St Johns International School Next Steps Jargon unravelled

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 A 2 * • 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 A 2 • Entry requirements normally min B in each subject. . * Not Cambridge International A levels

What AS / A Levels • A/AS Level English Literature • A/AS Media Studies • A/AS Level English Language • A/AS Psychology • IELTS Academic Module (English) • A/AS Art and Design • A/AS Level Mathematics • A/AS Business Studies • A/AS Level Physics • A/AS Computer Science • A/AS Level Biology • A/AS French • A/AS Level Chemistry* • A/AS German • A/AS Level Applied ICT • A/AS Spanish • A/AS Level Geography • AS Global Perspectives • A/AS Music • A/AS History • A/AS Physical Education

The IB • 3 Core Elements • 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 *

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

UCAS- IB vs A Level * 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 • • Good Support Services • Ideal for students who like /need the support of a school establishment, but who are ready for more freedom and opportunities. Lots of opportunities for extra curricula activities Opportunities for leadership placements : - prefect / Head of Houses/ School Flexibility for traditional qualifications combined with some vocational courses

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 : - 26 th October & 15 th February 2017 • Exeter College : - 17 October & 15 November • Kings School Sixth Form : - 24 November@ 6 PM • Sidmouth College : - 22 November 2016 @ 7 pm

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