Advanced Subsidiary (AS)/Advanced level 2 (A2) and International Baccalaureate (IB)

For students wishing to continue studying a language post GCSE there are a range of choices. The most popular qualification is GCE Advanced Subsidiary which is a one year course. Students may opt to continue to A2 level which takes a further year of study. These courses are offered in a range of languages by AQA, CCEA, WJEC, Edexcel and OCR. 

A small number of schools and colleges offer an International Baccalaureate diploma programme. Study of a foreign language forms part of this diploma. 

There are also a range of alternative courses at level 3. Find out more details in the qualifications theme. Most students begin level 3 courses in year 12, but some begin them earlier if they have followed a fast-track route. 

AS/A2 general overview	Principles of teaching	Organisational Issues	Resources
Essentials for a successful A Level course. Case study from a Grade 1 sixth form college
Using technology to create viable A Level groups. Case study
Information about the new AS for first examination 2009 and A2 for first examination 2010 Comparison of the new AS level specifications and controlled assessments for different exam boards (doc, 80KB) Comparison of the new A2 level specifications and controlled assessments for different exam boards (doc, 84KB)
IB overview	Principles of teaching	Organisational Issues	Resources
Teaching of AS and A2 and the IB. Case study.
The Routes into Languages programme is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (£4.5 million) and the DCSF (£3.5 million). It includes funding for nine regional consortia over three years to improve the take-up of languages post-14 and through to university.