Results this summer are crucial to those seeking university places

The changes affect pupils studying core A-levels such as English and history, which will see changes to their course content and questions set at exams.

But many schools in Wales have reported problems in coping with the alterations to the sixth form curriculum.

Some staff and students are said to be under considerable strain to make the changes workable.

The changes were brought about by the Department of Education last September.

Assembly Education Minister Jane Davidson said the alterations would be monitored as students began the new course work.

But many heads are still facing the difficulty of trying to find places for 13,000 extra students, who must now take the new national exams in the first year as well as the final year of their A-level courses.

Careful controls

For students at schools such as those at Whitchurch High School, in Cardiff, the thought of failing to get the right grades has been pushed to their backs of their minds.

The school has also been chosen for a pilot scheme of a Welsh-style international baccalaureate qualification, which will see students study a mix of six science and humanity subjects.

If the project proves a success, the system could see Welsh sixth forms moving away from their English counterparts.

Meanwhile, the safety net of re-takes for those who have struggled with their A-level studies or revision has been taken away.

The new Education Secretary Estelle Morris said she will take a careful look at how the new exams work.

A spokesman for the Welsh Assembly said they would have an input into any review of the A-S level system.

He added that it was too early to tell if there are any problems in Wales but said they will be keeping a close eye on the situation.