All A-levels in Year 12?
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Original post by jneill
Not really. There's 3 mechanics and 2 stats questions per STEP paper. Not a huge difference.
I don't think Cambridge prefers mechanics modules over stats just because the mech section has 1 more question on the STEP paper. I haven't taken any stats modules so I may be completely wrong, but some of my friends who do stats have found out that mechanics modules are more difficult than the stats.
Original post by Insight314
I don't think Cambridge prefers mechanics modules over stats just because the mech section has 1 more question on the STEP paper. I haven't taken any stats modules so I may be completely wrong, but some of my friends who do stats have found out that mechanics modules are more difficult than the stats.
So why recommend OP does more mechanics? And see my edit
They should simply follow their school's curriculum, the path of least resistance is most likely to succeed...
Original post by jneill
So why recommend OP does more mechanics? And see my edit
They should simply follow their school's curriculum, the path of least resistance is most likely to succeed...
They should simply follow their school's curriculum, the path of least resistance is most likely to succeed...
I am recommending OP to not take any stats or discrete modules, and only focus on mechanics. I am not saying that he should take more modules than needed, in my last reply I meant to say that it is also possible (but usually not done) to self-study some modules just for STEP (which I haven't done).
Also, if you go to the subject information on the Cambridge website, or for an individual college (https://www.chu.cam.ac.uk/study-us/undergraduates/subjects/mathematics/), you can clearly see that mechanics modules are "highly desirable".
"A Level/IB Further Mathematics and Physics, Mechanics modules are highly desirable", as seen under "Highly desirable/useful".
Original post by jneill
So why recommend OP does more mechanics? And see my edit
More difficult modules correlates with the university having more respect for them. I just realised what your question was referencing to. If, on average, a person finds mechanics modules more difficult, then clearly a high-ranking university such as Cambridge would find those modules more desirable, as they would give an overall better measurement/idea of the mathematical ability of the applicant.
Original post by Insight314
More difficult modules correlates with the university having more respect for them. I just realised what your question was referencing to. If, on average, a person finds mechanics modules more difficult, then clearly a high-ranking university such as Cambridge would find those modules more desirable, as they would give an overall better measurement/idea of the mathematical ability of the applicant.
He needs to do well at STEP, and get good overall marks in his A-levels. STEP is much more important, as you know
I'll say again, he's trying to cram everything into 1 year and yet plans retakes. Not a good plan... why then add to the difficulty by replacing S modules with harder Ms? I'm not saying not to do M, just not ALL M...
No candidate will be turned away with good UMS in, say, C1-C4, M1 & M2. And then offering FP1-FP3 S1, S2, D1. Unless they have a bad interview.
If they were doing S1,S2, D1-3, and no M, then maybe Cambridge would be less happy, but that's not the case.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by jneill
So why recommend OP does more mechanics? And see my edit
They should simply follow their school's curriculum, the path of least resistance is most likely to succeed...
They should simply follow their school's curriculum, the path of least resistance is most likely to succeed...
PRSOM. See my response in my thread: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showpost.php?p=66696436&postcount=55
Okay, so year 12, is an amazing year. There's loads of opportunities to do extra things that will look amazing on your personal statement, but you need to devote time to them. Like there might be a nice essay competition to enter, or a physics challenge, or a debating club, or a tennis team, an EPQ etc etc. If you're doing all your a levels in year 12, you simply won't have time for these other things which can be quite valuable to university applications.
You're really missing out on a tonne of opportunities, and I haven't even mentioned things like socialising. In year 13, your application will be gone in October, so you'll have missed out on an entire year that you could've used to make that application really STAND OUT. doing them a year early doesn't really stand out to universities either, especially because (and this is extremely important) many universities will NOT accept a levels completed in different sittings (they must all be completed in the same year you apply) so the minimum is do 3 a levels in one year, the school year in which you send off your application. In year 13 you only have to worry about those a levels, and not necessarily anything extra unless you want to. In year 12, you'll have enough time to pursue extra things like sport and volunteering which will look very good on your application and focus on your AS courses at the same time.
Obviously you can neglect all this but often when you see people around you doing the same thing as you, you'd constantly want to do better and better. Being surrounded by your year group doing things completely differently will get off putting. I know that's not such a big issue but if you're gonna do this, you must do all your university research NOW (in effect, you're putting yourself in the position of someone in the summer between year 12 and year 13).
But I don't want to put you off this. If it's your dream, go for it, honestly. If you do well then it's an amazing achievement and tbh it's probably a better method than what the system currently is. Just make sure you're happy with other issues that might arise and don't be so hard on yourself! Year 12 is a great year to have fun so don't miss out
You're really missing out on a tonne of opportunities, and I haven't even mentioned things like socialising. In year 13, your application will be gone in October, so you'll have missed out on an entire year that you could've used to make that application really STAND OUT. doing them a year early doesn't really stand out to universities either, especially because (and this is extremely important) many universities will NOT accept a levels completed in different sittings (they must all be completed in the same year you apply) so the minimum is do 3 a levels in one year, the school year in which you send off your application. In year 13 you only have to worry about those a levels, and not necessarily anything extra unless you want to. In year 12, you'll have enough time to pursue extra things like sport and volunteering which will look very good on your application and focus on your AS courses at the same time.
Obviously you can neglect all this but often when you see people around you doing the same thing as you, you'd constantly want to do better and better. Being surrounded by your year group doing things completely differently will get off putting. I know that's not such a big issue but if you're gonna do this, you must do all your university research NOW (in effect, you're putting yourself in the position of someone in the summer between year 12 and year 13).
But I don't want to put you off this. If it's your dream, go for it, honestly. If you do well then it's an amazing achievement and tbh it's probably a better method than what the system currently is. Just make sure you're happy with other issues that might arise and don't be so hard on yourself! Year 12 is a great year to have fun so don't miss out
Original post by archipelaglobule
So I'm in Year 11 (going into Year 12 in September) and I'm thinking of doing all my AS and A2 exams next year. I'm taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics and French. I've already done AS French, so was going to do A2 next year anyway. I've self-taught large parts of AS Maths, so it shouldn't be a problem doing the full A-level next year. The only extra ones I'd have to do are Further Maths A2 and Physics A2. And then I'd either have Year 13 free (which would give me time to do any resits) - presuming that I wouldn't be able to apply to university a year early in Y12 (as I wouldn't have done most of my AS levels yet?). Getting all the exams out of the way in Y12 would mean I wouldn't have to go to lessons, which are a waste of time when you can self-teach anyway in a fraction of the time. Resits might be a problem as I'm thinking of applying to a top university, so if I do badly on any of the exams and had to resit, it might not look too good.
Apologies if it sounds slightly insane but I can't stop thinking about the possibility. Do you think it's a good idea?
Apologies if it sounds slightly insane but I can't stop thinking about the possibility. Do you think it's a good idea?
Isn't it that AS exams are standalone qualifications and that A-Level exams are in Year 12, so wouldn't it be better to skip AS and just do A2 Or A-Levels as it's called now because the systems changed ( there is no longer AS/A2) so maybe just go for it and do A-Levels? If you don't need em, you don't need em. AS Levels are just there to show unis your excepted grades ( and also to see which grades you are most likely to get in Year 13) If you do your A-Levels now, you won't have to do your AS as you'll actually have actual grades. ( except for some subjects, which will be only rweformed in 2017; so still AS/A2 until 2017/8,etc)
Original post by elmosandy
Isn't it that AS exams are standalone qualifications and that A-Level exams are in Year 12, so wouldn't it be better to skip AS and just do A2 Or A-Levels as it's called now because the systems changed ( there is no longer AS/A2) so maybe just go for it and do A-Levels? If you don't need em, you don't need em. AS Levels are just there to show unis your excepted grades ( and also to see which grades you are most likely to get in Year 13) If you do your A-Levels now, you won't have to do your AS as you'll actually have actual grades. ( except for some subjects, which will be only rweformed in 2017; so still AS/A2 until 2017/8,etc)
Yeah but the A level contains everything that is on the AS as well so although the OP will not have an exam on the AS syllabus it'll still need to be learnt
Original post by elmosandy
Isn't it that AS exams are standalone qualifications and that A-Level exams are in Year 12, so wouldn't it be better to skip AS and just do A2 Or A-Levels as it's called now because the systems changed ( there is no longer AS/A2) so maybe just go for it and do A-Levels? If you don't need em, you don't need em. AS Levels are just there to show unis your excepted grades ( and also to see which grades you are most likely to get in Year 13) If you do your A-Levels now, you won't have to do your AS as you'll actually have actual grades. ( except for some subjects, which will be only rweformed in 2017; so still AS/A2 until 2017/8,etc)
OP is doing Maths & FM which are not yet reformed.
Also, for other subjects, the new linear A-levels have 2 years of work, so doing an A-level in 1 year is twice as much workload as normal.
Original post by Uni12345678
Yeah but the A level contains everything that is on the AS as well so although the OP will not have an exam on the AS syllabus it'll still need to be learnt
I'm saying he shouldn't do his AS exams, because OP wants to do AS/A2 so they can get a whole A-Level ( but as I said, the reforms )
I don't remember saying it shouldn't be learnt???? ( The A-Levels includes all the specification, like you say), I think OP should skip his AS exams because there's no point, they're just for university, if they want, they can already get an whole A-Level, without having to do AS exams, which make no relevance. They want to do a AS/A2 to get a full A-Level one year early, so they can just have Year 13 free but, as I said, the reforms have made it A-Levels are final exams, so actually doing a AS/A2 exam in one year is pointless ( considering the AS doesn't count towards anything,), The OP can do his A-Levels exams and be free, if they want Year13 free why the AS exams?the OP doesn't need to take any AS.
Original post by elmosandy
If you don't need em, you don't need em. AS Levels are just there to show unis your excepted grades ( and also to see which grades you are most likely to get in Year 13) If you do your A-Levels now, you won't have to do your AS as you'll actually have actual grades. ( )
We can clearly see that I'm referring to the exams and not the AS syllabus ( and so is the OP), the OP is making a mistake by taking AS/A2, A-Levels are final exams now, the AS doesn't need to be taken, ( How's telling the OP that the AS exams is irrelevant is saying not to study the syllabus? anyway, wouldn't it be if they're studying for the Final A-Level exams they would be automatically studying the syllabus in AS, like you're just saying anyway?, So what's the issue of telling them to do A-Levels without AS anyway?), so if they want to do their A-Levels early the AS exams would waste their up their time and energy ( beside it's standalone, so there's really no relevance.)
If you feel ( and want ) to tell the OP they should do their AS&A2 in two years then go ahead, but either way there's no difference, ( and clearly OP thinks they're necessity OK)
Original post by elmosandy
I'm saying he shouldn't do his AS exams, because OP wants to do AS/A2 so they can get a whole A-Level ( but as I said, the reforms )
I don't remember saying it shouldn't be learnt???? ( The A-Levels includes all the specification, like you say), I think OP should skip his AS exams because there's no point, they're just for university, if they want, they can already get an whole A-Level, without having to do AS exams, which make no relevance. They want to do a AS/A2 to get a full A-Level one year early, so they can just have Year 13 free but, as I said, the reforms have made it A-Levels are final exams, so actually doing a AS/A2 exam in one year is pointless ( considering the AS doesn't count towards anything,), The OP can do his A-Levels exams and be free, if they want Year13 free why the AS exams?the OP doesn't need to take any AS.
We can clearly see that I'm referring to the exams and not the AS syllabus ( and so is the OP), the OP is making a mistake by taking AS/A2, A-Levels are final exams now, the AS doesn't need to be taken, ( How's telling the OP that the AS exams is irrelevant is saying not to study the syllabus? anyway, wouldn't it be if they're studying for the Final A-Level exams they would be automatically studying the syllabus in AS, like you're just saying anyway?, So what's the issue of telling them to do A-Levels without AS anyway?), so if they want to do their A-Levels early the AS exams would waste their up their time and energy ( beside it's standalone, so there's really no relevance.)
If you feel ( and want ) to tell the OP they should do their AS&A2 in two years then go ahead, but either way there's no difference, ( and clearly OP thinks they're necessity OK)
I don't remember saying it shouldn't be learnt???? ( The A-Levels includes all the specification, like you say), I think OP should skip his AS exams because there's no point, they're just for university, if they want, they can already get an whole A-Level, without having to do AS exams, which make no relevance. They want to do a AS/A2 to get a full A-Level one year early, so they can just have Year 13 free but, as I said, the reforms have made it A-Levels are final exams, so actually doing a AS/A2 exam in one year is pointless ( considering the AS doesn't count towards anything,), The OP can do his A-Levels exams and be free, if they want Year13 free why the AS exams?the OP doesn't need to take any AS.
We can clearly see that I'm referring to the exams and not the AS syllabus ( and so is the OP), the OP is making a mistake by taking AS/A2, A-Levels are final exams now, the AS doesn't need to be taken, ( How's telling the OP that the AS exams is irrelevant is saying not to study the syllabus? anyway, wouldn't it be if they're studying for the Final A-Level exams they would be automatically studying the syllabus in AS, like you're just saying anyway?, So what's the issue of telling them to do A-Levels without AS anyway?), so if they want to do their A-Levels early the AS exams would waste their up their time and energy ( beside it's standalone, so there's really no relevance.)
If you feel ( and want ) to tell the OP they should do their AS&A2 in two years then go ahead, but either way there's no difference, ( and clearly OP thinks they're necessity OK)
Except, as per my post, Maths is not reformed. OP would be sitting 6 exams for AS/A2 in Year 12.
It's not uncommon to sit all Maths modules in Y12, and then all Further Maths in Y13. That's fine. What is not common is to sit all Maths AND Further Maths in Y12.
Original post by jneill
OP is doing Maths & FM which are not yet reformed.
Also, for other subjects, the new linear A-levels have 2 years of work, so doing an A-level in 1 year is twice as much workload as normal.
Also, for other subjects, the new linear A-levels have 2 years of work, so doing an A-level in 1 year is twice as much workload as normal.
Which I just said, ( that some subjects won't be reformed for 2017, so will be AS/A2, until then. don;t put words in my mouth).
Original post by elmosandy
Isn't it that AS exams are standalone qualifications and that A-Level exams are in Year 12, so wouldn't it be better to skip AS and just do A2 Or A-Levels as it's called now because the systems changed ( there is no longer AS/A2) so maybe just go for it and do A-Levels? If you don't need em, you don't need em. AS Levels are just there to show unis your excepted grades ( and also to see which grades you are most likely to get in Year 13) If you do your A-Levels now, you won't have to do your AS as you'll actually have actual grades. ( except for some subjects, which will be only rweformed in 2017; so still AS/A2 until 2017/8,etc)
^
QUOTE=jneill;66696940]Also, for other subjects, the new linear A-levels have 2 years of work, so doing an A-level in 1 year is twice as much workload as normal.
Nobody denied this, I'm just saying ( since OP doesn't seem to know or care about it, and could seriously waste their time, so they need to forget the AS om top of A2, or just rethink their subjects), if they do decide to go for it, the A-Levels are done in final exams, so doing the AS exams on top of linear, is just a waste of time, so there's no point ( clearly OP thinks they're necessity.)
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by jneill
Except, as per my post, Maths is not reformed. OP would be sitting 6 exams for AS/A2 in Year 12.
It's not uncommon to sit all Maths modules in Y12, and then all Further Maths in Y13. That's fine. What is not common is to sit all Maths AND Further Maths in Y12.
It's not uncommon to sit all Maths modules in Y12, and then all Further Maths in Y13. That's fine. What is not common is to sit all Maths AND Further Maths in Y12.
And I just said except for some subjects which will be only reformed in 2017, so AS/A2 until, 2017.
My point is that it's linear.
And I was just saying to @Uni12345678 that the AS Syllabus is a already put in into the A-Level specification. So doing the AS ( on top of the A2 exams, which will not be towards the final A-Level result), is just a waste of time. OP is doing AS&A2 in one year because they 'need' to, when they don't. ALRIGHT?
That's OP's problem, they're choice. I;m not saying this is a stupid decision, just pointing Op in the right direction. Lets just agree that, it's pointless, as it's linear, on top of the A-Levels as it's not going to count for A-Levels. OP thinks it's a necessity.
If you don't agree with their choice, then just say so? But just accept the fact, either way, if they do decide to do A-Levels, doing the AS is just a waste of time. And will be three times pointless and tiring work.
Don't put words in my mouth!
Original post by jneill
The new linear A-levels have 2 years of work,
The new linear A-levels have 2 years of work,
My point is that they're linear. That's my whole post. So doing an AS exam on top is extra work. If OP wants to do 1 year A-Levels. If they want to do AS&A2, they should rather do Linear A-Levels, AS exams aren't going to count so what's the point of doing them alongside in one exam season in one year anyway? Point.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by elmosandy
My point is that they're linear. That's my whole post. So doing an AS exam on top is extra work. If OP wants to do 1 year A-Levels. If they want to do AS&A2, they should rather do Linear A-Levels, AS exams aren't going to count so what's the point of doing them alongside in one exam season in one year anyway? Point.
I'm in Wales, so I believe that it's different here. I believe the whole linear a-levels thing isn't happening here. Unless I could sit the exams in subjects that are being reformed with a different exam board or something?
For the OCR MEI maths and FM specification (the exam board my school does), you have to do all the modules, whether they're technically counted as AS or A2 (can't just skip AS modules).
To be honest, I'm slightly confused by the argument here.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by jneill
He needs to do well at STEP, and get good overall marks in his A-levels. STEP is much more important, as you know
I'll say again, he's trying to cram everything into 1 year and yet plans retakes. Not a good plan... why then add to the difficulty by replacing S modules with harder Ms? I'm not saying not to do M, just not ALL M...
No candidate will be turned away with good UMS in, say, C1-C4, M1 & M2. And then offering FP1-FP3 S1, S2, D1. Unless they have a bad interview.
If they were doing S1,S2, D1-3, and no M, then maybe Cambridge would be less happy, but that's not the case.
I'll say again, he's trying to cram everything into 1 year and yet plans retakes. Not a good plan... why then add to the difficulty by replacing S modules with harder Ms? I'm not saying not to do M, just not ALL M...
No candidate will be turned away with good UMS in, say, C1-C4, M1 & M2. And then offering FP1-FP3 S1, S2, D1. Unless they have a bad interview.
If they were doing S1,S2, D1-3, and no M, then maybe Cambridge would be less happy, but that's not the case.
In the prospectus it says mechanics is highly preferable and doesnt mention stats. Mainly because stats in A level is not even useful for step stats(other then bits of knowledge) wheras M4/5 are very good in IA and STEP III.
Btw D3 doesn't exist.
I hope no one ever does D1-2, worst modules ever. S4 is not so bad, if you learn it. M4 is the best OP man.
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Original post by Insight314
Don't waste your time with Discrete modules, as you won't be able to use any of the knowledge in your STEP exams. Take as many mechanics modules as you can, as Cambridge does indeed prefer them over statistics modules. Depending on how confident you are with mechanics compared to statistics, you could do M1-M5 and then have the whole mechanics section for STEP I, II and III very accessible. I, myself, did M1-M5 and attempted at least one mechanics questions for each STEP I, II, III exam this year which helped me quite a bit in reaching my desired grades. Also, quite a few people I know that took STEP this year decided to learn stats modules without sitting the exams, but only so they could attempt the stats section. One problem I found this year is that I couldn't attempt any of the free, easy, full marks in 20 minutes stats questions which came up this year.
Yep I agree. The only thing D1/2 are useful for is IB Optimisation lol. Other then that they are boring and ****.
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Original post by physicsmaths
In the prospectus it says mechanics is highly preferable and doesnt mention stats. Mainly because stats in A level is not even useful for step stats(other then bits of knowledge) wheras M4/5 are very good in IA and STEP III.
Btw D3 doesn't exist.
I hope no one ever does D1-2, worst modules ever. S4 is not so bad, if you learn it. M4 is the best OP man.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Btw D3 doesn't exist.
I hope no one ever does D1-2, worst modules ever. S4 is not so bad, if you learn it. M4 is the best OP man.
Posted from TSR Mobile
See Peterhouse's reply
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showpost.php?p=66696556&postcount=47
Original post by elmosandy
And I just said except for some subjects which will be only reformed in 2017, so AS/A2 until, 2017.
My point is that it's linear.
And I was just saying to @Uni12345678 that the AS Syllabus is a already put in into the A-Level specification. So doing the AS ( on top of the A2 exams, which will not be towards the final A-Level result), is just a waste of time. OP is doing AS&A2 in one year because they 'need' to, when they don't. ALRIGHT?
That's OP's problem, they're choice. I;m not saying this is a stupid decision, just pointing Op in the right direction. Lets just agree that, it's pointless, as it's linear, on top of the A-Levels as it's not going to count for A-Levels. OP thinks it's a necessity.
If you don't agree with their choice, then just say so? But just accept the fact, either way, if they do decide to do A-Levels, doing the AS is just a waste of time. And will be three times pointless and tiring work.
Don't put words in my mouth!
My point is that it's linear.
And I was just saying to @Uni12345678 that the AS Syllabus is a already put in into the A-Level specification. So doing the AS ( on top of the A2 exams, which will not be towards the final A-Level result), is just a waste of time. OP is doing AS&A2 in one year because they 'need' to, when they don't. ALRIGHT?
That's OP's problem, they're choice. I;m not saying this is a stupid decision, just pointing Op in the right direction. Lets just agree that, it's pointless, as it's linear, on top of the A-Levels as it's not going to count for A-Levels. OP thinks it's a necessity.
If you don't agree with their choice, then just say so? But just accept the fact, either way, if they do decide to do A-Levels, doing the AS is just a waste of time. And will be three times pointless and tiring work.
Don't put words in my mouth!
My comments were entirely within the context of the OP.
OP is doing three non-linear A-levels: Maths, Further Maths and French. So they plan on sitting AS & A2 exams for those subjects in Y12. (Although they have already done AS French.)
The OP has one additional subject and that indeed is linear, Physics, and yes they would sit the reformed A-level in Y12 and not need to do the AS.
You keep saying "it's linear"... but only Physics of the 4 A-levels planned by OP is linear in England.
In addition, actually OP is in Wales and therefore may be sitting WJEC which is unreformed for Physics and they will indeed need to sit AS & A2 in one year (if that's the route they want to take).
(edited 7 years ago)
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