A-Levels in High School

Speaker 1:

Okay. So we've got this, big stack of information here all about a levels.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

And I know a lot of parents are probably thinking, a levels. What are those? Yeah. How do they relate to me? How do they relate to my kids' future?

Speaker 1:

Yeah. And and, you know, we're thinking about college and Uh-huh. How do a levels even fit into all of that?

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

So let's just dive right into it. What are they?

Speaker 2:

So a levels are basically, like, they're advanced level courses k. That students can take. They're usually taken, like, between the ages of 16 18.

Speaker 1:

Got it.

Speaker 2:

And they're really popular in the UK, but they're actually recognized internationally as well.

Speaker 1:

Interesting.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. So it's not just a UK thing.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And it's basically like imagine your kid gets to, like, dive deep into just 3 or 4 subjects

Speaker 1:

Oh, wow.

Speaker 2:

For 2 whole years.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

So it's kinda like they're picking their major, like, in high school.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. That's a big difference from here.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

You know, in the US, we do a little bit of everything.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Yeah. So it's a much more focused approach.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So they do 3 or 4 subjects

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

For 2 years.

Speaker 2:

Uh-huh.

Speaker 1:

Is it kinda like they do, like, a year on each subject?

Speaker 2:

It's actually split into 2 levels. So they do, like, AS level, which is the 1st year Okay. And then a 2 level, which is the 2nd year.

Speaker 1:

Gotcha.

Speaker 2:

And they're really going in-depth in the material.

Speaker 1:

That's interesting. So is it, like, the typical, you know, math, English, science, or is there more variety?

Speaker 2:

There's tons of variety. There are over 80 subjects to choose from. I know. So you've got everything from, you know, your maths, your sciences to things like psychology, art, and design.

Speaker 1:

So they can get really specific?

Speaker 2:

Very specific.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. So it really lets kids hone in on what they're truly interested in.

Speaker 1:

In. That's really cool. Now I know a lot of parents are probably wondering, okay. How does this compare to, like, AP classes? Right.

Speaker 1:

That's kind of the big thing here.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

How those 2 compare?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. That's a good question. So both of them are considered, like, college prep.

Speaker 1:

K.

Speaker 2:

But they have different approaches. So a levels, like we said, it's all about that deep dive into fewer subjects. So you're really, like, becoming almost like a mini expert in those 3 or 4 subjects.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Whereas APs tend to be broader Okay. Covering more topics in a single year.

Speaker 1:

So it's more of a like a survey course almost.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Like a taste test. Yeah. You get to see what's out there.

Speaker 1:

Right. Okay. So a levels is for the kid who maybe already kinda knows what they like.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Exactly.

Speaker 1:

They're interested, and they wanna just, like, really get a head start.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. They wanna go deep.

Speaker 1:

Get ahead of the game.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. And universities definitely see the value in that. Right. But, you know, it really depends on the kid.

Speaker 1:

Right. Of course.

Speaker 2:

Of course. Their learning style and what their goals are.

Speaker 1:

Now we talked about APs and a levels.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

What about IB? Where does that fit in?

Speaker 2:

So IB is interesting because it's all about being well rounded.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

So students take 6 subjects.

Speaker 1:

6?

Speaker 2:

6. Yes. Okay. Across a variety of disciplines.

Speaker 1:

Mhmm.

Speaker 2:

So, you know, sciences, humanities, languages, the arts.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So it's a little bit of everything.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. It's a little bit of everything. Yeah. So it's great for kids who want a broad academic experience.

Speaker 1:

So if your kid likes variety, wants to kinda try everything.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. That's a good way to put it.

Speaker 1:

IB might be the way to go.

Speaker 2:

Could be.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So we've got these three systems. Each one is kinda different.

Speaker 2:

Mhmm.

Speaker 1:

Why would a parent choose a levels? What are the advantages there?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. That's a good question. So one of the big draws is the flexibility.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Like we were saying, kids get to pick the subjects they're genuinely interested in.

Speaker 1:

Right. So it's all about what they wanna learn.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. And that can make a big difference in their motivation and how much they get out of their studies.

Speaker 1:

I imagine so. Yeah. Yeah. If you're not interested in something, it's hard to learn.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely.

Speaker 1:

So okay. That's a big plus. Now what else?

Speaker 2:

Well, the depth of knowledge they gain in those 2 years is huge.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

So they're really becoming, like, almost experts in those areas.

Speaker 1:

Uh-huh.

Speaker 2:

And that translates well into future careers too.

Speaker 1:

Oh, okay. So it's not just about college. It's about, like, setting them up.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Exactly.

Speaker 1:

For a career down the line.

Speaker 2:

It's like giving them a head start.

Speaker 1:

That's huge. That's a real selling point.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

Now I know a levels are really big in the UK. Yeah. Are they recognized globally, though?

Speaker 2:

They are.

Speaker 1:

What about, like, here in the US?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. So a levels are recognized and respected by universities worldwide Wow. Including here in the US. K. A lot of US colleges even give college credit for high a level scores.

Speaker 1:

Oh, really? Yeah. So it's, like, the same as an AP exam almost?

Speaker 2:

It's very similar.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. Wow. So it's not just about getting into college. It's, like you said, getting a head start.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Potentially saving money on a college education.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Yeah. Which every parent loves to hear. Of

Speaker 1:

course. Of

Speaker 2:

course. So, you know, it's a win win.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So we've got in-depth knowledge, global recognition, potential college credit. Right. Sounded pretty good.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. It's a pretty compelling package

Speaker 1:

It is.

Speaker 2:

For any parent who's, you know, thinking about what's best for their kid.

Speaker 1:

Right. So we've got a levels, AP, IB. Yep. How does a parent even begin to figure out what's the best for their kid?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. That's the $1,000,000 question, isn't it?

Speaker 1:

It is.

Speaker 2:

I think the key is to have, like, open and honest conversations. Yeah. You know, talk to your kid about what subjects they actually enjoy Uh-huh. What kind of learning environment they thrive in

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

And what their long term goals are.

Speaker 1:

So it's not a one size fits all?

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Definitely not. K.

Speaker 1:

Good advice. And what if a parent is just feeling overwhelmed

Speaker 2:

Yeah. By

Speaker 1:

all of this? What resources are out there?

Speaker 2:

Oh, there's a ton of resources out there.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

I mean, a good place to start is your guidance counselor at school.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

They can be a really valuable resource.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

There's also a lot of information online, you know, websites, forums. Uh-huh. And you can even find educational consultants who specialize in this kind of thing.

Speaker 1:

Oh, wow.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. So there are people who can guide you through this whole process.

Speaker 1:

So you don't have to do it alone.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. You don't have to go it alone.

Speaker 1:

Okay. That's good to hear. And speaking of resources

Speaker 2:

Actually, there is this new platform I've heard about called College Journey.

Speaker 1:

College Journey. Okay.

Speaker 2:

And they've created this, AI guide named Alice Okay. That provides personalized support and resources for families.

Speaker 1:

AI. That's interesting. So is that something we could look at next time?

Speaker 2:

We definitely could. It sounds like a whole other deep dive waiting to happen.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. It does. I think parents have a lot to think about when it comes to a levels and college admissions in general.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. It's a big decision, but with the right information and support, they can make the best choices for their kids.

Speaker 1:

That's good to hear. Yeah. So what's the one big thing parents should remember about all this?

Speaker 2:

I think the most important thing is that a levels offer a unique path to higher education, a path that emphasizes depth knowledge, specialization, and global recognition, and all of that can be a huge benefit for students in the long run.

Speaker 1:

That makes sense. And if a levels aren't the right choice, that's okay too.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. The key is to find the path that aligns with your child's unique strengths and goals.

Speaker 1:

Well said. Alright. We're gonna take a quick break here, but when we come back, we'll dive even deeper into all of this.

Speaker 2:

Sounds good. It really is all about finding that right fit, you know, for each student.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. Absolutely. Let's go back to the a levels versus AP thing for a second. Okay. We kinda touched on the differences, but let's break it down a little bit more for parents who are really, like, weighing these two options.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. So one way to think about it is this. A levels are like laser focus.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

While APs are more like wide angle lens.

Speaker 1:

Okay. I like that.

Speaker 2:

They both can lead to college credit, but they get there in different ways.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

So a levels usually involves, you know, diving deep into just 3 or 4 subjects Mhmm. Over those 2 years.

Speaker 1:

So it's really, like you said, becoming a mini expert

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

In those areas.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. You're building a really strong foundation in those chosen areas.

Speaker 1:

Like you were saying earlier, you know, if you've got a kid who is really passionate about science Right. And maybe thinking about a career in medicine or research, that kinda head start could be huge for them.

Speaker 2:

It's massive. It shows a level of commitment that universities love.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. They wanna see that dedication.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Exactly. Now with AP on the other hand, like we said, it's more about breadth.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

So students can take AP courses in a variety of subjects. Right.

Speaker 1:

So they can try different things?

Speaker 2:

They can try different things, and it's often, you know, squeezing it all into 1 year.

Speaker 1:

So it's less about the depth and more about

Speaker 2:

More about exposure.

Speaker 1:

Getting a taste of a bunch of different things.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Yeah. It allows for exploration.

Speaker 1:

So it helps students maybe figure out what they actually like.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Discover where their passions lie.

Speaker 1:

Okay. That makes sense. And we've got IB, which seems to be a totally different approach.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. IB is like you said, it's all about holistic education. Yeah. Think like 6 subjects. Across all sorts of disciplines.

Speaker 1:

That's a lot.

Speaker 2:

It is a lot. Yeah. So languages, sciences, humanities, arts, you name it.

Speaker 1:

What kind of student thrives in that kind of environment?

Speaker 2:

Well, IB is great for students who are really intellectually curious. They enjoy a challenge. Right. And they're strong in multiple academic areas.

Speaker 1:

So they have to be pretty well rounded already.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. It's a demanding program.

Speaker 1:

It sounds like it.

Speaker 2:

But it's also really rewarding. You know? It puts a lot of emphasis on critical thinking, research skills

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And community engagement.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just about academics?

Speaker 2:

No. It's about developing well rounded individuals, you know, preparing them not just for college Right. But for life.

Speaker 1:

The real world.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Yeah. It's about fostering those skills, you know, critical thinking, problem solving Mhmm. A sense of social responsibility.

Speaker 1:

So they wanna create, like, well rounded global citizens.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Exactly. Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So we've got a levels for that deep dive. Uh-huh. AP for, like, tasting different things.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

And IB for that holistic experience.

Speaker 2:

Yep. That's a lot It is a lot.

Speaker 1:

For parents to wrap their heads around.

Speaker 2:

Definitely. I think the best advice is to take a deep breath.

Speaker 1:

Okay. Take a deep breath.

Speaker 2:

Don't get overwhelmed.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

And start with your kid. Talk to them about what they enjoy Mhmm. What kind of learning environment they do well in

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

And you know what they think their goals are.

Speaker 1:

So those open and honest conversations are key. They're crucial. Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Just listen to your kid. Right. There's no right or wrong answer here.

Speaker 1:

It's about what's best for them.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Now let's be real for a second. Okay. We're talking about college admissions

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Which is a very stressful process

Speaker 2:

It can be. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

For both students and parents. Definitely. How do a levels, APs, IB, how do they all factor into that?

Speaker 2:

So this is where it gets interesting reflecting. Colleges, especially in the US

Speaker 1:

Uh-huh.

Speaker 2:

They have what's called a holistic admissions process. Okay. So they're not just looking at grades.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So it's more than just the numbers?

Speaker 2:

It's much more than the numbers. Yeah. They're looking at the whole student.

Speaker 1:

So what does that mean?

Speaker 2:

It means they consider things like extracurricular activities

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Leadership experience Mhmm. Community involvement

Speaker 1:

Uh-huh.

Speaker 2:

Even essays and letters of recommendation.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. So they really wanna get a sense of who this person is.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. They wanna see the whole picture.

Speaker 1:

Not just the academic side.

Speaker 2:

Exact So

Speaker 1:

where do these programs fit into all of that?

Speaker 2:

Well, taking on these challenging programs Uh-huh. Whether it's a whether it's a levels, APs, IB Okay. It shows colleges that a student is willing to push themselves academically Right.

Speaker 1:

That they're not afraid

Speaker 2:

of hard work. So it's a good signal to send. It's

Speaker 1:

a really good

Speaker 2:

signal, especially for competitive schools.

Speaker 1:

They wanna see that you can handle it.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. It's like saying, hey. I'm serious about learning, and I can handle a college level workload.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

And colleges eat that up.

Speaker 1:

So regardless of which path they choose Yeah. They need to excel within that system.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

High grades, strong recommendations Right. Show that passion.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. That's what makes students stand out.

Speaker 1:

That's what they're looking for. Yep. So it's all about demonstrating that commitment to academic excellence

Speaker 2:

There really is.

Speaker 1:

No matter what path you choose.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. And that commitment can look different for different students.

Speaker 1:

Right? For one student, it might be excelling in 4 rigorous a level subjects.

Speaker 2:

Mhmm.

Speaker 1:

For another, it might be acing 6 IB courses while also leading a community service project.

Speaker 2:

So there's no magic formula.

Speaker 1:

There's no magic formula. It's all about finding the right fit.

Speaker 2:

Find what works for you.

Speaker 1:

Exactly.

Speaker 2:

Okay. That makes sense. Now I know a lot of parents are probably feeling little overwhelmed right now.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Like you said, it's a lot to process.

Speaker 1:

It is. It is.

Speaker 2:

But a marathon, not a sprint. Right?

Speaker 1:

Exactly. Exactly. It's a journey that you and your child can go through together.

Speaker 2:

One step at a time?

Speaker 1:

One step at a time. Yep.

Speaker 2:

Okay. So we've talked about what these different systems importance of finding the right fit.

Speaker 1:

Yep. We've talked about

Speaker 2:

the holistic approach to education. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It's a lot.

Speaker 2:

It is a lot. But I think the main takeaway here is that there are many paths to success.

Speaker 1:

There are.

Speaker 2:

And the important thing is to choose the one that aligns with your child.

Speaker 1:

Exactly.

Speaker 2:

Their strengths, their interests, what they wanna do. Couldn't have said it better myself.

Speaker 1:

Okay. Good. And they don't have to do this alone?

Speaker 2:

They don't.

Speaker 1:

Right. There are resources out there.

Speaker 2:

There are. There are. Yeah. And speaking of resources

Speaker 1:

You keep mentioning this college journey thing.

Speaker 2:

I do. What's that? It's this platform that's helping families navigate this whole college admissions world.

Speaker 1:

Yep.

Speaker 2:

And they have this AI guide named Alice.

Speaker 1:

AI.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. That's pretty cool. It is cool. Yeah. Alice can provide personalized recommendations, resources, even answer questions 247.

Speaker 1:

Oh, wow. So it's like having a personal college adviser.

Speaker 2:

It's exactly like that.

Speaker 1:

In your pocket.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. In your pocket.

Speaker 1:

That's amazing. Yeah. Especially for families who are feeling lost.

Speaker 2:

Especially for them. Yeah. It's all about making this process easier.

Speaker 1:

Okay. I like that. We've covered a lot of ground here.

Speaker 2:

We have.

Speaker 1:

But, hopefully, this has given parents a better understanding of these different programs

Speaker 2:

That's right.

Speaker 1:

And how they fit into the big picture.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. The big picture of college admissions. It's a

Speaker 1:

lot to take in, but the one thing I really want parents to remember is that a levels offer a very unique pathway to higher education.

Speaker 2:

They do.

Speaker 1:

It's not the only one, but it's a good one.

Speaker 2:

It is a good one.

Speaker 1:

And it really emphasizes that in-depth knowledge Mhmm. That specialized learning Yep. Global recognition

Speaker 2:

All the good stuff.

Speaker 1:

All the good stuff. Yeah. And all of that can benefit students in the long run.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely.

Speaker 1:

Now whether a levels are the right choice for your child

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

That's a conversation you need to have with them.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Talk to them about what they want, what they like.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. What their learning style is.

Speaker 1:

You know? And figure out what works best.

Speaker 2:

Find the right fit.

Speaker 1:

And remember, there is support out there.

Speaker 2:

Always. Always.

Speaker 1:

Guidance counselors Uh-huh. Online resources Yep. Educational consultants.

Speaker 2:

They're all there to help.

Speaker 1:

So you're not alone.

Speaker 2:

You're not alone.

Speaker 1:

Okay. Good. So let's talk more about this college journey thing next time.

Speaker 2:

Let's it sounds like a fascinating deep dive.

Speaker 1:

It does. Until then, keep those deep dives going.

Speaker 2:

See you next time.

Speaker 1:

It sounds like the big thing is just to really encourage kids to figure out what they like Yeah. What they're interested in Yeah. And, you know, help them find a path that really works for them.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. And challenge themselves along the way.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. Push themselves a little bit.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. You know, step outside that comfort zone.

Speaker 1:

Now before we wrap up, I wanna circle back to something we mentioned before k. K. About a levels and how they can actually lead to college credit

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Here in the US. So how does that actually work?

Speaker 2:

So it's actually pretty straightforward. A lot of US universities will give you college credit for good a level scores.

Speaker 1:

Uh-huh.

Speaker 2:

It's kinda like how they do it for AP exams.

Speaker 1:

Right. Right.

Speaker 2:

The specifics can be a little different depending on the school.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

So it's always a good idea to check with the individual colleges your kid's interested in.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. Do your research.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. But the main idea is that you can get a head start on college.

Speaker 1:

While you're still in high school.

Speaker 2:

While you're still in high school. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

So you're kinda, like, knocking out some of those early college courses?

Speaker 2:

Exactly. And potentially saving money too.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. That's always a good thing.

Speaker 2:

Always a plus.

Speaker 1:

Now you mentioned some of the top universities. Yeah. Like, even Harvard and Stanford. Uh-huh. They might give you advanced standing.

Speaker 2:

They do for those really exceptional a level results.

Speaker 1:

So we're not just talking, like, a couple of credits here and there?

Speaker 2:

No. We're talking potentially a whole semester or even a year off of college.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. That's significant.

Speaker 2:

It's a big deal. It really highlights how rigorous the a level curriculum is

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

And how much it's respected globally.

Speaker 1:

This has been a really interesting look into the world of a levels.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. I think we covered a lot.

Speaker 1:

We talked about what they how they're different from AP and IB Uh-huh. And, you know, why a student might wanna consider them.

Speaker 2:

Right. Right. And how they can help you get college credit.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. And all that good stuff.

Speaker 2:

And all that good stuff. Yep.

Speaker 1:

So the big

Speaker 2:

takeaway for parents listening Yeah. Is that a levels offer

Speaker 1:

a really valuable

Speaker 2:

path

Speaker 1:

They do. To higher education. It's about going deep into those subjects. Yeah. That's specialized learning.

Speaker 1:

It's recognized all over the

Speaker 2:

world.

Speaker 1:

All over the world.

Speaker 2:

Yep.

Speaker 1:

And all of that can really benefit students in the long run.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely.

Speaker 1:

Now, again, it might not be the right choice for every student.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

But it's definitely something to think about.

Speaker 2:

Something to consider. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

And have those conversations.

Speaker 2:

Those conversations are key.

Speaker 1:

Talk to your kids.

Speaker 2:

Talk to them. Figure out what they wanna do.

Speaker 1:

What they're passionate about.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. What their learning style is like.

Speaker 1:

And remember, you're not alone in this process.

Speaker 2:

Definitely not.

Speaker 1:

You've got guidance counselors.

Speaker 2:

Right. You've got online resources. Tons of information out there.

Speaker 1:

You've got educational consultants.

Speaker 2:

Yep. If you need that extra support.

Speaker 1:

So there's help available.

Speaker 2:

There is.

Speaker 1:

Don't be afraid to ask for it.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely.

Speaker 1:

Well, this has been a great deep dive.

Speaker 2:

It has.

Speaker 1:

We've learned a lot about a levels.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. I think we've given parents a lot to think about.

Speaker 1:

Hopefully, we've given them some tools to help them navigate this whole college admissions process.

Speaker 2:

Fingers crossed.

Speaker 1:

Thanks for joining us.

Speaker 2:

Thank you for having me.

Speaker 1:

And until next time, keep those deep dives going.

Speaker 2:

See you later.

A-Levels in High School

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