A Level Resits

Ashbourne has a long tradition in offering A level resits to students. However, before students consider resitting, they should consider some of the following points.

Old specification

For the academic year 2009/2010, due to the change in A level specification, students will no longer be able to resit old specification examinations in the summer session. The last opportunity to resit old specification examinations will be in January 2010. Due to this fact, students may consider starting their A level courses again and taking a one year A level programme. This would mean they would take new specification AS and A2 examinations in one year.

Failure

No one, even the most idle, sets out to fail or reacts to failure with less than dismay. Of course students should attempt to determine the reasons behind their failure. Students may not have received proper teaching or exam preparation; they may have chosen the wrong subjects; or they may have been aiming for grades that were beyond their capability.

What to do?

If students have missed their offer(s) by a small margin they should contact the admissions department of the faculty of the universities to which they applied; they may still be willing to accept the student. Students should consider having their examination scripts remarked. Over 50% of the examination scripts that Ashbourne requested to be re-marked in the summer 2008 session improved from their original score!

If students have been rejected by the universities whose offers the student accepted, they will be sent a clearing card and may wish to enter the clearing system. Few degree courses have specific subject requirements at A level so students might wish to explore new possibilities. Information about courses are available on a daily basis in the Independent newspaper.

Taking a gap year might be an option. Travel and work experience often deepen academic desire and thus make the years following at university more enjoyable and productive.

Is resitting the right option?

Students should think very carefully before making the decision to resit, as in many cases it may not be the best option. For example, if students have achieved DEE grades their chances of winning a place to study Medicine are very small.