Question:
Dear sir,
I am an 18 year old student doing my London A/S level in the Business studies stream this year. My O/L results were 3As, 1B and 2 Cs. I prefer to do only my A/S and skip A/Ls, because I have some other option, of doing the CA Business Administration course. I would appreciate if you would advise me on this. I would like a quick reply because I am sitting my London A/S very soon.
Gayathri
Via email

Dear Gayathri,
Answer: Thank you for the question.
The answer to your question is looked at from a broad perspective, based on the assumption that many parents and students who also have questions in this area would benefit.

AS and A Levels:
what they are AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A/L (Advanced Level) qualifications focus on traditional study skills. They normally take two years to complete full-time, although they're also available to study part-time. You can choose from a wide range of academic subjects, as well as some 'applied' (work-related) subjects. AS and A/L are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NVQ). The framework shows how different types of qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners. This is a critical question that any student should ask a qualification provider, for example CIM is a NVQ Level 7 qualification. I hope you understand why I say this, since you have specifically mentioned some options. You need to evaluate the SKIP option based on the NVQ level, or you would be duplicating your effort and wasting resources. There are many institutions who entice the student to skip, only to recharge the student for the missing subjects. Where they can lead A and AS levels are one of the main routes into higher education, but they're also useful if you want to go straight into a job, such as office administration or trainee accountancy.

A levels: AS plus A2

A levels are made up of the AS level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A Level grade.

AS level

The AS level can be either a free standing qualification, or valued as the first half of the full A level.
At the end of the AS year, you have two options (depending on the preference of your school or college):
" take the AS level qualification only or: continue to the second year and go for the full A level

Year two: The A2

In year two of a full A level, you take the A2 - this is not a separate qualification, but the second half of the A level. The A2 is designed to deepen the knowledge you gained during the AS level.


Options to show your full potential

If you started your A levels after September 2008, you can also choose to take the extended project. This is equivalent in size to half an A level and requires you to produce a single piece of work of your own choosing, showing evidence of planning, preparation, research and working on your own.

Who can take them

Many students take AS and A level qualifications in Years 12 and 13, after completing their GCSEs. However, adults can take them too.

Some schools also offer AS levels in certain subjects for gifted and talented students in Years 10 and 11 (ages 14 to 16). Some schools such as Gateway offer a good mix recognized qualification.

Subjects available

There are about 80 (College dependent) AS and A level subjects available. You can continue with subjects taken in Years 10 and 11 and/or take new ones.

Most students studying for A levels take three or four AS levels in their first year. This means you can keep your options open about which subjects to study as a full A level.

Choosing an A level subject Advice for young people
For advice on AS, A levels and other qualifications you should talk to your local school advisor.
How you are assessed

In most subjects the AS and A2 are each made up of two units, although in some subjects they are each three units.

The majority of the assessment is by written exams, although in some subjects there is a small amount of coursework. There is also assessment of practical skills in subjects like science or art.

Grades, marks and 'cashing in'
Grades

AS and A levels are graded A-E. An A* grade will be first awarded at A level in 2010. The results are announced in August and March.

Marks
Your results slip will also show a score on something called the 'uniform mark scale' (UMS). The AS is scored out of 300 UMS marks, and the A level out of 600 marks.

'Cashing in'

Once you have taken the three units for the AS level, and are happy with your award, you let the exam board know. This is called ' cashing in'. If you're not happy, you can opt to resit a unit.
All the best

Q: Dear sir,
First I would like to appreciate your magnanimous dedication to help those who are helpless.
Sir I am an Army officer aged 31yrs and now serving in the Mankulam Army camp. I wish to follow any science stream course which has future benefits, because I can retire by serving just 10yrs from today.
Sir could you tell me which course I should follow? (I would like to learn about engineering and science streams). Your prompt attention in this regard would be appreciated.
Nalaka Herath
Thanking you.

A: Hi Nalaka I appreciate your kind thoughts and let me say thank you for the kind dedication to our nation. Prior to providing you with specific advice I need to highlight a few gaps that need to be answered, since your question covers a broad area and I would need to know the rationale for the chosen option, for example:

Have you been exposed to any science or engineering related knowledge during your service and is this the basis for your decision?

Was this your missed opportunity that you want to catch up on?

Or is there no logic to this decision?

Why I say this is due to an important reinvention phase that you are about to go through, and therefore you may need to balance risk and return. The first step is to find out what you want to get out of this journey.


This is a very broad question but let me try to put some perspectives: You may need to look at a five point plan.

Identify your vision and your path of study preference, this can be a work related qualification or an academic

Select the best course based on cost, time and recognition status; there are around 40 well recognized qualifications , a simple web search will show you the options available in science and engineering
Select the best based on research and advice from trusted relatives and friends
Try to scan for job opportunities that would amplify the qualification
Develop an action plan on how you are going to get about it.
All the best.

Q: Dear sir,
I am Jeeventh, wishing to do Aerospace or Aeronautical engineering. I'm 19 years old and have done London O/Ls and obtained "C" in Physics and a "D" in Computing. I want to know if I do BTEC HND in Mechanical Engineering whether I could continue to do Aerospace and Aeronautical engineering in any university? Is it possible?
Jeeventh
Via Email

Dear Jeeventh,
A: There are differing levels of entry qualifications based on the institution offering it.You could get specific guidance from the below mentioned address:
Asian Aviation Centre (Pvt) Ltd

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