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ONLINE SCHOOL AT ITS EDUCATION ASIA

Choosing the right A-levels

ITS provides online classes and support for:

The UK A-levels are internationally recognized, publicly-examined, secondary school (high school) qualifications accepted by institutions and employers worldwide. Their main 21st century purpose is to access further and higher education but they are also useful for career development or studying purely for interest. ITS has been an accredited Academic Centre for teaching and examining A-levels since 2010. See our results here. We offer options for both the International A-level and the GCE A-level, depending on each student's needs. 

If you will be taking your exams in the UK then you must take the GCE A-level option. ITS offers live learning options for GCE based on hourly tutorial rates. This can be to supplement your school work or to support your independent learning. 

If you will be taking your exams outside the UK then you must take the International A-level option. ITS offers two routes for this version:

  • Live lessons one-to-one with a subject teacher either to supplement your school or support your independent learning
  • Video-based courses with varying levels of support and priced from completely FREE up to tailored packages of just a few thousand US dollars – a fraction of the price of attending a bricks and mortar school.

Online A-level study is particularly suited to those who: cannot access other schools/institutions to complete their exams; face mobility problems that make it difficult for them to attend mainstream schooling; are home-learners looking for additional expert support; do not wish to attend overseas boarding schools to complete their senior secondary education; are studying the IB, BTEC or other syllabus but wish to add an additional subject to improve their academic portfolio; are post-compulsory- school-age students not enrolled in another full-time secondary school who need formal qualifications; or adult learners wishing to enhance/or change their career or gain admission to university courses. 

In addition to taking A-levels, ITS will assist with UCAS applications for UK universities, counsel US College admissions and provide SAT support and IELTS support when needed. 

Note: Students can either come to Hong Kong to sit their exams at an ITS school or ITS will advise in organizing an alternate venue more locally. We will help you to decide the best option depending on factors such as which country you live in, which passport you hold, what your budget is, what time you have available and what other exam venues may exist near you.

Subjects supported: (for details of each course please visit the Edexcel website for International or GCE versions)

    • Accounting
    • Biology
    • Business Studies
    • Chemistry
    • Economics
    • English Language
    • English Language and Literature
    • Geography
    • Maths
    • Physics
    • Psychology

Here are some factors you SHOULD consider when choosing A-level subjects:

Career – Make sure that the subjects you are choosing are appropriate to achieve the next step on your desired pathway. This is very important as some students reach the end of their A-levels only to discover they haven't done the correct subjects for what they want to study at university. Get your goal clear in your head and then work back from there to see what you need to do to achieve it. If you find you do not like any of the steps involved then you may need to rethink your goal or ask yourself whether you can handle some less desirable elements to get there. If you need help, consult those around you such as parents and teachers for their experiences. You can consult with an ITS adviser or career coach. But ultimately, the decision is yours. 

Enjoyment – Try to choose subjects you enjoy doing. Even if you are good at a certain subject, you might not actually enjoy it. If you look forward to lessons, chances are you will approach them confidently and enthusiastically and happily undertake your additional personal study. The end result is that you will likely gain much better exam results. If you don't enjoy a subject you should seriously question why you are considering it. 

Research – Look carefully at the syllabuses for the subjects your intend to choose. Edexcel provides ALL the information you can think of at https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html.

Strengths - Read through the syllabuses for subjects you are considering doing to see whether they play to your strengths and your enjoyment [see above].

Traditional vv Non-traditional subjects – Some top universities will not consider certain subjects they deem too "soft". They will only consider academic subjects. Less rigorous subjects include Dance, Sports Studies, Photography and the like. Both Cambridge and the London School of Economics have published lists of these subjects on their websites, as they believe they are "less effective" preparation for degrees. So if you are planning to apply to top universities such as Cambridge, St Andrews, Imperial College or UCL, it is worth investigating whether your chances of being accepted into these institutions is reduced if you take one or more of these "soft" subjects. Check each individual course for the entry requirements.

Workload – Another good reason to read through the syllabuses of each subject you are considering is to check how they are assessed. How much coursework is there? How many tests/exams are there? Are there any practical assessments? How much reading is likely? These all effect how many hours of study you will need to put in. 

Options – Many people do not have an idea of what career they would like to follow or even which university course they would like to do. Even more reason to do something you like. Go for A-levels you find interesting and are good at. This means you’re likely to achieve high grades, and still go on to a good university course, whether you apply immediately or if you choose to apply later on. Only very particular courses and careers require particular A-levels [such as medicine].

Visit our International GCSE/GCE/International A-level FAQ page

For more information please call +852 2116 3916 or email

Dulwich College Singapore

Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.

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