Workload; shouldn't it be easier at A2 than AS?
Hi,
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
Original post by flyingmintbunny
Hi,
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
Do you have AS official exams in may and r those your ucas predicted grades? If u r based in England
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 2
Original post by Logic1
Do you have AS official exams in may and r those your ucas predicted grades? If u r based in England
Yep, I'm doing a-levels in England and I have my UCAS predictions exams in June.
Original post by flyingmintbunny
Yep, I'm doing a-levels in England and I have my UCAS predictions exams in June.
Okay so your AS official exams happen in June and there r your ucas predictions? Because I am having doubts that this is set up by your school as a past AS paper or they make there own grade boundaries,
I’m a bit curious because most AS exams happen in may. What subjects and exam board do u for AS?
Reply 4
Original post by flyingmintbunny
Hi,
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
What exam boards are you?
At least from my exam boards, modules 5/6 were larger, so took longer and more difficult as they built on Year 12 knowledge. Also, you will have more to do in Year 13. For example, UCAT, personal statement, offer holder days, there is more stress.
Or if you are doing humanities subjects, you have to do coursework or you typically have to submit your EPQ in the middle of year 13.
Though I do agree that there was less content in Year 13, you have to revise Year 12 content as well and typically sit at least 1 set of mocks.
If you keep on track with revising your Year 12 content and do past paper questions regularly, then you should be ok. So I wouldn't be too concerned.
Or if you are doing humanities subjects, you have to do coursework or you typically have to submit your EPQ in the middle of year 13.
Though I do agree that there was less content in Year 13, you have to revise Year 12 content as well and typically sit at least 1 set of mocks.
If you keep on track with revising your Year 12 content and do past paper questions regularly, then you should be ok. So I wouldn't be too concerned.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by CatLover1
At least from my exam boards, modules 5/6 were larger, so took longer and more difficult as they built on Year 12 knowledge. Also, you will have more to do in Year 13. For example, UCAT, personal statement, offer holder days, there is more stress.
Or if you are doing humanities subjects, you have to do coursework or you typically have to submit your EPQ in the middle of year 13.
Though I do agree that there was less content in Year 13, you have to revise Year 12 content as well and typically sit at least 1 set of mocks.
If you keep on track with revising your Year 12 content and do past paper questions regularly, then you should be ok. So I wouldn't be too concerned.
Or if you are doing humanities subjects, you have to do coursework or you typically have to submit your EPQ in the middle of year 13.
Though I do agree that there was less content in Year 13, you have to revise Year 12 content as well and typically sit at least 1 set of mocks.
If you keep on track with revising your Year 12 content and do past paper questions regularly, then you should be ok. So I wouldn't be too concerned.
Was your ucas predicted grades based on your AS official exams done in may? Or any mocks in jan?
Also what was ur GCSEs grades ?
Original post by Logic1
Was your ucas predicted grades based on your AS official exams done in may? Or any mocks in jan?
Also what was ur GCSEs grades ?
Also what was ur GCSEs grades ?
In the end I was predicted and got AAA.
My UCAS grades were based on mocks in April. We sat AS exams based on the content we had done, but I didn't sit actual AS exams. I got ABB.
I then had mocks in Year 13 January/February along with multiple in class full tests. I got BBB in these mocks.
My GCSE grades were: 999888866
My English grades were: 66
My maths was: 8
My science grades were: 99
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 8
Original post by CatLover1
At least from my exam boards, modules 5/6 were larger, so took longer and more difficult as they built on Year 12 knowledge. Also, you will have more to do in Year 13. For example, UCAT, personal statement, offer holder days, there is more stress.
Or if you are doing humanities subjects, you have to do coursework or you typically have to submit your EPQ in the middle of year 13.
Though I do agree that there was less content in Year 13, you have to revise Year 12 content as well and typically sit at least 1 set of mocks.
If you keep on track with revising your Year 12 content and do past paper questions regularly, then you should be ok. So I wouldn't be too concerned.
Or if you are doing humanities subjects, you have to do coursework or you typically have to submit your EPQ in the middle of year 13.
Though I do agree that there was less content in Year 13, you have to revise Year 12 content as well and typically sit at least 1 set of mocks.
If you keep on track with revising your Year 12 content and do past paper questions regularly, then you should be ok. So I wouldn't be too concerned.
Thanks for your response, and well done on your results!
In that case, I'll try to keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully Y13 should be alright 👍
Reply 9
Original post by LittleFire10
What exam boards are you?
All are OCR, with maths being OCR MEI B
Reply 10
Original post by flyingmintbunny
Hi,
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
Do you have A2 teachers you could ask this from? It's significantly harder without teachers. I could help you more here.
Reply 11
Original post by flyingmintbunny
Hi,
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
Hi there @flyingmintbunny (love this unique username!),
Obviously everyone's experience of doing A Levels will be different, but I would say from my own experience that year 13 is indeed a step up from year 12 but not an unmanageable one.
Whilst you have more other things to consider in year 13 (EPQ if you do one, uni/apprenticeship applications, open days and offer holder days), and yes you do need to keep tabs on your year 12 content, it is a natural step up from year 12 which will build on last year's knowledge and which your teachers will support you with.
As long as you keep yourself organised, schedule in extra study sessions to go over the content you're currently learning and your year 12 stuff (I did 1-1.5 hours after school each day from Mon-Thurs to do extra practice and revision throughout sixth form) - then I think you will be fine - I had a couple of friends who managed 4 A Levels and whilst they had to work hard did not feel over-stressed.
I would recommend keeping up with what you're doing but if you find that the workload becomes unmanageable and it is compromising your grades and/or wellbeing then you can consider dropping one later down the line if your school allows it, so long as you meet the requirements still for any uni courses you maybe interested in.
I hope this makes sense and helps reassure you!
Holly
University of Bath
Reply 12
Original post by University of Bath
Hi there @flyingmintbunny (love this unique username!),
Obviously everyone's experience of doing A Levels will be different, but I would say from my own experience that year 13 is indeed a step up from year 12 but not an unmanageable one.
Whilst you have more other things to consider in year 13 (EPQ if you do one, uni/apprenticeship applications, open days and offer holder days), and yes you do need to keep tabs on your year 12 content, it is a natural step up from year 12 which will build on last year's knowledge and which your teachers will support you with.
As long as you keep yourself organised, schedule in extra study sessions to go over the content you're currently learning and your year 12 stuff (I did 1-1.5 hours after school each day from Mon-Thurs to do extra practice and revision throughout sixth form) - then I think you will be fine - I had a couple of friends who managed 4 A Levels and whilst they had to work hard did not feel over-stressed.
I would recommend keeping up with what you're doing but if you find that the workload becomes unmanageable and it is compromising your grades and/or wellbeing then you can consider dropping one later down the line if your school allows it, so long as you meet the requirements still for any uni courses you maybe interested in.
I hope this makes sense and helps reassure you!
Holly
University of Bath
Obviously everyone's experience of doing A Levels will be different, but I would say from my own experience that year 13 is indeed a step up from year 12 but not an unmanageable one.
Whilst you have more other things to consider in year 13 (EPQ if you do one, uni/apprenticeship applications, open days and offer holder days), and yes you do need to keep tabs on your year 12 content, it is a natural step up from year 12 which will build on last year's knowledge and which your teachers will support you with.
As long as you keep yourself organised, schedule in extra study sessions to go over the content you're currently learning and your year 12 stuff (I did 1-1.5 hours after school each day from Mon-Thurs to do extra practice and revision throughout sixth form) - then I think you will be fine - I had a couple of friends who managed 4 A Levels and whilst they had to work hard did not feel over-stressed.
I would recommend keeping up with what you're doing but if you find that the workload becomes unmanageable and it is compromising your grades and/or wellbeing then you can consider dropping one later down the line if your school allows it, so long as you meet the requirements still for any uni courses you maybe interested in.
I hope this makes sense and helps reassure you!
Holly
University of Bath
Hi there, thank you for the response! I'll definitely try to start using a revision plan/timetable to be more organised.
Would you say the step up from Y12 to Y13 is similar to GCSE to a-level? (I personally found the GCSE--> A-level transition alright, apart from slightly changing the way I revise it didn't feel too difficult)
Reply 13
Original post by flyingmintbunny
Hi there, thank you for the response! I'll definitely try to start using a revision plan/timetable to be more organised.
Would you say the step up from Y12 to Y13 is similar to GCSE to a-level? (I personally found the GCSE--> A-level transition alright, apart from slightly changing the way I revise it didn't feel too difficult)
Would you say the step up from Y12 to Y13 is similar to GCSE to a-level? (I personally found the GCSE--> A-level transition alright, apart from slightly changing the way I revise it didn't feel too difficult)
Hi again!
Good question! I would say that the jump in difficulty from GCSE to A level for most people is larger than the jump from year 12 to year 13.
I would say that with GCSE - A level this is quite a disruptive jump as it involves getting used to a whole new set of subjects, a different way of revising and managing your time; however with year 12 to year 13 the only real adjustment is taking on more content which builds on your year 12 - for this reason I personally found it more manageable and more natural.
I'm hoping this helps but if you need any more info please shout!
Holly
Uni of Bath
Reply 14
Original post by flyingmintbunny
Hi,
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
I'm currently in Year 12, I take 4 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Computer Science) and I'm trying to decide whether to continue with all of them through to A2. (I really enjoy them all, my main concern is the workload will be too unbearable later on).
Right now, the workload is manageable, but I keep hearing that Year 13 is significantly more challenging.
However, I don’t quite understand why, in biology and chemistry, we’ve already completed 4 out of 6 modules (and are likely on track to finish module 5 soon). So, wouldn’t doing just one or two modules in Year 13, compared to four this year, actually be easier?
Those who have or doing A2, please let me know your experiences as I'm quite confused.
In my subjects (physics, maths, further maths and music), the content becomes a lot harder in Y13. The style of questions at A level is very different to AS and a lot, lot harder for physics and further maths. I don’t know if that’s the same for the other sciences though. Also, applying to universities takes up a big portion of the autumn term.
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