CURRICULUM

The Primary Years (Y1 – Y6)

There are three ‘core’ subjects in the National Curriculum – English, Maths and Science. Maths & English are tested at Key Stage 1, Science being added at Key Stage 2 at the end of the Primary cycle. In addition children are taught History, Geography, Technology, Art, Music and Physical Education.

Secondary Education (Y7 – Y13)

Children continue to be taught the same subjects as in the Primary years, with the addition of at least one foreign language. In Britain this is normally French (though by no means always), while in international schools the host country language will almost always be taught. Science may be taught as an integrated subject or as three subjects (Chemistry, Physics, Biology) depending upon the school’s policy.

This is a two-year cycle in which students prepare for the GCSE examinations. These are important for university entrance as well as for employment. Success in at least 5 subjects is usually required for eventual entrance to a British university and also for universities in other countries, since the British system is recognised in most countries throughout the world. The level of achievement in GCSE is the normal indicator of a student’s capacity to study at A Level. Many international schools takes IGCSE (International GCSE) rather than the normal British GCSE. This is administered by the Cambridge University board (UCLES) and is fully recognised as equal to the standard GCSE.

At this stage students will normally study up to 9 subjects, although in international schools the number of subjects taken may depend, for example, on a student’s ability in English or a lack of background in certain subjects. This means that students have a limited amount of choice of which subjects they will continue to study; they may often be able to start a new subject as well eg. another foreign language. The results of these examinations are graded, from A-G. The ‘pass grades’, acceptable to universities and employers, are A*, A, B and C.

Following successful results in the (I)GCSE examinations students wishing to go on to university or other institutions of higher education will take A Levels (or, in a number of international schools, the International Baccalaureate (IB) – see below). This is another two-year cycle and is highly specialised, which is why university courses in the UK are of only 3 or 4 years’ duration. Students will normally study 3 subjects for A Level, though they may study for a fourth A Level, or perhaps an additional subsidiary level course (known as AS). The choice of subjects depends upon a student’s likely course at university, and likely future career. For example, a student wishing to study Engineering, will have to study Physics and Maths and one other subject; for Medicene, Chemistry is obligatory, normally with two other subjects out of Biology, Maths and Physics. A number of other courses, however, have wide flexibility in subject choices – for example, Law, Economics, Business Studies. The school’s Counsellor/Careers Advisor will always help students and parents with the best choice of subjects and procedures for university entrance.

Acceptance at a British university will depend upon the results gained at A Level (and also take into account success at GCSE). Pass grades at A Level are A, B, C, D and E. Fail grades are N and U. The level of pass grades required will depend upon the demand for places at different faculties and universities. The most difficult universities to enter are normally Oxford and Cambridge, while the most difficult faculties will usually be Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry and Law. Because of the effect of supply and demand, some students may well fail to gain entrance with pass grades in 3 subjects of B, C and C, while others applying for lower demand subjects will easily be accepted with such grades.

International students transferring at a late stage to a British school (for example at the A Level stage, but not having taken the GCSE exams) should not be too concerned. British universities are flexible in their demands, especially with international students, and will offer places on the school’s recommendation and likely results in their A Level or IB examinations.

Universities in other countries are normally acquainted with the British system, and will apply similar criteria to universities in the UK.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB is similar to A Levels in that it is a final two-year course for entry to university. It is administered by the International Baccalaureate Office, based in Geneva. It is well established and is acceptable for UK university entrance as is A Level. It is also recognised by most countries throughout the world. Indeed, Education Ministries in some countries prefer it to the A Level system since, although similar in the level of achievement required, it is broader based, requiring six academic subjects to be studied.

Conclusion

The above description is by no means comprehensive in detail, but is intended to be a basic guide to the British educational system for those not familiar with it. It should also be added that changes in the A Level system are envisaged for the future: for example, a new style of advance course which complements or which can replace A Level, known by the letter GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification), is becoming popular. However, parents seeking a place at a British international school for their children will understand the essential structure from the description given above. They will always be able to find out more details from the schools which they visit, or which their children are currently attending.