After their GCSEs, your child will have a whole new set of choices to make about what they want to pursue at college. That might be purely A Levels, vocational courses, or a mix of both. To help you support your child with their choices, we have teamed up with a private college in Somerset to create a parents’ guide to A levels.

What are A-Levels?

A-level courses are in-depth courses designed to help and prepare children for the next stage in their careers. That includes both formal employment and further education. Unlike GCSEs, they require more commitment. Your child will have fewer scheduled study sessions but will be required to carry out more independent study by reading around their subject to enrich their learning. 

 
How Are A-Levels Graded?

A levels follow the old grading style that GCSEs once had and are awarded grades between an E and an A*. 

Free Periods

As briefly touched on earlier, there are fewer contact hours with A levels. Instead, your child may have “free periods” or study sessions where they are advised to spend time in the library revising and going over their notes. By spending their time wisely in this way, your child will have less work to do when at home which will make it more manageable and easier to remember. This is especially key as A-Levels cover much more content than GCSEs.

How Are A-Levels Examined? 

Most A levels have an exam element and others are complimented by coursework. 

When Do A-Level Exams Take Place? 

Exams usually take place in May which makes Easter the ideal time to revise, although it’s better to start sooner.

How Can I Help My Child Pick the Right A-Levels?

As A-Levels are huge commitments, it's important for your child to pick the subjects that they feel comfortable with and are genuinely interested by. Your child’s teachers will also be able to tell you whether they’re capable of continuing on to an A level.

**Image from Pexels.com

Being a mother can be rewarding but also very stressful. There are so many new things to learn and take care of, and it can feel like there's not enough time in the day to take care of your needs. But making sure you're happy and healthy is a vital part of being a good parent for your child.

1. Get Enough Sleep

Many mothers find it difficult to get enough sleep with a new baby in the house, but lack of sleep can lead to health problems like depression and anxiety. Make sure you're getting at least six hours or more if possible. Taking naps when your child does can help you feel well-rested throughout the day.

2. Eat Healthy Foods

Having a child adds so many expenses to your life, so making sure you eat properly is very important for maintaining both mental and physical health. Ensure that most of your meals are balanced, and don't worry about depriving yourself of certain "treat" items every once in a while! Eating healthily will also make it easier for you to lose any extra weight you may have gained while pregnant.

Your child may want to undertake A Levels but may not wish to remain at their school to do so. This is fine – for many young adults, this is a healthy decision and a way to make changes in their life.

Meeting new friends, having a new routine and journey to school can be very refreshing for children and if your child would like to choose a new school or college for sixth form, it’s important that you take their request seriously.

Visits are vital

Make sure to find out when the sixth form has open days for parents and pupils. Book a spot and attend with your child. This senior school in Middlesex takes these open days very seriously and it’s a chance for parents and pupils alike to see the environment and meet the staff.

This first look is important as it will give you both a chance to assess the school and the amenities.

Your child might have a strong reaction to one school and not to another so it’s important to book a few visits.