This modular 'A' levels system sure is confusing. But it should be possible to cover 5 subjects in a year - just with less depth. It'd be like
GCSEs all over again.
In Singapore we take (traditional) 'O' and 'A' levels from Cambridge. Both are nonmodular courses - the 'A's take 2 full years. In my junior college typically everyone does 4 subjects. We have no AS levels. And bugger it, our tests make the actual 'A' examinations look pathetic.
We also have something called 'S papers', special papers with tougher questions which particularly able students take. They're essential for government scholarships. Which examining boards have equivalents, if any? And which boards' 'A' level papers rank among the toughest?
As I understand it the 'A' level courses usually begin in Year 12 in the UK, while we have it in year 11 here. Do you do 5 years of secondary education, then?