Ok how do the A levels work? Help Appreciated

I'm an Irish person who is thinking about doing the A levels from home. I'm trying to figure out the entire system and how to go about doing all of this.

As far as I know edexcel is the only organization that allows you to study from home outside of the UK?

I had figured that the tests for the A levels would be in June 2012 but looking on the website it also states that you have tests in january? Is this so? Will I need to take these also?

What is all this I'm hearing about "predicted grades". I can't seem to get my head around it. Makes zero sense to me. Can somebody please clarify.

Looking at the edexcel website I can't seem to find the subject "futher maths" anywhere. Do they offer further maths as a seperate subject over there or is it just part of maths?

All help greatly appreciated.

Edexcel and CIE both offer A levels internationally

A levels are modular you take unit exams when you are ready and are awarded the qualification when you have completed the required units. Exams for most units are offered by Edexcel in January and in May/June. For CIE it's November and May/June. You choose which units when (but may be limited by finding a centre that offers the exams).

Predicted grades are used in University applications before students receive their full results. They are simply an indication of what teachers expect a candidate will finally achieve. A candidate with poor predicted grades may struggle to get offers from Unis with high entry requirements.

Further Maths is part of Maths. With Edexcel complete 6 units (4 core and 2 options) and you get maths A level, complete 6 more and you get a further maths A level as well. It's all explained in the specification.

If you go with Edexcel I'd recommend this range of books for Maths, 1 book for each unit. As a private candidate I think you'll find the solutions CD really helpful in your study.
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Edexcel-Level-Modular-Mathematics-Core-Mathematics-1-C1-Keith-Pledger/9780435519100

Thanks for the great information. Just to clarify, I will have to take exams in january as well or will I be able to take all my exams in june?

Thanks for the great information. Just to clarify, I will have to take exams in january as well or will I be able to take all my exams in june?

Thanks for the great information. Just to clarify, I will have to take exams in january as well or will I be able to take all my exams in june?

Is it possible to reshedule the exams?

Also does anybody know the cost of doing the A levels outside of the UK? Ive sent an email to edexcel but I'm waiting on a reply for the details.