Overview
A-Levels
A-level preparation begins with the precise subject and specification you are studying. This guide brings the subjects and topics registered in the EuraStudy curriculum into one editorial map, making it easier to understand the wider landscape before narrowing the view to your own combination.
Identify your subjects and the specification that applies to each one, then open the mapped topics to shape your priorities. The related guides help turn that structure into a revision plan; always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the relevant awarding organisation.
Pathways and specifications
Pathways and specifications
- 01
AS-Level
Advanced Subsidiary — the first year of A-Level study (standalone or first half of the full A-Level).
- 02
A-Level (A2)
The full Advanced Level — AS content plus the second-year A2 content.
All subjects
61 Subjects in the guide
All entries: 61 / 61
MathematicsMaths20 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Mathematics (AQA 7357), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
20 Topics mapped
- Overarching themes
- Proof
- Algebra and functions
- Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
- Sequences and series
- Trigonometry
Further MathematicsFurther Maths13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Further Mathematics (AQA 7367), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
13 Topics mapped
- Proof
- Complex numbers
- Matrices
- Further algebra and functions
- Further calculus
- Further vectors
Biology8 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Biology (AQA 7402), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
8 Topics mapped
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
Chemistry18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Chemistry (AQA 7405), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
18 Topics mapped
- Atomic structure
- Amount of substance
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Kinetics
- Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier's principle and Kc
Physics13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Physics (AQA 7408), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
13 Topics mapped
- Measurements and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
- Further mechanics and thermal physics
Computer ScienceCompSci14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Computer Science (AQA 7517), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
14 Topics mapped
- Fundamentals of programming
- Fundamentals of data structures
- Fundamentals of algorithms
- Theory of computation
- Fundamentals of data representation
- Fundamentals of computer systems
Psychology17 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Psychology (AQA 7182), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
17 Topics mapped
- Social influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
Economics14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Economics (AQA 7136), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
14 Topics mapped
- Economic methodology and the economic problem
- Individual economic decision making
- Price determination in a competitive market
- Production, costs and revenue
- Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly
- The labour market
Business10 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Business (AQA 7132), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
10 Topics mapped
- What is business?
- Managers, leadership and decision making
- Marketing management
- Operational management
- Financial management
- Human resource management
Sociology15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Sociology (AQA 7192), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
15 Topics mapped
- Socialisation, Culture and Identity (core theme)
- Social Differentiation, Power and Stratification (core theme)
- Sociological Theories, Perspectives and Methods
- Education
- Methods in Context (applied to Education)
- Culture and Identity (optional topic)
Politics18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Politics (AQA 7152), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
18 Topics mapped
- The British Constitution
- Parliament
- The Prime Minister and Cabinet
- The UK Judiciary
- Devolution
- Democracy and Participation in the UK
Law16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Law (AQA 7162), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
16 Topics mapped
- The Nature of Law
- The Rule of Law
- Parliamentary Law Making and Delegated Legislation
- Statutory Interpretation and Judicial Precedent
- Law Reform and the Influence of the European Union
- The Civil and Criminal Courts and Dispute Resolution
Media StudiesMedia15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Media Studies (AQA 7572), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
15 Topics mapped
- The Theoretical Framework of Media
- Media Language
- Media Representation
- Media Industries
- Media Audiences
- Media Theories and Theorists
History16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level History (AQA 7042), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
16 Topics mapped
- Component 1: Breadth study (Period studies)
- 1C The Tudors: England, 1485-1603
- 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855-1964
- 1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865-1975
- 1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871-1991
- Component 2: Depth study (Thematic studies with sources)
Geography12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Geography (AQA 7037), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
12 Topics mapped
- Water and Carbon Cycles
- Hot Desert Systems and Landscapes
- Coastal Systems and Landscapes
- Glacial Systems and Landscapes
- Hazards
- Ecosystems Under Stress
English LiteratureEng Lit14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level English Literature A (AQA 7712), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
14 Topics mapped
- Love Through the Ages: Shakespeare
- Love Through the Ages: Unseen Poetry
- Love Through the Ages: Comparative Poetry and Prose
- The Theme of Love Across Time and Genre
- Texts in Shared Contexts: Option A – WW1 and Its Aftermath
- Texts in Shared Contexts: Option B – Modern Times (1945 to the Present)
English LanguageEng Lang12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level English Language (AQA 7702), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
12 Topics mapped
- Methods of language analysis
- Textual variations and representations
- Children's language development
- Language diversity
- Language change
- Language discourses
Philosophy17 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Philosophy (AQA 7172), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
17 Topics mapped
- What is knowledge?
- Perception as a source of knowledge
- Reason as a source of knowledge
- The limits of knowledge
- Normative ethical theories
- Applied ethics
Religious StudiesRS16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Religious Studies (AQA 7062), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
16 Topics mapped
- Arguments for the existence of God
- Evil and suffering
- Religious experience
- Verifying religious experiences
- Religious language
- Miracles
French15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level French (AQA 7652), against the DfE/Ofqual modern foreign languages subject content.
15 Topics mapped
- The changing nature of family
- The 'cyber-society'
- The place of voluntary work
- The positive features of a diverse society
- Life for the marginalised
- How criminals are treated
Spanish16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Spanish (AQA 7692), against the DfE/Ofqual modern foreign languages subject content.
16 Topics mapped
- Modern and Traditional Values
- Cyberspace
- Equal Rights
- Immigration
- Racism
- Integration
German15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level German (AQA 7662), against the DfE/Ofqual modern foreign languages subject content.
15 Topics mapped
- The changing state of the family
- The digital world
- Youth culture: fashion and trends, music and television
- Festivals and traditions
- Art and architecture
- Cultural life in Berlin, then and now
Art and DesignArt & Design18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Art and Design (AQA 7201-7206), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
18 Topics mapped
- Materials, processes and technologies
- Communicating ideas, feelings and meanings
- Contextual and cultural understanding
- Genres, styles and traditions
- Specialist vocabulary and terminology
- Recording, research and observation
Music11 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Music (AQA 7272), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
11 Topics mapped
- Performance
- Composition to a brief
- Free composition
- Appraising music (listening and analysis)
- Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650-1910
- Area of study 2: Pop music
Physical EducationPE17 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Physical Education (AQA 7582), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
17 Topics mapped
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology
- Skill Acquisition
- Sport and Society
- Exercise Physiology
- Preparation and Training Methods
- Injury Prevention and the Rehabilitation of Injury
Statistics18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Statistics (Pearson Edexcel 9ST0) — the only current GCE A-Level in Statistics, broader and more applied than the statistics strand inside A-Level Mathematics.
18 Topics mapped
- Numerical measures, graphs and diagrams
- Probability
- Population and samples
- Introduction to probability distributions
- Binomial distribution
- Normal distribution
Geology13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Geology (WJEC Eduqas) — Earth materials, processes and deep time, with optional applied and field-based themes.
13 Topics mapped
- Elements, minerals and rocks
- Surface and internal processes of the rock cycle
- Time and change
- Earth structure and global tectonics
- Rock forming processes
- Rock deformation
Environmental ScienceEnv Science16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Environmental Science (AQA 7447), the reformed successor to the former Environmental Studies.
16 Topics mapped
- The living environment
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Life processes in the biosphere
- The atmosphere
- Global climate change
- The hydrosphere
Electronics16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Electronics (WJEC Eduqas) — the only current GCE A-Level in Electronics.
16 Topics mapped
- Semiconductor components
- Logic systems
- Operational amplifiers
- Signal conversion
- AC circuits and passive filters
- Communications systems
Accounting18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Accounting (AQA 7127), covering financial accounting and management/cost accounting.
18 Topics mapped
- The role of the accountant in business
- Types of business organisation
- The double entry model
- Verification of accounting records
- Accounting concepts and principles
- Financial statements of sole traders (with adjustments)
History of Art12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level History of Art (Pearson Edexcel 9HT0) — the sole current GCE A-Level in History of Art.
12 Topics mapped
- Visual analysis
- Materials, techniques and processes
- Patronage, function and context
- Art-historical methods and critical texts
- Theme: Nature in art and architecture
- Theme: Identities in art and architecture
Classical CivilisationClassical Civ10 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Classical Civilisation (OCR H408) — the sole provider; a compulsory component plus chosen Culture & the Arts and Beliefs & Ideas options.
10 Topics mapped
- The World of the Hero: Homer
- The World of the Hero: Virgil's Aeneid
- Greek Theatre
- Imperial Image
- Invention of the Barbarian
- Greek Art
Ancient History9 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Ancient History (OCR H407) — the sole provider; a Greek component plus a Roman component, each with a period study and chosen depth study.
9 Topics mapped
- Greek Period Study: Relations between Greek and non-Greek states, 492-404 BC
- Working with ancient sources
- Greek Depth Study: Society and Politics of Sparta, 478-404 BC
- Greek Depth Study: Culture and Politics of Athens, c.460-399 BC
- Greek Depth Study: The Rise of Macedon, c.359-323 BC
- Roman Period Study: The Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BC-AD 68
Drama and TheatreDrama15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Drama and Theatre (AQA 7262), studied from the perspectives of performer, designer and director.
15 Topics mapped
- Foundations: the three components
- Working as performer, designer or director
- Theatre practitioners and their methodologies
- Genres, styles and theatrical conventions
- Set play from List A
- Set play from List B
Dance15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Dance (AQA 7237) — the sole provider; performance and choreography alongside critical engagement with set works and areas of study.
15 Topics mapped
- Course overview, genres and terminology
- Safe practice, anatomy and physiology
- Performance skills framework
- Solo performance in the style of a specified practitioner
- Performance within a quartet
- Choreographic processes, devices and structures
Film StudiesFilm16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Film Studies (WJEC Eduqas) — the major board for Film Studies.
16 Topics mapped
- Key elements of film form
- Meaning and response
- The contexts of film
- Specialist critical approaches
- The digital revolution in film
- Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)
Music TechnologyMusic Tech16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Music Technology (Pearson Edexcel 9MT0) — the sole provider; recording, technology-based composition, and the principles and history of recording technology.
16 Topics mapped
- Principles of sound and acoustics
- Audio technology, signals and numeracy
- DAW software and studio hardware
- Microphones and capture of sound
- Microphone placement techniques
- Audio editing
Photography15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Photography (AQA Art and Design: Photography 7206), a lens- and light-based Art and Design endorsement.
15 Topics mapped
- Course overview and components
- The four Assessment Objectives
- Photographic media, techniques and processes
- Camera and lens techniques
- Visual language and composition
- Lens- and light-based image production
Design and TechnologyD&T18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Design and Technology (AQA Product Design 7552), anchored on the broadest D&T title; technical principles plus designing and making principles.
18 Topics mapped
- Materials and their applications
- Performance characteristics of materials
- Enhancement of materials
- Forming, redistribution, addition processes and finishes
- Modern industrial and commercial practice
- Digital design and manufacture
Moving Image ArtsMoving Image18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Moving Image Arts (CCEA) — a genuine GCE A-Level (graded A*-E, not Applied) and the sole UK provider; practical portfolios with critical-response examinations.
18 Topics mapped
- Film language: the five core areas
- Narrative structure and genre
- The classical Hollywood style
- Realism and realist techniques
- Formalism and formalist techniques
- The creative process: pre-production to evaluation
Latin10 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Latin (OCR H443) — the sole provider; unseen translation, prose composition or comprehension, and prose and verse literature.
10 Topics mapped
- Accidence and syntax
- Vocabulary and linguistic range
- Unseen prose translation (Livy)
- Unseen verse translation and scansion (Ovid)
- Prose composition or comprehension
- Prose literature: Group 1 set text
Classical Greek10 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Classical Greek (OCR H444) — the sole provider; unseen translation, prose composition or comprehension, and prose and verse literature.
10 Topics mapped
- Accidence and syntax
- Vocabulary and linguistic range
- Unseen prose translation (Xenophon)
- Unseen verse translation and scansion
- Prose composition or comprehension
- Prose literature: Group 1 set text
Hebrew (Biblical)Biblical Hebrew7 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Biblical Hebrew (AQA 7677) — the sole provider; grammar and unseen translation with prescribed sacred-text literature and its context.
7 Topics mapped
- Accidence and syntax
- Vocabulary and linguistic range
- Unseen translation
- Comprehension and grammar
- Prescribed prose literature
- Prescribed verse literature
Welsh14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Welsh / Cymraeg (WJEC) — a first-language literature-and-language qualification for Wales.
14 Topics mapped
- Oracy / Llafaredd
- Ffilm a Drama (Film and Play)
- Barddoniaeth Fodern (Modern Poetry)
- Iaith ar Waith (Use of Language)
- Gwaith Cwrs: Creative Writing (NEA)
- Gwaith Cwrs: Argumentative Essay (NEA)
Welsh Second LanguageWelsh (L2)14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Welsh Second Language / Cymraeg Ail Iaith (WJEC) — Welsh as a second language for Wales.
14 Topics mapped
- Foundations: grammar and register
- Oracy and speaking skills
- Listening and responding
- Film study
- NEA: the Package
- Use of language and poetry
Irish14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Irish / Gaeilge (CCEA) — the sole provider; an MFL-shaped qualification for Northern Ireland with four themes, four skills, a research project and prescribed texts.
14 Topics mapped
- Foundations: skills and course structure
- Grammar and use of language
- Relationships (AS theme)
- Culture and Lifestyle (AS theme)
- Listening comprehension
- Reading and translation
Italian13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Italian (Pearson Edexcel 9IN0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
13 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Chinese (Mandarin)Chinese13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Chinese (Mandarin) (Pearson Edexcel 9CN0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
13 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Russian13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Russian (Pearson Edexcel 9RU0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
13 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Arabic12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Arabic (Pearson Edexcel 9AA0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Greek (Modern)Greek12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Greek (Modern) (Pearson Edexcel 9GK0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Portuguese12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Portuguese (Pearson Edexcel 9PG0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Persian12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Persian (Pearson Edexcel 9PN0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Turkish12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Turkish (Pearson Edexcel 9TU0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Gujarati12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Gujarati (Pearson Edexcel 9GU0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Japanese12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Japanese (Pearson Edexcel 9JA0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Urdu12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Urdu (Pearson Edexcel 9UR0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Polish12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Polish (AQA 7687), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Panjabi12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Panjabi (AQA 7682), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Bengali12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Bengali (AQA 7637), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Hebrew (Modern)Modern Hebrew12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
A-Level Hebrew (Modern) (AQA 7672), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.
12 Topics mapped
- Social issues and trends I
- Social issues and trends II
- Artistic and cultural life I
- Artistic and cultural life II
- Political life I
- Political life II
Official sources
Official sources
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the appropriate awarding organisation.
10 / 10
Official sources
Q&A
Frequently asked questions
01Where do I find my exact specification?
Start from the board that awards your qualification — AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel, WJEC/Eduqas or CCEA — and find the subject page for the qualification you are actually entered for. The document you want is usually called the specification and carries a code such as 7357. Your teacher or exams officer can confirm the code; it matters, because boards run more than one version of some subjects and the wrong one will differ in content and assessment.
02What is the difference between the specification and the subject content?
The subject content is published by the Department for Education and sets out what any board must cover in that subject. The specification is the board turning that into a concrete course: which papers you sit, how long they are, what each one assesses and how marks are awarded. The subject content tells you the territory; the specification tells you the route you personally will be examined on.
03Which exam board am I sitting — and does it matter?
Your school or college chooses the board — AQA, OCR or Pearson Edexcel are the common ones for Maths — and it matters for the details: every board writes its own specification against the same national DfE subject content, and that specification fixes your paper structure, mark schemes and grading. The mathematics is shared; the packaging is not. Find out your board on day one and download its specification and past papers — revising from another board’s materials means training for a slightly different exam.
04Do I need to memorise formulae?
Some results you must know; some are provided. Exactly which is which is set out by your exam board, so check your specification and the materials your board publishes for the exam before you build your revision around a guess. The safer habit is independence: any formula you have used in thirty questions no longer needs looking up. Put the core results — differentiation rules, trigonometric identities, the constant-acceleration equations — into a retrieval routine early, and the provided materials become a safety net rather than a crutch.
05Is eight weeks enough to revise for A-Levels?
Eight weeks is a realistic frame for structured revision — if you have broadly kept up during the course. It will not replace a lost year. It is enough to run every subject through a full cycle: an audit, several spaced returns to each weak topic, and a finishing block of timed past papers. If you have more time, stretch the middle block; if less, cut polishing of what is already secure before you cut anything else.
06How many hours a day should I revise?
Rarely more than four or five hours of genuinely focused work — and that is normal. Two or three blocks of 60 to 90 minutes with real breaks beat a ten-hour marathon that dissolves into screens and passive rereading. Keep at least one day a week completely free: recovery is part of the method, not a reward for it.
07Are all exam boards equally hard?
Every board builds its specification on the same national DfE subject content, and all of them are regulated — Ofqual in England, Qualifications Wales and CCEA elsewhere in the UK. The content is shared; what differs is packaging: paper structure, question style, set texts and options. You don’t choose the board anyway — your school or college does — so the practical rule is simpler: revise from your own board’s specification and past papers, and ignore folklore about which board is "easier".
08What are AO1, AO2 and AO3?
Assessment objectives — the skill categories your marks are divided between, set out in your board’s specification. Broadly, they separate knowing things, applying or analysing them, and evaluating or constructing arguments, but the precise definitions and weightings are subject-specific and written in the specification. They are worth reading once: they explain why an essay full of facts can score modestly, and why examiners reward analysis you thought was "just your opinion".