ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY Meaning and
Definition
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Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a term commonly used in education to describe a qualification that is taken at a higher level than the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) but at a lower level than the full Advanced Level (A Level). Typically, AS qualifications are pursued by students in their penultimate year of secondary school or college.
An Advanced Subsidiary qualification consists of a narrower range of subjects compared to A Levels and serves as a stepping stone towards achieving a full A Level. It is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in their chosen subjects, helping them to develop knowledge and understanding before proceeding to the full A Level course in their final year of study.
The structure and content of AS qualifications are similar to A Levels, allowing students to explore their chosen subjects in greater depth. However, AS qualifications are usually assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework, whereas A Levels often rely more heavily on final examinations.
Advanced Subsidiary qualifications are widely recognized by universities and colleges, both nationally and internationally, and can contribute to the successful application for higher education or future career opportunities. Many students opt to study a range of AS subjects as part of their educational pathway, aiming to achieve a good balance of knowledge and skills across different disciplines.
Overall, Advanced Subsidiary qualifications provide students with a bridge that enhances their academic profile and prepares them for the challenges they will face at the higher academic level of A Levels and beyond.
Etymology of ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY
The word "advanced" originates from the Latin word "advānus" which means "moving forward" or "advancing". It ultimately derives from the combination of the prefix "ad-" meaning "to" or "toward", and the root word "vānum" meaning "way" or "journey".
The word "subsidiary" comes from the Latin word "subsidiārius" which means "supporting" or "assisting". It derives from the combination of the prefix "sub-" meaning "under" or "below", and the root word "sidus" meaning "star".
In the context of education, "advanced subsidiary" is a term used in the British educational system to refer to a qualification taken in a specific subject at a level lower than an "advanced level" (A-Level).
