A level Definition and 106 Threads

The A Level (Advanced Level) is a subject-based qualification conferred as part of the General Certificate of Education, as well as a school leaving qualification offered by the educational bodies in the United Kingdom and the educational authorities of British Crown dependencies to students completing secondary or pre-university education. They were introduced in England and Wales in 1951 to replace the Higher School Certificate. A number of countries, including Singapore, Uganda, Kenya, Mauritius and Zimbabwe have developed qualifications with the same name as and a similar format to the British A Levels. Obtaining an A Level, or equivalent qualifications, is generally required for university entrance, with universities granting offers based on grades achieved.A Levels are generally worked towards over two years. Normally, students take three or four A Level courses in their first year of sixth form, and most taking four cut back to three in their second year. This is because university offers are normally based on three A Level grades, and taking a fourth can have an impact on grades. Unlike other level-3 qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, A Levels have no specific subject requirements, so students have the opportunity to combine any subjects they wish to take. However, students normally pick their courses based on the degree they wish to pursue at university: most degrees require specific A Levels for entry.In legacy modular courses (last assessment Summer 2019), A Levels are split into two parts, with students within their first year of study pursuing an Advanced Subsidiary qualification, commonly referred to as an AS or AS Level, which can either serve as an independent qualification or contribute 50% of the marks towards a full A Level award. The second part is known as an A2 or A2 Level, which is generally more in-depth and academically rigorous than the AS. The AS and A2 marks are combined for a full A Level award. The A2 Level is not a qualification on its own, and must be accompanied with an AS Level in the same subject for certification. Due to the fact that AS Levels are considered less academically rigorous, the A* grade is reserved for those taking the subject to A2 standard, so only A2 units contribute to this grade. Additionally, students who are displeased with results from their AS units have the ability to resit. However, this has been criticised as nurturing a 'resit culture' and causing perceived 'grade inflation'.

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  1. TheePhysicsStudent

    Studying I learnt incorrectly in the past and I'm not sure how to fix it

    Greetings, I am studying A level physics, and I am now in my second year of the course. I have recently started learning the concepts more intuitively to gain a deep understand of each concept, allowing me to apply it in new circumstances, and this has led to increased results in all of the...
  2. chwala

    Marking an A Level Paper: Method vs Answer

    I am marking this now...just need your insight...the second part has [2] marks. I am giving [1] mark for the correct method...i expect use of second derivative test or otherwise for Method Mark...then the correct answer ##(0,0)## would realize the Answer mark. The student has not shown any...
  3. G

    Mechanics Circular Motion Question

    Part (i) *Pink represents mark scheme method Part 2 However I am still confused on the diagram.
  4. ChrisXenon

    Is this a horribly ambiguous A Level Physics question?

    Hi, I'm a private tutor who is not a school teacher and has no contact with schools. I have an OCR A level "physics A" student, and we're working through past papers. Time and time again, we've come across questions which are astonishingly ambiguous and answer schemes which are in my view...
  5. ChrisXenon

    UK A level Physics question & Marking scheme question

    This is question 24 from the OCR AS Level Physics A H156/01 Breadth in physics paper from May 24th, 2016. Question: State Newton's second law Marking Scheme answer: "(Resultant) force is (directly) proportional / equal to the rate of change of momentum" Marking scheme guidance notes: NOT force...
  6. ChrisXenon

    Problems with UK A level Physics Marking Schemes

    Hi Folks, I am a private tutor and one thing I teach is A level Physics (OCR Physics A). Am I the only person who has been sometimes baffled and deeply disappointed with some of the questions/answers? Let me explain what I mean. I see questions form which it's not possible to decide what kind...
  7. Physiona

    A LEVEL (Advanced Level) CHOICES

    Hello. I'm assuming by the title of this thread that it isn't relevant to confess this certain topic here but I would like to get some advice. I'm moving to sixth form and I have currently as my a level options Biology Economics and Statistics. I'm considering in changing these to Chemistry...
  8. C

    Unit Normal to a level surface

    Homework Statement Given $$\phi = x^{2} +y^{2}-z^{2}-1 $$ Calculate the unit normal to level surface φ = 0 at the point r = (0,1,0) Homework Equations $$ \hat{\mathbf n} = \frac{∇\phi}{|\phi|}$$ $$ z = \sqrt{x^{2}+y^{2} -1} $$ $$ \mathbf n = (1,0,(\frac{\partial z}{\partial x})_{P})...
  9. A

    A level physics doubt about a Diffraction grating

    Homework Statement Monochromatic light of wavelength 690nm passes through a diffraction grating with 300 lines per mm, producing a series of maxima on a screen. What is the greatest number of maximas that can be observed? A) 4 B) 5 C) 8 D) 9 Homework Equations n*wavelength = d*sin x The...
  10. E

    MHB Proving an Infinite Number of Integer Points on a Level Surface

    Given is the function f: R2 -> R, with f(x,y)=x2+y2-6xy+8y. The level surface f(x,y)=1 contains infinitely much points (x,y) where x and y are integer. How can I prove this? I see that it is true with some examples, but how can I prove this. Do I need to use the gradient? Or tangent planes? Or...
  11. D

    I Use a level to test the Earth's curvature?

    So, I'm sure many of you have seen the experiment recently by a flat-Earth member who brought a level on a plane with him in order to determine whether or not the Earth is flat or round. And yeah, my immediate thought was similarly "how silly!" But it did make me wonder: Could you do it that...
  12. L

    Phase difference and Standing waves vs Progressive waves

    and Homework Statement Ok, so I am doing As physics at the moment and have been left confused by stationary waves. I have read that between adjacent nodes/ even numbers the phase difference is always 0 and between numbers of does it is pi radians. So in the attatched image why is my textbook...
  13. Worthatry

    Can Access to Science Courses Provide a Path to Physics Mastery?

    Hi. I am new to PF and I hope to learn some Physics, and chat to like-minded people. I am currently taking an Access to Science course, which is the equivalent to 3 A Levels - Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Hope to learn from you guys!
  14. T

    Proving Normality to a Level Surface: A Derivation Approach

    Homework Statement Hi guys I am a bit stuck on how I am suppose to show, that thse funcitons are normal to level surface. I am I suppose to do a derivation of some sort, alls my notes say in a tiny box, that grad f is always in the direction to the normal of the surface. Do I have to calculate...
  15. C

    What Does ± 5° Scatter from a Straight Line Mean in Graph Analysis?

    Hello! This is a general question about graphs, but it can be seen specifically on paper 9702/33 February/March 2016, question 1. d) i). On the mark scheme, can be read the following: "Scatter of points must be no more than ± 5° from a straight line in the y (θ ) direction". Can anyone please...
  16. C

    Courses AS Level Struggles: Should I Drop Physics?

    I've just started my AS levels at a new school in a different area. My previous school was a pretty average state school and my new school is incredibly competitive which is a massive shock to the system (I've gone from being one of the top students to a little fish in a big pond ahaha). I was...
  17. S

    Studying Self-Study A Levels: Maths, Physics, Chemistry & Biology

    Hi, I am going to attend A level exams as a private student by january 2018 in the subjects of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. I have planned to study 2 hours per subject in a day. By evening I would go to coaching classes in all subjects except biology, that would be 3 hours of...
  18. Drakkith

    Slope of a Line Tangent to a Level Curve at a Point

    Homework Statement The equation ## f(x,y) = f(a,b) ## defines a level curve through a point ## (a,b) ## where ## \nabla f(a,b) \neq \vec 0##. Use implicit differentiation and the chain rule to show that the slope of the line tangent to this curve at the point ##(a,b)## is ##-f_x(a,b)/f_y(a,b)##...
  19. toforfiltum

    Finding functions that are a level set and a graph

    Homework Statement This problem concerns the surface determined by the graph of the equation ##x^2 + xy -xz = 2## a) Find a function ##F(x,y,z)## of three variables so that this surface may be considered to be a level set of F. b) Find a function ##f(x,y)## of two variables so that this...
  20. C

    I What is the Probability of a Sample Having Access to Clean Drinking Water?

    Getting ahead with my S1 & S2 for my further maths mods next year, really stuck on this particular question, as there is no such successive trials etc, please help me solve, so i can make some actual sense of what the hell is going on! Cheers, roughly that the portion of families with access...
  21. Dr Jon P Harris

    Looking for A Level Physics Tutors in the UK?

    I would like to make contact with others who perform A level physics tutoring in the UK, especially those who are online providers I have tutored AS/A2 students over a period of time and would like to share ideas and information with others doing the same Dr Jon P Harris
  22. K

    A Levels: Struggling to Choose Science Subjects?

    Hi, I'm currently studying under the UK curriculum and taking the GCSEs this school year. I am taking physics, chemistry,biology, economics, business studies. As I am applying for the A level subjects to be taken in sixth form, I have been considering maths, chemistry, physics, biology/...
  23. J

    A Level Physics: Can I Achieve a Good Grade?

    Unsure on whether I should do an A level in physics as I only got a C at GCSE and only a B in maths, would it be possible to do if I put loads of time and effort in or will it be to difficult to achieve a good grade?
  24. J

    Can a lower grade in AS level maths affect university offers for an A* course?

    Hi there, I have just received my results for AS level this year - I'm taking maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. However, like many people I did the full maths a-level this year (AS & A2) and I'm taking the further maths a-level next year (f.m. AS & A2). I just missed out on an A* in...
  25. E

    Star Observation Calculation Homework

    Homework Statement The intensity of the Sun's radiation is about 1380 Wm-2 at Earth's distance, 1.5x1011m. Earth absorbs this radiation as a black body, and radiates its own energy back into space. a) How much Energy per second falls on the Earth's surface? (Diameter of Earth = 12800km) b)...
  26. U

    How Does Gradient Impact Sphere Rolling Direction on a Surface?

    Assume perfect sphere lands on a surface given by the function z = 2x2 -3y2 at point (2,1,5). I am trying to find a unit vector of the direction in which this perfect sphere will roll. If I get grad F I'll get a vector field that is perpendicular to the level curves f(x,y) = z = 2x2 -3y2. This...
  27. B

    MHB Why does the equation of the level surface not have ln?

    Could someone please help me with the following question: Consider the function g(x,y,z)=ln(x^2−y+z^2). Find an equation of the level surface of the function through the point (−1,2,1) which does not have ln. First find g(−1,2,1). When I sub in the points I get...
  28. F

    Ammeter from parallel to series, current change

    Homework Statement In the circuit shown, a student mistakenly connects a perfect ammeter(i.e. One of negligible resistance), in parallel with one of two identical resistors. The ammeter reads 0.40A. What would the reading have been if he had correctly connected the ammeter in series with the...
  29. RJLiberator

    Domain and how it relates to a Level Curve

    Homework Statement Find the domain of the function f(x,y) = 1/sqrt(x^2-y). Sketch the level curves f=1, f=1/2, f=1/3. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Domain is rather simple to find: x^2>y AND x^2-y cannot equal 0. Level curves are also simple to find. They are simply parabolas...
  30. E

    Is This A Level Physics Question Impossible?

    Would you agree with me that the following question is impossible to do ,it's from A level physics paper 1980 multiple choice question no. 4 .A 5 gram pellet is fired vertically into 95 grams of clay at a velocity of v metres per second calculate the height the clay will reach
  31. R

    Newton's laws question -- a car coasts to a stop on a level road

    Homework Statement A 1490 kg car is is traveling at a speed of 22.2 m/s when the driver let's the car coast on a level road. The friction on the car slowing it down is 288 N. How far will the car coast? Homework Equations f=maThe Attempt at a Solution i can find the force but i cannot find...
  32. J

    Homework, electric field strength at centre of a square

    Homework Statement 4 charges of +5µC, +3µC, -4µC and +2µC form the 4 points of a square of side length 2m. Calculate the field strength and potential at the centre of the square. Homework Equations F=1/4πhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/math/d/3/c/d3c305fc416b971cd6d284564e51bf85.png0 X Q1Q2/r2 E=...
  33. H

    Strange Quark Decay: Exploring K+ Kaon Decays at A Level

    Homework Statement One of the following equations represent a possible decay of the K + kaon. K+ → π+ + π0 K+ → μ+ + νμ State, with a reason, which one of these decays is not possible.The Attempt at a Solution At first i thought the first decay was not possible, however, i recently learned...
  34. J

    Help: Two frictionless pucks are placed on a level surface

    Homework Statement "Two frictionless pucks are placed on a level surface at an initial distance of 20.0 m. The mass of puck 1 is 0.80 kg and it has a charge of +3.0 X 10^-4 C., while puck 2 is 0.40 kg with a charge of +3.0 X 10^-4 C. the initial velocity of puck 1 is 12.0 m/s (E) and the...
  35. ElectroKid

    Some tips, As level and A level.

    I want some tips on As and A level. I mean, I am giving Paper 1 that is MCQ this 11th June, so what concepts should be clear and how do I study in these days ? I want some hand written tips on topics even :¬ 1) Projectile Motion 2)Momentum 3)Torque 4)waves : Standing waves and...
  36. B

    Trig- Sine graph translations question help (C2 A level)

    Please see question 9ii: Paper: http://www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/QP%20GCE%20Curriculum%202000/January%202012%20-%20QP/6664_01_que_20120307.pdf Mark scheme: http://www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/QP%20GCE%20Curriculum%202000/January%202012%20-%20MS/6664_01_msc_20120123.pdf This is my...
  37. H

    Coriolis Effect for a level surface on Earth

    Homework Statement A puck slides with speed v on a frictionless ice that is level in the sense that the surface is perpendicular to geff at all points. Show that the puck moves in a circle as viewed in the Earth's rotating frame. Determine the radius of the circle and the angular frequency of...
  38. C

    A level Physics without maths - What are my options?

    I applied for my A level courses today and applied for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths (M) However, I did foundation tier mathematics GCSE and I've been told that my application to do Maths A level is at the discretion of the head of the department. I have caught up on the higher tier...
  39. M

    Finding a tangent line to a level curve - Don't understand solution

    Homework Statement If f(x,y) = xy, find the gradient vector \nabla f(3,2) and use it to find the tangent line to the level curve f(x,y) = 6 at the point (3,2) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution f(x,y)=xy \Rightarrow\nabla f(x,y)=<y,x>,\nabla f(3,2)=<2,3> \nabla...
  40. K

    Finding the Path for Level Curves: Solving for Ellipses and Special Cases

    Homework Statement Find the path ##\vec\gamma(t)## which represents the level curve ##f(x,y) = \displaystyle\frac{xy + 1}{x^2 + y^2}## corresponding to ##c=1##. Similarly, find the path for the curve ##x^{2/3} + y^{2/3} = 1## Homework Equations None.The Attempt at a Solution Since the level...
  41. B

    Graphing a level surface f(x,y,x)=c

    Homework Statement sketch the graph f(x,y,z)=x2 + (1/4)y2 - z, c=1 The Attempt at a Solution while i don't expect anyone to be able to graph it for me for i think obvious reasons, i have no idea how to interpret any of the information given to even attempt a graph. usually i would try...
  42. N

    A cyclist moving on a level road

    Homework Statement a cyclist is moving on a level road at 4m/s stops pedaling and let's the wheels comes to rest the retardation of cycle has 2 components a constant 0.08m/s^2 due to friction in working parts and resistance of 0.02v^2/m where v is speed in m/s and distance tranversed by the...
  43. trollcast

    Should I Choose Biology or Economics for My Fourth A-Level?

    I'm just sort of finalising what subjects I want to do next year before I get my results and have an enevitable 24 hr panic until I sign up for sixth forum the next day. I'm definitely going to be doing: Math w/ Further Maths (hopefully) Physics Chemistry As those are probably the...
  44. R

    What Is the Speed of a Tennis Ball Dropped from 20m?

    Homework Statement Using formulae for PE and KE, find the speed that a tennis ball hits the ground when dropped from 20m. Homework Equations m x g x h and 1/2 x m x v^2 The Attempt at a Solution PE=KE Mgh = 1/2mv^2 (masses cancel out) 9.8 x 20.= 1/2 v^2 196 = 1/2 v^2 196/...
  45. R

    Calculating Speed and Kinetic Energy in a Car Collision

    first post so here goes: this question isn't hard but i can't seem to get the answer i should have. 'a car of mass 1050kg runs into the back of car b which is stationary with mass 1200kg. car A was moving at 50mph immediately before impact. after impact, the vehicles are locked together'...
  46. M

    Diffraction grating sum, 1 mark mcq question (a level)

    Homework Statement Im having a bit trouble with diffraction gratings lately, with sums like this: A parallel beam of light of wavelength 450 nm falls normally on a diffraction grating which has 300 lines /mm. What is the total number of transmitted maxima? A 7 B 8 C 14...
  47. R

    Subject choices for A level - Physics/E.E.

    I might have to change the lists as I'm only recalling them from memory so there may be something I've forgotten. I'm interested in Physics or EE so I'm wanting to pick subjects which would be closely linked to these topics. However the only problem is that I can only pick 1 subject from...
  48. M

    Need help in understanding phase angle/difference in A level physics.

    I understand what a phase angle/difference is, but when it comes to applying them in questions (from past papers) my mind draws a blank. Can anyone here in simple terms, explain how can I draw let's say a phase angle difference 'precisely' of a wave in a graph? Additional details : I am in...
  49. R

    Dynamics A Level Force Questions

    Homework Statement Two bodies P and Q having masses Mp and Mq respectively exert forces on each other and have no other forces acting on them. The force acting on P is F which gives P an acceleration a.Which of the following pairs is correct? Magnitude of force on Q...
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