Curriculum
Between 2015 and 2018, all A Levels were redeveloped. The government has stated that the purpose of taking A Levels is primarily for entry to university. In order to ensure successful transition, some changes were needed so students were better prepared to start their university course.
There will be a period of three years when students will take new A Levels in some subjects and old A Levels in other subjects.
The changes were:
A Levels are now fully linear: All exams will be at the end of two years of study.
Non-exam assessment: For English, history and computer science, the amount of NEA has been reduced from 40% to 20%. The assessment of practical work in science does not contribute to the final A Level but will be reported separately in a certificate of endorsement.
Question types: More variety in the types of questions asked, e.g. multiple-choice questions and extended essay questions.
Change of titles: Business Studies to Business; Computing to Computer Science.
There is no change in standard of the A Level and grades will remain as present: A* to E for A Level.
Advanced Level Programmes
Coupled AS and A2 levels: This is the last year of the coupled AS and A2 format.
Students will sit their AS exams at the end of their first year and A2 exams at the end of the second.
Linear A levels: These A Levels will be examined at the end of two years of study.
Level 3 BTEC Courses: Level 3 BTEC courses are vocationally based. In the majority of cases these qualifications will be assessed through coursework, controlled assessments and an examination over a two year period.
Progression on to Year 13 is not automatic. Students will be advised at the beginning of the year that achievement, attendance, punctuality and attitude to learning are among the criteria used to determine whether students are able to move on to the second year of study. Students must achieve at least grade D in two subjects to progress.
A Level Exam Timetable Guide
| Mock Exams | January 2025 |
| Public Exams | May / June 2025 |
Subject Information
Please see the Welwyn & Hatfield School’s Consortium website for all subject information.
