AQA A2 coursework forms the mandatory exercise students have to complete as part of the A (advanced) levels of the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) program. The A2 level takes up 50% of the overall A level grade, the other being the AS level. In the second year of a full level, students take up the A2. The AS, which is completed in the first half is the foundation, while the A2 is designed to further enhance the knowledge gained during the AS. It is important to note that certification by AQA is as good as being counted among the best, as it is the largest of the three English exam boards and awards 42% of A levels throughout the country. There have been some changes in the grades and the look of question papers. For example, for exams with separate question papers and answer booklets, a numbering system has been introduced. The answer booklet also has been changed. To understand how an assignment has to be completed, reference to their website ttp://web.aqa.org.uk is warranted.
According to the revised 2008 A level specifications, most A levels consist of four units and AQA A2 coursework is included if assessors feel the need to check on a student’s knowledge of a subject or particular skills. The new levels have been designed such that the A2 essays and assessments test advanced skills and prepare students for a challenge. They have to answer a broad range of questions, which require them to demonstrate a wide range of skills. A summarized assessment is then made of the students. They now have to demonstrate knowledge and deep understanding of the subject as a whole. Further, they should be able to provide links to different topics covered in the subject. Essay help on this aspect can be gathered from reliable online content providers.
Earlier students used to apply for Advanced Extension Award (AEA) programs, which have been discontinued in 2009, except for mathematics which goes on till 2012. In its place the A* has been introduced, which recognizes the most competent students who understand their subject as a whole. They should be able to complete custom essays or coursework. The A* would test students from 2010. Students should also note that by bringing in the advanced diploma, it is likely that the applied A levels would be discontinued from 2013.
The purpose of the new system is to enable students to reach a level of overall competence. For example, a statistics coursework would no longer be related to just a particular topic. Students would have to demonstrate complete knowledge of the subject by providing links to studies conducted earlier. This could involve providing sources of information gathered and then summarized by segregating the best among them. Reasons for using a particular hypothesis or method would have to be explained. The idea should be to gather overall knowledge of the subject opted for. The test for students would be to self assess if all the theories studied in class could be applied practically. The AQA A2 coursework could be the ideal platform to do so and be counted among the best students in the country.
