Retaking AS and A2 modules
This page is designed to help those considering resitting some or all of their AS or A2 modules, or if you need to advise someone who is considering retaking their A level modules. We try to address issues such as: If retaking the AS/A2 modules is necessary; What practical steps can be taken to ensure you are successful with your resits; Where the exams can be sat; and so on.
As far as possible we have tried to provide fair advice; obviously we would like to you come and retake your AS and A2 modules with us, however, we also understand that there are many other options out there – we have tried to give as many as we can.
This page is set out as a series of questions and answers. The questions are listed at the top of the page – either just scroll your way through the questions or click on the question listed to jump directly to it.
Why do you want to retake your modules?
Is it worth resitting your modules?
Do you really need to retake your modules?
Why did you not get the grade(s) you require?
How can you best prepare for your retakes?
Where can you resit your modules?
Why do you want to retake your modules?
Most students want, or more accurately need, to resit modules because it will make a significant difference to their university or post-college careers.
If you want to resit a module just to prove a point or deal with damaged pride and for no other reason, then it may be a pointless thing to do and in the worst case it will interfere with your other exams. As a rule you should only retake a module or modules if there is a compelling reason – that is it affects your future in some way.
Is it worth resitting your modules?
Usually the answer to this question is yes. If you are motivated enough to retake, then you will probably improve on your grade. However, there are a few things to consider.
If you were just a few marks off the grade you required and you know that really you could have worked harder then retaking your AS or A2 modules is almost certainly worth the effort.
However, if you were miles away from the mark you needed and you worked really hard, then you need to consider carefully your resit strategy.
Do you really need to retake your modules?
If you already have your offers for university this question may be straightforward. If resitting will make the difference between getting the place you want and not, then it usually worthwhile considering the retake route. You do need to ask yourself if it is essential to your plans.
With AS modules there is often an argument for retaking modules as it will make getting the final grade you require easier. However, you do need to do the maths. Many A levels now consist of four equally weighted modules, so each module is worth 25% of the overall mark – that is all modules are equally valuable.
Some A levels are still split unevenly so a module might be worth significantly less than 25% - in which case resitting, even if you improve by a significant amount for that module it may only make a small difference to the overall mark. So, if the modules are unevenly weighted sit down with a calculator and work out the difference resitting is likely to make.
Why did you not get the grade(s) you require?
It is really important to be honest with yourself. You might have good reasons for you grades not reaching the standards you require. However, if you worked really hard, had good teaching and everything went smoothly then you need to work out why you missed the grades. If you just missed out on the grades, then resitting may be a perfectly reasonable thing to do. Conversely if there was a big gap (i.e. you wanted an A and got a D) then you do really need to exam very carefully what happened. If you want further advice on how to carry out an exam post-mortem click here: exam post mortem.
How can you best prepare for your retakes?
If you are lucky your school will let you attend the relevant lessons if that fits in with your current timetable. If you have already left school it is worth asking if you can come back for the relevant lessons. Some schools are very flexible and helpful, others are not, it’s just a matter of luck.
If going back to school is not an option, then there are several further alternatives.
You could go it alone – this is very difficult and doubly so if you need to gain a substantial improvement in your grade. If you think you are sufficiently well motivated and organised then you might want to try this – but it is a difficult route that requires dedication and very good organisational skills. You need to be certain that you have the self-discipline and academic ability before embarking on the going it alone option.
Get yourself a tutor. How easy it is for you to find a local tutor will depend on where you live. If you live in or near a university town this might be fairly straightforward. However, if they are individuals rather than part of an organisation then it is difficult to know if you will get a quality tutor or if the tutor isn’t to your likely then changing tutor is more difficult. There will be further guidance on finding a private tutor available soon.
Going to an alternative school or college. This is the most expensive but the best option if your current school can’t help. Many organisations, like ours, run course catering specifically to the resit students. Often the tuition is in small groups or one-to-one and courses can be for just one module if necessary. Course will vary from one to three terms and can be residential or day only. Most organisations like our will, if at all possible tailor timetables to your needs.
Where can you resit your modules?
The first thing to do is to ask your school or college. Again some schools are very helpful, others less so. This will probably be the most convenient route.
If returning to your school is not an option then you will need to find an exam centre where you can take your exams. This is more difficult than it should be. Google is your best starting point. We do offer this service – please contact Eleanor Dear for further details.