GCE AS and A2 specifications

What is common to all?

1. Two units at AS: (a) Speaking (b) Listening, Reading and Writing.

2. AS forms a qualification in its own right, but is also worth 50% of a full A level.  

3. Two A2 units, one of which is Speaking.

4. The A2 units are added to the AS units to form a qualification: GCE A level. A2 cannot stand alone. 

5. Pass grades at AS are from A (highest) to E.

6. A level also has A*. To get the A* grade, learners must gain an overall A, and at least 90% overall in their A2 units.

7. Grade boundaries vary from one examination to another, but marks are always transferred to a uniform mark scale, so 40%+ = E, 50%+ = D, 60%+ = C, 70% = B, 80%+ = A.

8. Listening is done individually; candidates have control over own recording and play as often as they wish in the time allowed.

9. No dictionaries may be used.

10. All parts are externally assessed, but some examination boards allow teachers to conduct the oral examination, then send the recordings to be marked.

11. All provide mapping to development of Key Skills: Communication, ICT, Working with others, Improving own learning and performance.

12. All meet the nationally set performance descriptions for GCE A level Modern Foreign Languages, and have a common grammar content. Find out more here.

IMPORTANT: what follows is a rough, overall guide; you must check the specification to guarantee accuracy, and contact the examination boards via their websites if you need more information.

Download the comparison of the AS specifications (doc 45KB) and the comparison of the A2 specifications (doc 44 KB).