A-level (Advanced level) is a British exam taken in a particular subject, usually in the (1) year of school. A-levels are still the most common way of fulfilling the entry (2) for degree courses in universities. Most students in the UK start preparing for A-level exams (3) they are aged around sixteen or seventeen and courses normally last for two years, although some independent colleges and some colleges of further education offer intensive one year A-level (4) . Students usually take between two and four (5) at one time and will normally be expected to have a GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or equivalent (6) in the subject they wish to take at A-level. Assessment for most subjects is in the form of written exam at the end of the course. Passes are (7) between A and E with A being the highest. An AS level (Advanced Supplementary) is of an (8) standard to an A-level but has half the subject content. In terms of entrance requirements for a degree course, two AS levels (9) as one A-level. AS levels are sometimes taken by students (10) feel that it is too early to specialize and wish to take a wider variety of subjects.