Skip to content ↓

0203 002 3770

info@exceptionalacademics.com

Blog

Welcome to Exceptional Academics educational blog page. Here you can see topics that our tutors and specialists have written to provide hints, tips, additional material and best practices, helping our clients to aid their children in becoming exceptional academics themselves. 

Page 1

Archive

  • A-Levels vs International Baccalaureate (IB): Which Path is Best for Your Child?​​​​​​​

    Published 13/06/25, by Nisha Rachel

    When it comes to post-GCSE education, two of the most popular choices for students in the UK are A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB). But how do they compare, and which one is right for your child?

    What are A-Levels?

    A-Levels are subject-specific qualifications, typically taken by students aged 16-18. Most students take three to four subjects, allowing them to specialise in areas relevant to their chosen university degree.

    What is the IB?

    The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is a broader academic programme requiring students to take six subjects (three at a higher level, three at a standard level) along with Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) components.

    Key Differences

    Factor A-Levels IB

    Subjects

    		 3-4 subjects 6 subjects

    Depth vs Breadth

    		 In-depth knowledge Broad curriculum

    Coursework

    		 Varies by subject Extended essay & internal assessments

    Assessment

    		 Mostly final exams Mix of coursework & exams

    Recognition

    		 UK universities Global recognition

     

    Which One Is Best?

    • Choose A-Levels if: Your child has strong subject preferences and wants to specialise in subjects they love or excel in.

    • Choose IB if: They prefer a broad education and might study abroad.

    Regardless of the choice, expert guidance is key. Our tutors specialise in both A-Levels and IB examination preparation, and can support students in whichever examination curriculum they follow.

    Email us for bespoke and subject-specialist A-level or IB advice!

    Read More

  • Understanding A-Levels: AS vs. A2 - What’s the Difference?

    Published 06/06/25, by Nisha Rachel

    What Are A-Levels?

    A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are subject-based exams typically taken by students aged 16-18 in the UK. They play a crucial role in university admissions, as students usually need three strong A-Level grades to secure places at top universities.

    A-Levels are divided into two parts:

    • AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary): Taken in Year 12, usually at the end of the first year.
    • A2 Level: Taken in Year 13, forming the full A-Level qualification.

    AS vs. A2: What’s Changed?

    Until 2015, AS-Levels counted as 50% of the final A-Level grade, but reforms removed this link. Now, AS-Level results no longer contribute to the final A-Level grade.

    How Many A-Levels Should a Student Take?

    Most students take three A-Levels, but some high-achievers take four. The right number depends on:

    • University requirements: Oxbridge and medicine applicants may benefit from four subjects.

    • Workload: A-Levels are significantly harder than GCSEs.  Independent study and research are required at this level.

    • Course flexibility: Some students prefer to start with four subjects in Year 12 and then drop one in Year 13.

    Choosing the Right Subjects

    • STEM fields: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.

    • Humanities & Social Sciences: English, History, Geography, Politics, Psychology.

    • Creative subjects: Art, Drama, Music.

    • Business & Economics: Economics, Business Studies, Accounting.

    University Admissions: What Matters More?

    Since AS results no longer contribute to A-Levels, universities now rely on: 

    • Predicted grades: Based on Year 12 performance.

    • Personal statement & references.

    • Admission tests & interviews: Required for Oxbridge, Medicine, and Law.

     

    If you’re unsure which A-Levels to take, our expert subject specialists can guide you.

    Email us now to discuss how we can help with bespoke and subject-specialist A-Level tutoring! 

    Read More

  • The Ultimate 11+ Preparation Guide: How to Help Your Child Succeed​​​​​​​

    Published 23/05/25, by Nisha Rachel
    The 11+ exam is a highly competitive test that determines entry into grammar schools and some independent schools. Since thousands of students sit the exam for a limited number of places, structured preparation is key. What Does the 11+ Exam Cover
    Read More

  • 11+ Exams: Grammar Schools vs. Independent Schools - What’s the Difference?

    Published 22/05/25, by Nisha Rachel
    For many parents, the 11+ exam is the first major academic milestone in their child’s education. However, one of the biggest questions is whether to apply to grammar schools or independent schools and understanding their key differences is es
    Read More

  • Developing Good Learning Habits

    Published 22/08/23, by Nisha Rachel

    Amina attended the recent Independent School Show (ISS) in London where Heads of some of the most prestigious schools were invited to speak at the podium to parents and provide insights on how to navigate the admissions process with success. One topic that came up was about how to develop good learning habits in children.   Amina has provided a list of some of the things parents can do to set this process in motion.

    Read More

  • Science Revision

    Published 21/04/23, by Nisha Rachel

    Science Revision Top Tips written by our tutor Era. 

    Read More

  • The signs of dyslexia

    Published 21/04/23, by Nisha Rachel

    We wanted to share an article written by our SEN team for the Nappy Valley Net Schools Guide 2022/23 highlighting the signs of Dyslexia.

    If you suspect your child may have dyslexia:
    Ask teachers to send key vocabulary for the week so your child can practise reading and spelling.
    When reading aloud to them, ask them to jot down any word they do not understand or know how to spell onto colourful sticky notes. You can write down the correct spelling later. (A dyslexic child may not be able to find the word easily in the dictionary).
    Younger children may find deconstructed words, written out onto jigsaw shapes, really useful. They can practise putting the words back together and reading the spelling aloud. Then they can practise writing the words, tracing over them using tracing paper.

    Read More

  • Thinking scientifically

    Published 19/05/22, by Nisha Rachel

    A recent article from the Guardian (April 2022) inspired one of our tutors to write the following blog... 

    Read More

  • Top Five Plays to See in A Lifetime

    Published 18/08/21, by Nisha Rachel

    Sophie - English Tutor

    Read More

  • Latin is not a Dead Language

    Published 13/08/21, by Nisha Rachel

    Julian - Education Consultant and Latin Teacher

    Read More

  • The Importance of Mocks

    Published 04/08/21, by Nisha Rachel

    Holly - EA English Tutor

    Read More

  • School Appplications

    Published 23/07/21, by Nisha Rachel

    Vania - Headteacher & Mock Interviewer

    Read More

Page 1

Archive
Cookie Policy