St John’s International School Next Steps

Jargon – unravelled What are AS and A levels ? Normally 3 Full A Levels + an AS (now worth 40%) BTEC - Level 1, 2 (IGCSE) and 3 (A’ Level, need C Grade at IGCSE) IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate) 3 Core Elements + 6 subjects UCAS Tariff Points

Changes to A Levels AS qualifications will become standalone and not count towards A2 * AS and A Levels will be assessed at the end of the course* No Modular / January exams Greater emphasis will be placed on exams as the most effective form of assessment. Some A Level subjects may disappear * Greater emphasis on Maths in Science subjects AS now worth 40% of Full A2 Entry requirements normally min B in each subject .. * Not Cambridge International A levels As Grades will not count towards the full A2 ie have to retake ..

What AS / A Levels • A/AS Level English Literature A/AS Level English Language • IELTS Academic Module (English) • A/AS Level Mathematics • A/AS Level Physics • A/AS Level Biology • A/AS Level Chemistry* • A/AS Level Applied ICT • A/AS Level Geography A/AS Music • A/AS Media Studies A/AS Psychology A/AS Art and Design A/AS Business Studies A/AS Computer Science A/AS French A/AS German A/AS Spanish AS Global Perspectives A/AS History A/AS Physical Education http://university.which.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/six-things-you-need-to-know-before-making-your-a-level-choices Choosing you’re a levels … Pharmacy must have: chemistry, plus at least one from biology, maths and physics English must have: usually English literature, maybe English literature and language or English language Geology / earth sciences must have: at least two from maths, physics, chemistry and biology Economics sometimes need: maths, very rarely do you need economics

The IB 3 Core Elements The six subject groups are: Theory of knowledge, students reflect on the nature of knowledge The extended essay, An independent piece of research - 4,000-word paper. Creativity, activity, service, Project related to those three concepts. The six subject groups are: Studies in language and literature Language acquisition Individuals and societies (Humanities) Sciences. Mathematics The arts * http://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/ * Can choose additional sciences, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts. Each student takes at least three (but not more than four) subjects at higher level, and the remaining at standard level.

Apprenticeships Intermediate Apprenticeship –Level 2 Exeter Advanced Apprenticeship – Level 3 Combination of work placed learning and day release college days Get paid to study (min wage) Accountancy, Engineering, Building, catering, Retail, Sports and Leisure … hairdressing … www.exe-coll.ac.uk/1618/Courses/Apprenticeships https://issuu.com/thinkapprenticeships/docs/vacancies_28-09-16_d5802cdf730a05

UCAS- IB vs A Level IB – top mark is same as A* 56 (higher ) and 28 (core) Extended project max 28 points A* * Not all Universities use the Tariff Point System and there are many other options incl BTEC, Double Award A levels, Pre-U ..

What are my options? School based Sixth Form Centre Tertiary Education College Vocational Specialised Education Centre (Agricultural College, Music College, Theatre School)

School Based Sixth Form ? Good transition between school and university/ work Lots of opportunities for extra curricula activities Opportunities for leadership placements :- prefect / Head of Houses/ School Good Support Services Flexibility for traditional qualifications combined with some vocational courses Ideal for students who like /need the support of a school establishment, but who are ready for more freedom and opportunities. Exeter college - Extend

Tertiary College ? Much larger and more extensive courses on offer (Exeter College boasts 4,000 F/T students) Adult learning environment Extensive course list :- traditional A levels, vocational courses, academies and apprenticeships. Ideal for students wanting a much more independent learning environment – and those who are able to manage their own learning priorities Consider transport / opportunities to be noticed / Distractions

Bicton College ? Wide range of vocational (practical based) courses- Mostly BTEC qualifications Level 1, 2 and 3 BTEC qualifications Over 50 Courses including :- Animal Care Equine Studies Land based Technology Military Service Sport – incl. Rugby at Exeter Chiefs Academy Floristry and Horticulture Engineering …..

The all Important Enrichment Program Leadership Opportunities Extended Project Community Action Work Experience Personal Reference Help

What Next ? … do your homework Start looking at your options Have an idea of what your future plans are:- Is University for you ? Are A Levels, IB or an Apprenticeship for you ? What entry requirements do you need ? Build up your personal statement & work Experience When do you need to apply ? Gain the all important predicted grades ! Decide what is best for you (not your friends !)

Dates for Your Diary Local Open Days .. Bicton :- 26th October & 15th February 2017 Exeter College :- 17 October & 15 November Kings School Sixth Form :- 24 November@ 6PM Sidmouth College :- 22 November 2016 @ 7pm       

Useful Websites .. university.which.co.uk www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship http://www.ibo.org http://sacu-student.com (Spartan Career Test)