Higher Years -Years 12 & 13
Starting in August 2019, Year 12 will open at ISK with Year 13 opening in August 2020. It will offer a range of tangible qualifications tailored to individual students’ areas of interest and future career or university ambitions. The culmination of achievements over the course of these years, both academic and non-academic, will be summarised in an ISK diploma to be received upon completion of Year 13. This diploma will celebrate each student’s individual collection of awards and qualifications that will be the keys to their next institution, whether university or in the world of work.
Advanced Level Study
ISK is licenced to offer international advanced level qualifications (A-levels) and advanced subsidiary levels (AS-levels) through Cambridge Assessment International Education. In the first year of the Diploma years, students will study AS-levels which they can choose to extend into A-levels in Year 13. Upon completion of any A-level, students would have incredibly secure knowledge, skills and understanding of that discipline, providing a strong foundation for study in higher education.
The A-level syllabus for each subject has been created to prepare students for the challenges offered by university study. Universities worldwide value and recognise A-level qualifications from Cambridge International, an official UK examination board. A rule of thumb is that 3 A-levels at grade A opens the doors to top universities such as Oxford or Harvard and a combination of As and Bs to almost any other university.
A multitude of different subjects can be studied at AS or A-level and ISK offers them in combinations that suits the need and capabilities of students and staff. As the student body grows, so too will available subjects. This flexibility means ISK can build a semi-individualised curriculum, according to the university requirements of learners.
The goal of studying advanced levels is for learners to develop a deep understanding and enjoyment of subjects, as well as self-governed learning and constructive, critical thinking skills – abilities which universities prize highly. Throughout the syllabus, there is also a continued emphasis on academic writing and general readiness.
The syllabuses are internationally-minded in scope, but retain a realistic and practical relevance. They have been founded to serve the needs of an international student body with content to suit a wide variety of schools and promote multiculturalism and diversity.
As the A-level program gives learners some power to select their subjects, it encourages and helps motivate them throughout their studies. In this way, learners will clearly be able to formulate personal goals and develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:
The A-level syllabus for each subject has been created to prepare students for the challenges offered by university study. Universities worldwide value and recognise A-level qualifications from Cambridge International, an official UK examination board. A rule of thumb is that 3 A-levels at grade A opens the doors to top universities such as Oxford or Harvard and a combination of As and Bs to almost any other university.
A multitude of different subjects can be studied at AS or A-level and ISK offers them in combinations that suits the need and capabilities of students and staff. As the student body grows, so too will available subjects. This flexibility means ISK can build a semi-individualised curriculum, according to the university requirements of learners.
The goal of studying advanced levels is for learners to develop a deep understanding and enjoyment of subjects, as well as self-governed learning and constructive, critical thinking skills – abilities which universities prize highly. Throughout the syllabus, there is also a continued emphasis on academic writing and general readiness.
The syllabuses are internationally-minded in scope, but retain a realistic and practical relevance. They have been founded to serve the needs of an international student body with content to suit a wide variety of schools and promote multiculturalism and diversity.
As the A-level program gives learners some power to select their subjects, it encourages and helps motivate them throughout their studies. In this way, learners will clearly be able to formulate personal goals and develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:
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Continuation of IGCSEs
The IGCSEs form the academic content of our Higher Years (Years 10-11), however for some students it may be desirable to continue one or more of these into years 12 and even 13. Factors for such a decision may include English language level, prior learning, student interest of previously unstudied subjects, date of entry to ISK. The IGCSE is in itself a high level qualification , with many US universities accepting students with 5 or more IGCSEs at grade C onto freshmen courses.
IGCSEs vs A-levels Explained
In the US, over 610 universities officially recognise Cambridge qualifications. Whilst five grade Cs in IGCSE meet minimum freshman level entry for some colleges & universities; A Levels are required for competitive universities and advanced credit is available for AS (some) and A Levels (most) universities. In UK, as another example, competitive courses (such as for Russell group universities, medicine or veterinary science) require three A Levels with competitive grades.
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After much research and reflection, the secondary and leadership teams at ISK strongly believe that our diploma of a personalised selection of IGCSEs, AS and A-levels together with the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award will make our learners perfectly placed to follow and future they desire.
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award
Not all learning happens in the classroom. Young people need experiences outside the classroom to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of the world. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award will support ISK’s diploma years students from August 2019.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is also known as DofE, The Head of State Award, The President's Award Scheme, The International Award for Young People, and the Governor General's Youth Award. The Award is available to all 14-24 year olds and is the world’s leading youth achievement award. It equips young people for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills and interests. Doing the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; it pushes young people to their personal limits and recognises their achievements.
Since its launch over 60 years ago, the Award has inspired millions of young people to transform their lives. Through non formal education, the Award can play a critical role in a young person’s personal development and is achievable by any 14-24 year old who wants to take up the challenge.
Find out more at www.intaward.org
What is the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is also known as DofE, The Head of State Award, The President's Award Scheme, The International Award for Young People, and the Governor General's Youth Award. The Award is available to all 14-24 year olds and is the world’s leading youth achievement award. It equips young people for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills and interests. Doing the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; it pushes young people to their personal limits and recognises their achievements.
Since its launch over 60 years ago, the Award has inspired millions of young people to transform their lives. Through non formal education, the Award can play a critical role in a young person’s personal development and is achievable by any 14-24 year old who wants to take up the challenge.
Find out more at www.intaward.org
