By Community Correspondent Sophie Swithinbank

This unexpected change in the A-Level marking system has caused mixed opinions among students and teachers. Many students are unclear about how the A* works, when adding AS and A2, so hopefully this article will make the new system more apparent.

A* is only being awarded to those sitting their final A2 exams from September 2009 onwards. This means that people who have taken their AS-Levels (in summer 2008) will not be able to get A*s. So current year thirteen students will be the first candidates to be awarded A*’s, if they meet the very steep requirements. If you started the A-Level early, and you are following the new syllabus A* will be available to you.

A* is only awarded at A2 and you must get 90%+. Even if you get 100% in your AS, 89% in your A2 is not enough. So clearly, A*’s will only be awarded to those who are exceedingly talented. Students have been worrying that top universities will select A* students only, reducing their chances of being offered a place at their preferred university. However, universities themselves have been pushing for this new system to be introduced, so they will know that only a select few will achieve an A*. Universities such as Leeds and Exeter will not over-look students who “only” get A’s.

This new system will help universities when selecting candidates, but will it just put students under more unnecessary pressure?