Time Commitment
We provide guidance on the amount of time students can expect to spend on studying an A Level.
How much time does it take to study an A Level?
Studying for A Level exams is an endeavor that demands a significant commitment of time and effort.
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At Academeum, we recognize that there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the time students need to allocate for each subject: it varies from student to student and hinges on a range of factors, including age, ability, and prior learning.
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A Level is typically a two-year course, and AS Level is typically one year. For more information, follow the link to learn more about our curriculum.
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As students embark on each year of A Level study, they can expect a blend of scheduled teaching hours and independent study.
We have tried to give some general guidelines to help potential students understand the amount of study time involved, but if you have any questions or would like to discuss how A Level studies on one or more of our courses can be combined, please contact us.
180 hours of face-to-face online tuition per subject, per year, provided in small-group seminars of between five and ten students in each group.
Regular one-on-one sessions with a dedicated mentor, with the possibility to arrange additional one-to-one tuition.
We recommend three hours of independent per week, including reading, completing assignments, revision and interactive tasks.
Quality and Quantity
Quality is paramount. We understand that it’s not just the quantity, but the quality of time spent studying that matters when it comes to achieving academic excellence.
In the first place, the quality of the teaching students receive has a major impact on student progress, which is why expert teaching is front and center in Academeum’s approach. To promote deep learning, expert teachers use evidence-based techniques informed by insights from cognitive science and neuroscience research, focusing on achieving mastery through deliberate practice and a conscious effort to work in a way that aligns with what we know about memory and attention. This approach can yield remarkable learning gains.
The small-group seminar approach we offer is designed to make every hour of teaching count. It ensures that each student receives the personalized attention, support, and timely feedback they need. This allows a greater degree of teacher-student interaction and individual attention that far exceeds is typically offered in offline, classroom-based settings. Such small-group seminars are associated with improved student achievement when compared with whole-group instruction.
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Students and teachers can also get to know each other well, helping students feel more comfortable and more engaged and teachers have the chance to provide personalized feedback that is uniquely calibrated to students’ individual needs.
Technology can enhance learning efficiency, organization and time management. This belief is reflected in the structured design of each A-Level course, the utilization of multimodal learning materials, and the regular integration of formative assessments.
Effective study habits, organization, time management skills, and the ability to prioritize are also vital qualitative elements of successful A Level study. That’s why we also focus on developing the habits, attitudes and study skills that prepare students for future success. Qualities like independence, resilience and confidence help equip students for the demands of university studies.
To further support our students, we offer one-on-one tutorials with dedicated personal tutors. These sessions play a crucial role in fostering the development of essential skills and qualities and promoting student well-being.
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On our online courses, no time is wasted on commuting or school administration, leaving more time for learning. Each course provides all the resources needed to gain an A Level, online.
The Structure of Our Academic Year
Our academic year runs from September to June and is comprised of three semesters. Final exams are held in May and June.
Academeum's courses have clear, specific and measurable learning objectives that are structured around this academic calendar.
During each semester, every week of teaching runs from Sunday to Sunday, with each week comprised of self-contained modules that form the building blocks of each larger unit of learning.
The majority of the scheduled academic tuition on our courses is provided during three semesters of approximately three months’ duration.
First semester: September-December
Second semester: January-March
Third semester: April-June
There are three vacations in the course of the academic year, although students will be expected to study independently during this time.
For more information on term dates, see our calendar.
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Scheduled Teaching Hours
Our A Level courses provide students with an average of 4 to 5 hours of scheduled teaching per subject per week during each semester. This is divided into two or three seminars per week, depending on how the teacher decides to structure the available time. This amounts to a total of 180 hours of scheduled lessons per academic year.
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This investment in time reflects our dedication to helping students build a robust academic foundation that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the challenges of university-level studies. It's an opportunity for students to engage with expert teachers, explore subjects deeply, and cultivate a learning mindset.
While it represents a significant time commitment, it is also one that should be manageable with appropriate planning and time management.
Independent Study
While scheduled teaching hours provide a strong foundation, independent study is the cornerstone of deep learning and skill mastery. Independent study and homework assignments empower students to consolidate knowledge, practice skills, refine their understanding, and prepare for exams.
The amount of time spent studying outside scheduled lessons varies, depending on the subject and individual. For example, less time may be needed if a student is taking an A Level in a language in which they are already proficient, or if it is a subject they are studying in parallel on another curriculum.
Allowing an average of around 3 hours of independent study per subject per week should provide sufficient opportunity for independent reading, research, completing assignments, revisiting class work, and engaging in further practice. This independent study could also involve engaging tasks like watching a documentary, listening to a podcast, collaborating on a presentation or creating interactive notes.
Students will most likely allocate more time to independent study during vacations, when there are no scheduled teaching hours, meaning they do not need to spend so much time on independent study during semesters. Much can also be achieved by allocating part of the summer holidays to independent
We provide students with preparatory materials to hit the ground running at the commencement of their A Level studies. This proactive approach ensures that students are well-prepared, confident, and ready to thrive from the beginning.
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Additional one-to-one tuition is available for personalized attention to meet every student's individual needs and support their academic growth.
Realism
At Academeum, we think it is important to approach education with a sense of realism. We would not encourage any young person to take on commitments that it is impossible for them to keep.
At the same time, we emphasize that success in any domain is achieved incrementally, over time. It is not obtained through shortcuts. Some approaches to learning are inherently more efficient and impactful, and it is good to find this out sooner rather than later, but there are no substitutes for genuine effort and dedication. Excellence emerges as a result of investing the required time — a principle that holds true in all walks of life.
In tandem with this realistic view, it's essential to equip young people with a clear understanding of the realities they're preparing to face. The landscape of higher education and job markets is evolving rapidly. Universities worldwide are witnessing an upsurge in applicants, and with it, an increase in the quality of applications. To stand out in this competitive arena and secure good university places, students are achieving higher grades and engaging in advanced classes and extracurricular activities.
Automation and AI are already reshaping the professional landscape, including the professional, managerial, and technical sectors. In most countries, the highest in-demand occupations or specialities in the future do not yet exist. The pace of this change is only set to accelerate, with humans and machines predicted to spend an equal amount of time on current workplace tasks in the near future.
Adapting to this changing world means young people need to consider carefully how they spend their limited time. Parents, teachers, and institutions have a responsibility to be honest about these challenges.
At Academeum, we uphold this responsibility by emphasizing the rewards of dedication, hard work, and resilience and encouraging the formation of successful habits and attitudes. We prepare students not just for academic excellence, but for the unpredictable world that lies ahead. Our education focuses on nurturing confidence, adaptability, and resilience — qualities that empower students to navigate change with poise and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
All of this means that young people face tough choices about how to spend their time. Parents and teachers owe it to them to be honest about this, and to emphasize the rewards of hard work and commitment.
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Supporting our Students
Success is not only about academic achievement but also about holistic growth and wellbeing. At Academeum, we understand the importance of managing time effectively, maintaining mental and physical health, and finding the right equilibrium between academic pursuits and personal life. We are there to support our students every step of the way.
One-on-one tutorials with a dedicated mentor, give us the opportunity to equip students with strategies to optimize their time, allowing them to juggle academic commitments alongside personal interests. Effective time management ensures that students can dedicate themselves fully to their studies while also enjoying extracurricular activities and downtime.
Excelling academically requires more than just time spent studying—it requires mastering effective study techniques. We are committed to providing deep learning experiences for our students and providing them with the skills they need to absorb and retain the knowledge they need.
We also understand that learning is most effective when students are not only academically engaged but also happy, fulfilled, and feel connected to a positive and supportive community. Academeum therefore prioritizes the happiness and wellbeing of our students, recognizing the integral connection between learning, brain health, personal fulfillment, and overall life satisfaction.
To that end, foster a positive and supportive learning environment and guide students in managing stress by providing resources and support systems that address their holistic well-being, promoting physical, emotional, and mental health. You can learn more about how we do this by reading about our vision of Community and Wellbeing.
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Want to know more?
Follow the links for more information about the A Level subjects we offer, our curriculum, and the various ways of studying with us.
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If you are thinking about joining us, you can find out all you need to know and register your interest on the A Level admissions page without obligation. There is also information about our scholarships and fees.
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On other pages there is more information about our educational vision, our Beyond program, the inspiring people involved in Academeum, and the achievements of previous students.
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You'll find answers to many frequently asked questions on our FAQ, but if there's anything else you want to ask us about our courses, please feel free to get in touch using the contact form below. We would love to hear from you.
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