A summary of the world-class qualifications on offer at UK boarding schools
Students come from all over the world to study for the UK’s widely known and respected GCSEs, A-levels, Standard Grades, 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, A-level, Standard Grade and Higher results.
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 skip further studies and 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 45 available) over two years (Years 10 and 11). In some independent schools in Scotland, students study for Standard Grades, 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. For example:
• typical core subjects, of which you might study six, include English, mathematics, a science and a modern language
• 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 second 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. Some subjects take account of the work you do throughout the year as part of the qualification grading, while others are assessed entirely by examinations that are independently graded. GCSE grades range from A* (the highest) to G (the lowest); some subjects are classed as Double Awards (worth two GCSEs) and are graded from A*A* to GG.
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 120 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. As with UK GCSEs, grades range from A* (the highest) to G (the lowest). Some UK boarding schools make arrangements for their pupils to sit IGCSE examinations.
Applied GCSEs
It is also possible to undertake GCSEs in eight vocational or career-based subjects (applied art and design; applied business; applied ICT; applied science; engineering; health and social care; leisure and tourism; and manufacturing). Applied GCSEs can take more study time than traditional academic GCSEs and can therefore be counted as a double award (ie equivalent to two conventional GCSEs, depending on the options the student chooses). As with other GCSEs, grades range from A* to G, with two grades (eg AB) possible for double awards.
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 study four or five subjects at AS-level, which is both the first half of an A-level and a qualification in its own right. 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. This part of the A-level is known as A2. Students usually take their A-level examinations when they are 18. Two AS-levels can be taken as the equivalent of one A-level. 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.
Applied GCE AS- and A-levels
Applied AS- and A-levels are of the same advanced standard as academic AS- and A-levels, but can be chosen from ten career-based subjects. Applied AS-levels comprise three units of study, with double awards comprising six AS units. They are usually completed in one year, but can be taken over a longer period. Applied A-levels can be six (three AS plus three A2) or twelve (six AS plus six A2) units of study and normally take one or two years to complete.
Applied AS- and A-levels are assessed by a mixture of classroom tuition, practical work and written exams, with about one-third of the assessment conducted by external assessors. The type of external assessment varies according to the vocational area. The qualifications are designed as the basis for entering the workplace, but are also recognised for admission to university. Grades range from A* (the highest) to E, with two grades (eg AB) possible for a double award.
Applied AS- and A-levels are due to be withdrawn when Advanced Diplomas are fully rolled out in 2013.
The Extended Project
The Extended Project is a new 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.
The Diploma
In England, but not the rest of the UK, students aged 14 to 19 can also study for one of the Diploma courses, which cover industry-sector subjects and are being delivered by consortiums of schools, colleges and employers. By 2011, these new qualifications will cover 14 employment areas, plus the academic subject areas of humanities, science and languages. The Diplomas, which are usually two-year courses no matter what level you study at, aim to teach students about an area of work they are interested in through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience. The Diplomas are not commonly on offer at independent schools.
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international programme of study for students aged 3–19 at schools and colleges around the world. The IB Diploma, a two-year programme for students aged 16–19, is currently on offer at over 100 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. The popularity of IB qualifications is growing in the UK and is accepted as an entry qualification for higher education by most countries, including the UK.
IB 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
Although a new 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 three subjects from a range of 26, 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 new 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.
Scottish qualifications
Scotland has its own educational and examination system, which is related to, but 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. In the Scottish system, the qualifications offered at schools and colleges of further education are called National Qualifications. These are based on the building block of the National Unit (each of which normally takes 40 hours of teaching to complete), and there are over 3,500 of these to choose from.
National Qualifications include Standard Grades, National Units (a qualification in their own right), National Courses and Group Awards. They are available in hundreds of subjects to suit everyone’s interests and skills. Schools offer a range of traditional academic subjects as well as new subjects that will be useful in the workplace. National Qualifications can be built up over time to encourage students to progress to the highest level they can achieve.
Standard Grades
Instead of GCSEs, most students in Scotland study for Standard Grade qualifications in a broad range of subjects. Like GCSEs, Standard Grade examinations are generally taken by pupils aged 16 (in Scottish school year S4). Students often take seven or eight subjects, including maths and English. These are awarded at Grades 1 to 7, with Grade 1 being the highest. There are three levels – Credit (Grades 1 and 2), General (Grades 3 and 4) and Foundation (Grades 5 and 6). Depending on results, students can move directly on to Highers or take Intermediates.
National Courses
Most Scottish students progress from Standard Grades to National Courses, which are available at seven levels – Advanced Higher, Higher, Intermediate 2, Intermediate 1, Access 3, Access 2 and Access 1, with Advanced Higher being the top level achievable. Skills for Work courses are another type of National Course. National Courses usually consist of three subject-related National Units and an externally set examination. To achieve a full National Course award, a student must pass all Unit assessments as well as the external assessment, which is usually an examination. However, each National Unit is a qualification in its own right.
Highers and Advanced Highers
After studying Standard Grades, students in Scotland often study Highers. Highers are similar to AS-levels and 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, Advanced Highers or A-levels.
Advanced Highers extend the skills and knowledge gained in a Higher and are additional qualifications that help with entry to university or the workplace. Highers are available in academic and vocational subjects.
Intermediate 1 and 2
Instead of Standard Grades, some students at Scottish independent schools opt to take Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2 qualifications. Intermediate 2 is the higher level of these two qualifications. For some it may be a useful stepping-stone towards taking a Higher, as completing a Higher in one year can be very demanding. It is possible to study intermediate qualifications in both academic and vocational subjects.
Access 1, 2 and 3
Access 1 is designed for students requiring considerable support with their learning, while Access 2 is for those with more moderate needs. Access 3 is comparable with Standard Grade Foundation level. These qualifications are generally taken instead of Standard Grades.
Future developments
From 2013, new National 4 and National 5 qualifications are set to replace the Standard Grade at General and Credit levels, and Intermediate 1 and 2 respectively. More able children will be able to go straight on to Highers or study a mix of the two. The Scottish Government has also announced two new Scottish Baccalaureate qualifications in science and languages to stretch bright students in years S5 and S6.
You can find out more about the Scottish education system at the Scottish Qualifications Authority site, and you can find out more about independent schools in Scotland from the Scottish Council of Independent Schools site