2nd March 2015
As you may be aware, the Government has introduced a fundamental change to the A level curriculum which is being implemented in stages from September 2015 to September 2017. This involves the most radical change in the structure of A levels since the introduction of the current modular A levels in 2000. The most significant changes are in the format and assessment of A level courses and the decoupling of the AS qualification from the A level. Some, but not all, subjects will be available in the new linear format in September, 2015. The rest will follow in 2016, except Mathematics which the government has pushed back until 2017.
After careful consideration of the advantages of the modular system, and based on our long expertise in Sixth Form education, Brampton has decided to offer most subjects via the new linear A levels, but others such as English Literature and Computer Science on a modular basis, via the Cambridge International (CIE) A level. The CIE offers most of the advantages of the current AS/A2 system. AS level is examined at the end of the first year, there are opportunities in the second year to re-sit AS exams, and AS will still form part of the overall A level qualification. It is a tried and trusted A level well respected by universities in the UK and around the world.
Unfortunately, the implementation of the new A levels by the government has been verging on the chaotic, and it would be no surprise to see further changes announced over the coming months. Our current plans are that in the first year of implementation commencing in September 2015, 10 subjects will be offered in the new linear format (Art, Photography, History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business Studies, Psychology and Sociology). All other subjects will remain in the modular format.