A Levels and AS levels are changing. As of 2015, there will no longer be a January assessment window, meaning that the courses are now linear. The examinations will be held in June, with no option for staggering the tests throughout the year.
Teachers need to know also that the AS levels are now counted as a standalone qualification, and are not counted towards the grade for A Level. The idea is that there could be potential for more breadth of study, and that students can focus more deeply on the areas they are particularly interested in. After the first year or so, schools may decide not to offer AS levels, and instead teach a two year A level programme.
Different subjects will become linear at different points throughout 2015. This could cause some confusion within schools, with some subjects moving onto the new system before others, and several different courses being taught simultaneously. There is also a fear that confusion and scepticism over the new reforms could force universities to introduce entrance exams as a safe guard against poor results from the new A level.