Help understanding a-levels

Hello,

I'm looking to gain a bit of info on taking a-levels.

I would be taking as a private candidate (I would be a mature student), and I understand the syllabus has changed since I took them.

If i want to do a full A-Level qualification, not AS, do I have to take the first year AS exams, and the second year A-Level exams? This is the old way of how the exams used to be, and the AS would contribute to the A-Level result.

Or, would I only take the second year A-Level exams, and none of the AS exams if I want a full A-Level in the subject?