To understand how to pass A-Levels, note that exams are now the primary way A-Levels are assessed, which occur at the end of your second year. At the end of your first year, i.e., the AS Level, you will still take exams, but these won't contribute to your final A-Level grades. The subjects that are exceptions to this are - art and design, which requires coursework throughout the year; chemistry, biology, and physics, which have a practical element.