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Sixth Form College
Sixth Form

Our Sixth form offers the English A Level programme for students seeking university entrance qualifications all over the globe. 

 

For further information about the acceptance of A levels World wide please visit:
http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/uppersec/alevel/recognition

 

Tuition is in small, carefully managed groups, with an emphasis on academic fulfilment and achievement plus supporting students on their path to University entry at the end of the two year course.

 

As well as academic subjects students are encouraged to take part in a wider range of after school activities to round out their scholastic life and in addition to take part in expeditions and also activities that encourage a wider social responsibility.

 

As leaders of the schools student body, sixth form students act as role models for the younger students in terms of modelling good behaviour, social graces and academic achievement.

 

 

 
Prospectus
 
The Route to Adulthood

The Sixth Form College at The British School of Beijing is in many ways a stepping stone.

A British education forms the basis of a student’s future opportunity and pathway through life. The Advanced level (A’level) qualifications from the University of Cambridge form one of the most prestigious University entry qualifications in the world, highly respected in the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA where they can count towards the first year’s credit.

However this is not enough on its own. The curriculum offered by The British School of Beijing must be accepted worldwide, it is part of our reason to be. We must go beyond this to fully address the needs of the young adults taking their first steps into the adult world.

 

Support, careful monitoring, expert advice and guidance are all key to the important choices being made at this crucial juncture – our pastoral care system and careers advisor ensure our students benefit from timely,  personalized support.

And then there is fun. Although it might be slightly non-traditional to talk about fun in a highly academic environment, it is important to be aware that a socially supportive, and responsible environment within the school, ensures the enjoyment and hence, the success of our students. Be it sports, music or adventure activities, we are keenly aware that challenge and opportunity breed confident and successful adults, who understand themselves and know how to work well with others – all superb preparation for taking one’s place in the adult world.

 

WELCOME TO THE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE OF THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BEIJING.

 

 

 

 
AS and A levels

A levels offer a secure route to University entry as a student is able to focus on subjects they like and are therefore likely to do well in.AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications focus on traditional study skills. They normally take two years to complete full-time. Most students take 3 or 4 subjects. 

A levels: AS plus A2

A levels are made up of the AS level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A level grade.

Year one: the AS level

The AS level can be either a free standing qualification, or be valued as the first half of the full A level.

At the end of the AS year, you have two options

- take the AS qualification only 

or:

- continue to the second year and go for the full A level

Year two: the A2

In year two of a full A level, you take the A2 - this is not a separate qualification, but the second half of the A level. The A2 is designed to deepen the knowledge you gained during the AS level.

Students take AS and A level qualifications in Years 12 and 13, after completing their GCSEs.

Entry requirements

In most cases, you need at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C. Sometimes, you need a grade B or above at GCSE in a particular subject to take it at AS or A level.

How you are assessed

In most subjects the AS and A2 are each made up of two units, although in some subjects they are each three units.

The majority of the assessment is by written exams, although in some subjects there is a small amount of coursework. There is also assessment of practical skills in subjects like science or art.

Grades and marks

Grades

AS and A levels are graded A-E. An A* grade will be first awarded at A level in 2010. The results are announced in August and March.

Marks

Your results slip will also show a score on something called the 'uniform mark scale' (UMS). The AS is scored out of 300 UMS marks, and the A level out of 600 marks.

UCAS points

If you're applying to university or college, A and AS levels earn the following points in the 'UCAS Tariff':

Grade

A level

AS level

A*

140

n/a

A

120

60

B

100

50

C

80

40

D

60

30

E

40

20

Normally, to take a higher education course you'll need at least two full A levels or equivalent.

In addition students at BSB follow a Critical Thinking course and Community and Service. Students also participate in a PSHE program led by their form teacher and guest speakers. Students in Y12 and13 have the opportunity to attend presentations by visiting speakers from Universities around the world.

 

 
IB Diploma vs. A Levels

Please see article below which may help your decision in choosing A levels or IB Diploma.

IB vs. A Level 

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