How should I divide up my time in the exams?

Each exam paper is 90 minutes long and in each exam, you will be answering a mix of short and long response questions. Each paper is worth 60 marks. It is advisable on short answer questions to work on the basis of one mark per minute of writing, giving yourself more time for questions that are worth more marks and have longer answers.

Lots of students complete the longer responses first as they are worth more marks. If you do this, be sure to go back and check that you have answered ALL questions on the paper.

There are two papers at AS:

- Paper 1: Approaches, Issues and Debates

Candidates answer all questions.

Section A: Short answer questions based on core studies (38 marks).

Section B: Extended response and essay questions, based on core studies (22 marks).

- Paper 2: Research Methods

Candidates answer all questions.

Section A: Short answer questions and scenario-based questions (46 marks).

Section B: A planning question divided into several parts (14 marks).

There are two further papers at AL:

- Paper 3: Specialist Options: Approaches, Issues and Debates

Candidates answer questions from two specialist options.

Each specialist option is out of 30 marks.

- Paper 4: Specialist Options: Application and Research Methods

Section A: Candidates answer questions from two specialist options.

Each specialist option is out of 18 marks.

Section B: A planning question divided into several parts (24 marks).

I want to defer my exams to a later date. What should I do?

If you wish to defer your exams for any reason, you should speak to your Student Progress Manager as soon as possible so that your assignment schedule can be adjusted.

Please note that the date of your deferral may also mean that you need to start the course, or certain modules, again if any textbooks have changed, so it is vital that you keep us informed about any plans you have to defer your exams.

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