UK Qualifications

A summary of the wide range of world-class qualifications on offer at boarding schools in the UK

Students come from all over the world to study for the UK’s widely known and respected GCSEs, A-levels, Nationals, Highers and other equivalent qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). These are academic and career-based courses designed to stretch a student’s ability and imagination. And an independent school is an excellent place to study for them. Many independent boarding schools and colleges are at the top of the UK league tables for GCSE and A-level results (and National and Higher results in Scotland).

For many international students, GCSEs and A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) are important steps on the road to degree or career-based courses. These courses encourage independent thinking and personal study skills, as well as teamworking on a wide range of projects. Alternatively, if a student is planning to go straight into a career after leaving school, then having highly regarded UK qualifications will give their career search a head start. Employers will be impressed by the skills the student will have gained through thinking for himself or herself, and through research, teamwork and analysis.

A student’s experience of studying at a UK boarding school will build their confidence, broaden their outlook and help them become a strong candidate for whichever course or career they choose.

GCSEs

Students usually study from eight to twelve GCSE subjects (from more than 50 available) over two years (Years 10 and 11). In some independent schools in Scotland, students study for National qualifications, which are the Scottish equivalent of GCSEs. Most students study a core of mandatory subjects selected by their school or college, and choose additional optional subjects from a list.

Typical core subjects, of which you might study six, include English, mathematics, sciences and information and communications technology (ICT). Optional subjects, of which you might choose three or four, include art and design, business studies, dance, drama, media studies, history, geography, economics, engineering, health and social care, leisure and tourism, music, a modern language or an ancient language, and religious education. Other subjects such as Latin, politics and philosophy are also available at some schools and colleges, depending on the expertise and qualifications of the teachers.

On any GCSE course, you receive formal tuition in the classroom, laboratory or workshop, but are also encouraged to work independently and undertake research for projects, often outside school hours. Educational visits, either on your own or as part of a small group, are often included in the timetable.

Recent reforms mean that students on GCSE courses now have to sit all of their exams at the end of the course (which is known as ‘linear assessment’), rather than sitting parts of the syllabus in smaller ‘modules’ during the course (called ‘modular assessment’), which was the case before and which are now being phased out. Teaching the first new GCSEs in a small number of subjects, including English and maths, started in September 2015 with examination in June 2017. New linear GCSEs in other subjects were introduced in 2016. More details about the subjects involved can be found on the Ofqual website. GCSEs are graded from 9 to 1 instead of A* to G, with 9 being the top level of performance.

It is also possible to take different tiers in some subjects to help students demonstrate their skills. This is on a subject-by-subject basis. Under the reforms, it is possible in maths, for a higher tier or a foundation tier option to be taken, each with a different target range of grades (the higher tier leading to grades 4-9 and the foundation tier leading to grades 1-5).

International GCSEs (IGCSEs)

The IGCSE is an international version of the UK GCSE, which has been tailored to meet the needs of students around the world. It is taken in over 140 countries, including the UK, and is internationally recognised as being equivalent to the UK GCSE. The IGCSE provides a broad study programme by drawing subjects across over 70 topics. There is a choice of core and extended papers in most subjects and the curriculum includes a mix of practical experience and theoretical knowledge, making IGCSEs suitable for all students. IGCSE grades range from A* (the highest) to G (the lowest), although certain examination boards have changed this inline with the 9 to 1 grading scale.

In 2017, almost four in ten GCSE test papers sat by independent school pupils in the UK were IGCSEs, with 438 independent schools offering at least one subject as an IGCSE.

GCE AS- and A-levels

Students have a much freer choice at AS-level and A-level than at GCSE level, although they are advised to choose subjects that will help their future career and/or university application. The vast choice of subjects on offer includes most of the GCSE subjects listed earlier plus geology, sports studies, electronics, photography, media studies and many others. For some subjects, such as mathematics, students need to have passed a GCSE in the same subject. Others require no specific prior knowledge of the subject.

A-levels take two years to complete (ages 16–18, Years 12 and 13). In the first year, students can choose to study subjects at AS-level and/or A-level. Students usually take AS-levels when they are 17. In the second year, students select two, three or four of those subjects (usually three) they studied at AS-level to study for the second half of the A-level. Students usually take their A-level examinations when they are 18. In Scottish schools, students usually study for Highers and Advanced Highers instead of AS- and A-levels.

Assessment is mainly by examination. Examinations are independently marked and graded, with A-levels ranging from A* to E. On both AS- and A-level courses, you receive classroom, laboratory or workshop tuition, but you are also encouraged to work independently and undertake research for topical projects, frequently outside school hours. Educational visits may also be part of the timetable.

A-levels have been changed to make them linear in England, with all assessment coming at the end of the two years of study. The AS-level was retained, but redesigned as a high-quality stand-alone qualification instead of a stage towards the A-level, as has been the case. The changes came into effect for 14 A-level subjects in September 2015, with the first new A-level exams taken in 2017. All current AS- and A-level subjects were reformed in England 2017.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international programme of study for students aged 3-19 at schools and colleges around the world. A series of programmes for different age groups:

The IB Middle Years Programme

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is aimed at students aged 11 to 16. It is intended to encourage students to make links between traditional subjects of study and the real world, and to learn to think critically and reflectively. MYP students study eight subject groups – their mother tongue, a second language, humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and technology. In the final year, a personal project is undertaken to allow students to demonstrate what they have learnt and the skills they have developed during the Programme. Less than ten schools currently offer this programme in the UK.

The IB Diploma

The IB Diploma is a two-year programme for students aged 16-19. It is currently on offer at around 94 schools and colleges in the UK. The programme allows internationally mobile students to transfer more easily between schools, as it combines elements of various national systems, without being based on any one.

IB Diploma students study six subjects chosen from specified groups, in addition to three compulsory core requirements. Three subjects are studied to the equivalent of A-level standard and three to the equivalent of AS-level. Students must also complete an extended essay on one subject and take part in a course on the theory of knowledge, as well as extracurricular activities. The programme leads to a single qualification rather than separate ones for individual subjects, but students who don’t achieve the full diploma are awarded a certificate for each subject taken.

Cambridge Pre-University (Pre-U) Diploma

A post-16 qualification, the Cambridge Pre-U is proving popular among the UK’s independent schools. It has been developed in consultation with universities, which have welcomed a qualification designed to prepare students for self-directed learning. The Pre-U not only provides students with a keen grasp of their subject, it also encourages independent thinking.

Students choose up to four subjects from a range of 24, and may study them individually or as an interdisciplinary combination. Each element is equivalent to an A-level and can gain the qualification of Pre-U Certificate. Students successfully studying three principal subjects together with an Independent Research Report and a Global Perspective Portfolio are awarded a Pre-U Diploma. Students may also substitute other equivalent qualifications, eg A-levels, for up to two principal subjects and still gain the Diploma. Studies last two years.

AQA Baccalaureate

Another post-16 qualification that is becoming more popular in the independent school sector is the Baccalaureate offered by AQA, the largest of the three English exam boards. It uses A-levels plus three other elements to provide a broad academic and life skills education:

• Depth of study – based on any three A-level subjects for in-depth and academic study and to test knowledge, understanding and application
• Broader study – an AS-level in citizenship, critical thinking or general studies for the development of analytical thinking and learning skills
• Enrichment activities – non-academic pursuits that develop initiative, teamwork, leadership and other valuable skills and qualities.
• Extended Project – to develop independent learning, self-management and research ability.

The AQA Baccalaureate is awarded as a Pass, Merit or Distinction on the basis of consistency of achievement, the level depending on each student’s A-level and Extended Project grades. At least a grade E in the three A-levels, AS-level and the Extended Project and a minimum of 100 hours of enrichment activities are required. University offers will be made on the basis of the component parts of the Baccalaureate; students will receive their AQA Baccalaureate certificate alongside their A-level, AS-level and Extended Project certificates.

Extended Project Qualification

As well as a compulsory part of the AQA Baccalaureate, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) can also be taken as a stand-alone qualification for A-level and other Level 3 students. It is equivalent to an AS-level and takes one year. Students choose a single topic with the agreement of the teaching staff, who then supervise the Project. It gives students the opportunity to carry out a task relevant to their learning and interests, and also develop research and independent study skills. Anything from a study report through to a performance is acceptable as the end result of the Project, which will be internally assessed, and graded from A* to E.

Scottish qualifications

Scotland has its own educational and examination system, which is independent of the system that operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Some independent schools in Scotland follow the Scottish system, some the system used in the rest of the UK, with some mixing aspects of both systems.

Changes to Scottish qualifications

Scottish qualifications are being reformed to reflect new ways of teaching and learning and to support the Curriculum for Excellence, which aims to achieve a transformation in education in Scotland by providing a coherent, more flexible and enriched curriculum for pupils aged 3 to 18. Students entering the Scottish school year S4 will now study for the National 1-5 qualifications. National 3-5 qualifications have now replaced the previous Standard Grades at Foundation level, General level and Credit level. National 1-3 qualifications will also replace the existing Access 1-3 qualifications and National 4-5 qualifications will replace the
existing Intermediate 1 and 2 qualifications.

A new Higher qualification was introduced in August 2014 and a new Advanced Higher was introduced in August 2015 to support the Curriculum for Excellence. Typically, students who have achieved the new National qualifications will go on to study for the new Higher and the new Advanced Higher. You can find out more about these new qualifications and the Scottish qualifications system as a whole at the Scottish Qualifications Authority website. You can also read about the Curriculum for Excellence and the Scottish education system at the Education Scotland site.

National 1-5

National 1-5 qualifications are available in a broad range of subjects, and are generally taken by pupils aged 16 (in Scottish school year S4). Students can take up to eight subjects, including maths and English, although the exact number varies from school to school. Students at independent schools in Scotland that follow the Scottish curriculum will usually study for National 3-5 qualifications. All National 3-5 courses contain units that are marked throughout the year by teachers and lecturers. Unit assessments will be appropriate to the subject and level, and may involve a variety of assessment methods, such as assignments, practical tasks, tests or projects. National 3 and 4 qualifications are marked and assessed by schools and colleges. They are marked as a pass or fail instead of being graded. National 4 includes an added-value unit, which has to be passed along with the other course units in order to achieve a qualification at National 4.

National 5 is also made up of units assessed and marked by the school or college. In order to achieve a course qualification at National 5, students must pass all units plus a course assessment. For most subjects, the course assessment will involve an exam and/or coursework (assignments, projects, portfolios, etc). Exams will be externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and coursework will either be externally marked by the SQA or internally marked by the school, where appropriate.

Highers and Advanced Highers

Depending on results, mot Scottish students then progress to Highers and, in some cases, Advanced Highers. Highers are similar to AS-levels in that they are recognised qualifications for entry into university throughout the UK. Higher examinations are usually taken in three to five subjects by students aged 17 (in S5). After taking Highers, some students move on to degree-level study, while others stay on for an additional year (S6) to study for more Highers or Advanced Highers. Advanced Highers extend the skills and knowledge gained in a Higher and are additional qualifications that help with entry to university or the workplace.

Scottish Baccalaureate

The Scottish Baccalaureate is designed to stretch bright students in school years S5 and S6 and is available in four subjects: expressive arts, languages, science and social sciences. Scottish Baccalaureates consist of a coherent group of Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications and an interdisciplinary project of the candidate’s own choosing, which is marked at Advanced Higher level. You can find out more here.

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