A summary of the top graduate degrees that boarding schools offer in the UK
Students from around the world now attend schools in the UK to earn GCSEs, A-Levels, Standard Grades, Highers and other related degrees such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). These academic and career-oriented courses are designed to expand the limits of students’ skills and imagination. And a private school is an excellent place to take these courses. Many private boarding schools and colleges top the GCSE, A-Level, Standard-Grade and Higher results in the UK.
For many international students, GCSEs and A-Levels (or corresponding qualifications) represent important milestones on the way to a university degree or vocational training. Through a variety of different projects, these courses promote independent thinking and learning as well as the ability to work in a team. For UK students who don’t want to study but want to start working straight after school, the UK’s recognized qualifications offer a competitive advantage over other applicants. Employers will be impressed by the skills that students have acquired through independent thinking, research, teamwork, and analysis.
Boarding school life in the UK increases student confidence, broadens their horizons and ensures that they are ideally prepared for the study or job of their choice.
GCSEs
students generally take eight to eleven GCSE subjects (from a total of over 45) over two years (school years 10 and 11). In some private schools in Scotland, students prepare for the standard grades, the Scottish equivalent of the GCSEs. Most students take some core subjects prescribed by school or college and also add a few optional subjects. For example:
• Common core subjects, six of which can be taken, include English, math, science, and a modern foreign language.
• Elective courses, often three or four, include art and design, business administration, dance, theater, media studies, history, geography, economics, engineering, health and social care, leisure and tourism, music, another modern foreign language or a classic language and religious instruction.
Depending on the specialist knowledge and training of the teaching staff, some schools also offer other subjects such as Latin, politics or philosophy.
Each GCSE course includes lessons in the classroom, laboratory or workshop, but also independent work and research in the context of projects (often outside school hours) are encouraged. The timetable often includes excursions alone or in small groups. In some subjects, the work done during the school year is included in the final grade, while others are graded entirely through independently assessed, external exams. The GCSE grading scale ranges from 9* (best grade) to 1 (worst grade).
International GCSEs (IGCSEs)
The IGCSE is the international version of the United Kingdom’s GCSE and is tailored to the needs of students around the world. IGCSE exams are taken in over 120 countries, including the UK, and are internationally recognized as GCSE qualifications. The IGCSE is a wide-ranging school program for which more than 70 subjects are offered. Most subjects have compulsory and advanced work, and the curriculum includes a combination of practical learning and theoretical knowledge, which means that the IGCSE is suitable for every student. As with the GCSEs, the grading scale ranges from A * (best grade) to G (worst grade). In some UK boarding schools, students can take IGCSE exams.
GCSEs with professional orientation (Applied GCSEs) GCSEs
can also be taken in eight professionally oriented subjects (applied art and design, applied business administration, applied information and communication technology (ICT), applied natural sciences, engineering, health and social care, leisure and tourism and manufacturing). Applied GCSEs can take longer to learn than conventional GCSEs and therefore count twice (i.e. as a double award) (i.e. correspond to two conventional GCSEs – this depends on the student’s choice of subject). As with other GCSEs, the grading scale ranges from A * to G; Double grades are possible for double awards (e.g. AB).
GCE AS and A Levels
Students have significantly more freedom of choice with AS and A levels than with GCSEs. However, they are advised to choose subjects that support their desired career and / or university application. The extensive range of subjects includes most of the GCSE subjects already listed, as well as geology, sports science, electronics, photography, media science and many other subjects. For some subjects (e.g. mathematics), students must have passed a GCSE exam in the same subject in order to be able to take it. Others do not require any prior knowledge.
A-level courses last two years (16-18 years, school years 12 and 13). In the first year, students take four or five subjects at the AS level, In the second year, students choose two, three or four (usually three) of their AS-level subjects and take these for the second part of the A-Levels. This part of the A levels is also referred to as A2. As a rule, students take the A-level exam at the age of 18. Two AS levels correspond to an A level. In Scottish schools, students typically acquire Highers and Advanced Highers instead of AS and A levels.
Die Beurteilung erfolgt in der Regel in Form von Prüfungen. Die Prüfungen werden unabhängig benotet. Die Benotungsskala für A-Levels reicht von A* bis E. Sowohl AS- als auch A-Level-Kurse umfassen Unterricht im Klassenzimmer, Labor oder Workshop, doch werden die Schüler auch angehalten, selbstständig zu arbeiten und aktuelle Projekte zu recherchieren (häufig außerhalb der normalen Schulzeit). Auch Exkursionen können Teil des Stundenplans sein.
GCE AS and A levels with professional orientation (Applied GCE AS and A levels)
Applied AS and A levels correspond to conventional AS and A levels in terms of their level, but can be selected from ten job-related subjects. Applied AS levels comprise three learning units, double awards comprise six AS units. They are usually completed in one year, but longer periods are also possible. Applied A levels can consist of six (three AS plus three A2) or twelve (six AS plus six A2) learning units and are usually taken over a year or two.
Applied AS and A levels are graded using a combination of teaching, practical work and written exams, with around a third of the assessment being done by external examiners. The type of external examination depends on the subject. The qualifications are aimed at starting a career, but are also recognized by universities as entry qualifications. The grading scale ranges from A * (best grade) to E, two grades (e.g. AB) are possible for double awards.
Applied AS and A levels will no longer be offered as soon as advanced diplomas are introduced across the board in 2013.
Extended Project
The Extended Project is a new, independent qualification for A level and other level 3 students. It corresponds to an AS level and lasts one year. Students decide on a topic and have it approved by a teacher who then oversees the project. It gives students an opportunity to complete a task that is relevant to their learning progress and interests, while developing independent research and learning skills. The result of the project can be anything from a study report to a performance. It is rated internally, the grading scale ranges from A * to E.
Diploma
In England, but not in the rest of the United Kingdom, students between the ages of 14 and 19 can also take a diploma course that covers industry-specific subjects and is offered by consortia from schools, colleges and employers. Since 2011, these new qualifications have covered 14 professional areas as well as the humanities, natural sciences and languages. The diplomas, which are usually two-year courses, serve to bring students closer to a professional area that they are interested in through a combination of teaching and practical experience. Diplomas are generally not offered at private schools.
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international school program for students between the ages of 3 and 19, which is offered by schools and colleges around the world. The IB Diploma, a two-year program for students aged 16-19, is currently offered by over 100 schools and colleges in the UK. The program enables internationally mobile students to switch schools more easily by combining elements of different national systems without being based on just one of them. IB qualifications are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and are recognized as university entrance qualifications in most countries (including the UK).
In addition to three compulsory subjects, IB students take six other subjects selected from coordinated groups. They take three subjects up to a level that corresponds to the A-level standards and three subjects to a level that corresponds to the AS-level standards. Students also need to submit extended homework on a subject, take a knowledge theory course, and participate in extracurricular activities. The program leads to a single qualification and not to different qualifications for individual subjects, but students who do not achieve the full diploma receive a certificate for each subject they have taken.
Cambridge Pre-University (Pre-U) Diploma
The Cambridge Pre-U is a new qualification for students 16 years and older, but is very popular with private schools in the UK. It was developed in collaboration with universities that want a qualification that aims to prepare students for independent learning. The Pre-U not only conveys extremely well-founded specialist knowledge to students, but also promotes independent thinking.
Students choose up to three subjects from 26 subjects and take them individually or in an interdisciplinary combination. Each element corresponds to an A level and leads to the qualification
“Pre-U Certificate”. Students who successfully complete three major subjects and who submit an Independent Research Report and a Global Perspective Portfolio are awarded a Pre-U Diploma. Students also have the option of replacing up to two main subjects with equivalent qualifications (e.g. A levels) and still obtain the diploma. The training takes two years.
AQA Baccalaureate
Another new qualification for students aged 16 and over, which is becoming increasingly popular in the private school sector, is the Baccalaureate offered by AQA. AQA is the largest of England’s three examination offices. The baccalaureate is based on A-Levels plus three further elements to ensure a broad education that teaches school and life skills:
• Depth of Study – intensive instruction in any three A-level subjects, including assessment of knowledge, understanding and practical application
• Broader Study – an AS level in citizenship, critical thinking or general teaching to promote analytical thinking and learning
• Enrichment Activities – non-subject-related activities that promote personal responsibility, teamwork, leadership skills and other important qualities and abilities.
• Extended Project – to develop independent learning, self-organization and research skills
The AQA Baccalaureate is awarded with the marks pass (passed), merit (above average) or distinction (with distinction). The assessment is based on the consistency of performance, taking into account each student’s A-Level and Extended Project grades. In the three A-Levels, the AS-Level and the Extended Project, at least the grade E must be achieved. In addition, at least 100 hours of enriching activities are required. A study place is offered based on the components of the baccalaureate; Students receive their AQA Baccalaureate certificate in addition to their A-Level, AS-Level and Extended Project certificates.
Scottish qualifications
Scotland has its own school and test system, which is related to the system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but is independent of it. Some private schools in Scotland follow the Scottish system, others the rest of the United Kingdom. Some offer a combination of both systems. The secondary education offered by schools and colleges in the Scottish school system is called National Qualifications. This is based on “National Units” (modules, each of which usually requires 40 lessons). There are more than 3,500 such national units to choose from.
National qualifications include standard degrees, national units (a separate qualification), national courses and group awards. They are offered in hundreds of subjects that take into account all interests and skills. Schools offers both traditional school subjects and new subjects that are intended to make it easier to start a career. National qualifications can be acquired gradually, which should encourage students to achieve the highest educational goal appropriate to their skills.
Standard Grades
Instead of GCSEs, most students in Scotland take standard grade exams across a wide range of subjects. As with the GCSEs, students typically take standard grade exams at the age of 16 (in Scotland grade S4). Students often take seven or eight subjects, including math and English. The grading scale ranges from 1 to 7, with grade 1 being the highest rating. There are three levels – Credit (marks 1 and 2), General (marks 3 and 4) and Foundation (marks 5 and 6). Depending on the results achieved, students can either take Highers directly or take intermediate courses.
National Courses
Most Scottish students take National Courses according to the standard grades, which are offered at seven levels – Advanced Higher, Higher, Intermediate 2, Intermediate 1, Access 3, Access 2 and Access 1. Advanced Higher represents the highest level attainable Another type of National Courses are the job-related skills-for-work courses. National courses generally consist of three subject-related national units and an external assessment. To complete a National Course, students must pass all unit assessments as well as the external assessment, which usually takes the form of an exam. However, each national unit represents an independent qualification.
Highers and Advanced Highers
After passing standard grades, students in Scotland often take Highers. Highers have the same AS levels and are recognized university entrance qualifications across the UK. Higher exams are typically taken in three to five subjects by students aged 17 and over (grade S5). After the Highers, some students go to university while others go to school for another year (S6) to earn more Highers, Advanced Highers, or A levels.
Advanced Highers expand the skills and knowledge acquired in a Higher and are considered additional qualifications that increase the chances of studying or working. Highers can be acquired in academic and professional subjects.
Intermediate 1 and 2
Instead of standard grades, some students at private schools in Scotland choose Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2. Intermediate 2 is the higher of these two. For some students, this can be an important help in getting a higher, since reaching highers in just one year can be a challenge. Intermediate qualifications can be acquired in both academic and professional subjects.
Access 1, 2, and 3
Access 1 is available to students who need significant learning support. Access 2 is intended for students who have less need in this regard. Access 3 is comparable to the Standard Grade Foundation level. These qualifications are usually taken instead of standard degrees.
Future Developments
Starting in 2013, the new National 4 and National 5 qualifications will replace the standard grades of general and credit levels or Intermediate 1 and 2. Talented children can immediately take Highers or a combination of both courses. The Scottish Government has also announced two new Scottish baccalaureate qualifications in science and foreign languages to support particularly good students in grades S5 and S6.
More information about the Scottish school system can be found on the Scottish Qualifications Authority website . For more information on private schools in Scotland, visit the Scottish Council of Independent Schools website.