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Plausibility of 2 A levels in one year

I am currently a year 13 student studying Maths, FM, Chemistry, Economics predicted 4A*s. I am considering defering/taking a gap year if I don't get into my first or second choice university (maths applicant), mainly because of covid.

In my gap year I am planning on taking A level physics as I think it'll help my application for the following year and I regret not taking it initially as I do really enjoy the subject. However, I am also considering taking computer science A level in the same year because I've recently developed an interest and thought that since I am doing 4 A levels in 2 years, it would be plausible for me to do 2 in one year? This being said, I did not do computer science GCSE so I would have to start from scratch (no pun intended).

Would taking 2 A levels be too stressful for me to do within a year? I also want to keep up my maths too of course since that is what I am applying for.

Hopefully I do get into the university that I want and this is more of a plan B, but I could very easily not and I want to make sure I have a plan if this is the case.
(edited 3 years ago)
Reply 1
I've known people do something similar - e.g. take A levels and then take Biology and Chemistry in a year so they could read medicine (he got A*A* and a place to read medicine).

How are you intending to do this (and what country are you in)? If you are in England and aren't going to be attending a school then the practicals for Physics and the NEA for Comp Sci are likely to be difficult to sort.
Original post by Compost
I've known people do something similar - e.g. take A levels and then take Biology and Chemistry in a year so they could read medicine (he got A*A* and a place to read medicine).

How are you intending to do this (and what country are you in)? If you are in England and aren't going to be attending a school then the practicals for Physics and the NEA for Comp Sci are likely to be difficult to sort.

I live in England and I was intending on teaching myself most of the content as I think I'm capable of doing so and did something similar for FM. I think my current school are very supportive and would not be against allowing me to use their labs during lunchtimes or after school hours to complete required practicals. I'm not too sure what is necessary for NEA for comp sci - would I just need a teacher to grade it?
Original post by Compost
I've known people do something similar - e.g. take A levels and then take Biology and Chemistry in a year so they could read medicine (he got A*A* and a place to read medicine).

How are you intending to do this (and what country are you in)? If you are in England and aren't going to be attending a school then the practicals for Physics and the NEA for Comp Sci are likely to be difficult to sort.

Do you happen to know how your friend did his required practicals for Chemistry?
Reply 4
Original post by anonymous1026
I live in England and I was intending on teaching myself most of the content as I think I'm capable of doing so and did something similar for FM. I think my current school are very supportive and would not be against allowing me to use their labs during lunchtimes or after school hours to complete required practicals. I'm not too sure what is necessary for NEA for comp sci - would I just need a teacher to grade it?

If you want to do this then I suggest you talk to the relevant staff sooner rather than later. Returning to school after A level, not on roll, raises child protection issues as you'd be an adult who'd need escorting. The supervising of the practical and the NEA - and the marking - would take a fair bit if effort by staff for which they wouldn't technically be paid, so ask politely, understanding that they'd be doing you a significant favour. If they do AQA they would have to enter you as a centre candidate for Comp Sci as it isn't open to private candidates.
Original post by Compost
If you want to do this then I suggest you talk to the relevant staff sooner rather than later. Returning to school after A level, not on roll, raises child protection issues as you'd be an adult who'd need escorting. The supervising of the practical and the NEA - and the marking - would take a fair bit if effort by staff for which they wouldn't technically be paid, so ask politely, understanding that they'd be doing you a significant favour. If they do AQA they would have to enter you as a centre candidate for Comp Sci as it isn't open to private candidates.


okay thank you i didn't consider child protection issues, that makes sense.

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