textbook" should bring up some results.

And what should I do to maximize my chances of getting into uni?

Honestly, just starting Year 12 as you are, university isn't something you should be TOO worried about. Being homeschooled you NEED to make sure you stay on top of your studies. Revise from day 1. Because omg does it help. Make sure you ask questions and always check the course specification to make sure you're learning everything that may come up on the exam. :smile:

Chemistry is a hard subject, so i salute you for doing it :biggrin:

Reply 4

jamestg

Original post by theBranicAc

so can you only take a levels and no as qulafiactions since as don't count to your a level grade

Yep you can decide to only take the A-level exams.

Usually the structure is:
Paper 1 - AS content
Paper 2 - A2 content
Paper 3 - AS & A2

Reply 5

jamestg

Original post by Verigans

Honestly, just starting Year 12 as you are, university isn't something you should be TOO worried about.

I'd have to say it is something.

A-level choices will hugely affect applications in Y13 - you need a good idea of what you want to do at uni, or if undecided you need a broad range allowing you to specialise in Y13.

Start researching uni courses now, and possible unis and their requirements. You need to know what grades to work for!