Changing boards
In transferring from one school to another after completing their AS examinations, in some cases students may have to change their examination boards for A2.
Not to worry! As A Levels are changing to a linear system, they will be examined at the end of the course, with the AS Levels no longer contributing to the final A Level grade. Even where the A Level is still modular, almost without exception you may transfer an AS grade obtained in one examination board and complete your A level with an A2 grade obtained in another.
Have no fear about differing syllabuses – in general, at least 85% of content is common to all A Level examination boards. If you have any anxieties about transferring, do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Department for clarification.
Ashbourne College’s A2 Programme
One of the strengths of our approach is its structure. A full 6 hours per week is devoted to the more challenging A2 material, which is complemented by an additional 1-2 hours per week for improving grades in any AS modules that need to be retaken. This approach highlights one of the principal benefits of Ashbourne – teaching time. Such a generous provision of teaching hours means that:
- There is plenty of opportunity for classroom discussion
- There is plenty of time to do beneficial supervised work in class, including practice (mock) A Level exams which take place each half term. These examinations provide a vital, objective measure of students’ progress.
- Lastly and importantly for students undertaking such intensive courses, there is plenty of time to finish the syllabus comfortably.
Other benefits
Small Classes
Studying A Levels in London at Ashbourne means that you will never be in a class with more than 10 students. The average class size is 7.
This Oxbridge-style tutorial approach is ideal in promoting the intimate exploration of ideas and concepts but also, at a simple yet fundamental level, it allows teachers to set and mark much more homework. This sets up a virtuous circle of communication and feedback between teacher and student. Hard work brings success.
UCAS and applying to university
Personal and UCAS Tutors
One of the most important themes of education at Ashbourne College is individual attention.
Each student is assigned a Personal Tutor who is the first point of contact for parents and guardians should they have any concerns about a student’s performance. Saliently, they meet with their students on a one-to-one basis.
Moreover, each student will have a UCAS tutor, who will spend as much time as is necessary to ensure the most confident application to university.
Ashbourne has won much praise because of its commitment and attention to the individual in this vital area.
Oxbridge, Medicine, Law and Engineering
Our commitment to the needs of the individual is especially important for students applying to demanding university courses and, in particular, to Oxbridge.
Applications to Oxbridge and to medical schools will need to be submitted by mid-October, so you should be reassured that Ashbourne College has 30 years of experience in dealing with such urgent applications and will act swiftly to liaise with previous schools in order to ensure success.
Ashbourne runs specialist programmes for students applying to medical school, law and engineering: where relevant, mock interviews and preparation for examinations such as BMAT, UKCAT and LNAT are an integral part of these services. The level of attention and care is such that students never feel that their needs have been ignored. As with all activities at Ashbourne College, in this area the student always comes first.