GCE A levels / AS levels
To
explain the new Vocational
Certificate of Education (VCE), it is first necessary to examine
the new structure of academic qualifications in the post-16 education
sector. These take into account the progression towards modular
course structures and away from traditional exam-based assessment.
Traditionally, the A level and AS level were offered on the basis
that 2 AS levels were equal to 1 A level i.e. the course content
was of the same standard but A levels covered twice the amount
of syllabus.
With
the advent of modularisation and the new reforms, this relationship
has altered somewhat. GCE A levels are now broken down into six
units over two years, the first half being the AS level (three
units), a qualification in its own right. The second three units
complete the GCE A level qualification and are often referred
to as A2. These changes are designed to broaden the choice of
subjects available in the sixth form, allowing students to select
a mixture of A and AS levels or even mix AS level subjects with
VCE courses.
The
courses are also being offered in a different manner. It is now
possible to sit for AS and A2 examinations during January or June.
Furthermore, there is a choice whether to take the examinations
in stages or altogether upon completion of the course.
