In Key Stage 5, Sixth Form, students transition to the Advanced Level (A-Level) program, a more specialised course of study that prepares them for university entrance.
Several subjects are studied in depth and students can make their preferred choices from a range of subjects. Students select which subjects to study according to their interests, their performance in their IGCSEs, and the academic areas they are considering studying at university.
The assessment is through AS and A-level Exams, which are required for university entry and are the equivalent of the Spanish Bachillerato. There are two parts to International A levels (AS and A2). In each subject, official external exams are taken at the end of each year of 6th Form (AS at the end of Year 12; A2 at the end of Year 13). Each set of exams is of equal value and is added together to achieve a full A level. Each student´s university prospects rely on the A level results.
A-Levels are widely accepted internationally. The basic university entry requirement in Spain, for example, is two or more A level subject passes. Up to 4 AS and A-Levels are validated. Different universities (and different countries) have different criteria as you can see in the examples from the following table.
The AIS A-level program includes a choice of enrichment options (non-examined), supervised study times and career guidance. Our aim will continue to be providing a balanced and stimulating educational program to motivate our students in a supportive environment.
We offer a range of enrichment opportunities, including work experience placements, in-school internships, and annual class trips, often abroad, which students contribute to through fundraising. These experiences, along with the chance to engage with the rich cultural and historical offerings of the surrounding region, enhance their learning, broaden their perspectives, and provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Subject guidance: teaching 4 hours per week/subject
- Career guidance. AIS is a member school of the BridgeU international school community. BridgeU represents a diverse community of international school students, teachers, guidance counsellors and higher education institutions across 140+ countries, bringing universities and international schools together in genuine partnership by combining career exploration tools with personalised university and course matching to help students make informed decisions about their future.
https://bridge-u.com/ - Study support: research, time management, organisational skills
- Resources: Sixth Form ICT suite and access to our school library
- Enrichment Programme: Sports, Drama, Choir, Music group, Gardening,
- Mindfulness, Volunteering as teaching support/classroom assistance for the younger students (Work experience)
- The Enrichment Programme is offered in the first year only.
- In the second year: guidance on writing University applications
Timetable
12-16 hours per week for 3-4 A level subjects. (4 hours per subject).
1 hour - Tutor time
1 hour - Study support
1 hour - Enrichment
9 hours per week - Independent learning (unsupervised study)
1 hour lunch break and 20 minutes morning break (6 hrs./week)
For students interested in studying at a Spanish University there is a possible addition of
4 hours per week for 2 ‘Selectividad’ subjects (2 hours per subject).
Studying American Studies, Film Direction and Drama at University in Berlin, Germany
Studying Media Studies at Universitat Politecnica de Valencia in Gandia, Spain
Studying Visual Arts at University in Bologna, Italy. She was also accepted to study Marine Biology in Wales, UK
To be admitted in to a Spanish University to study for a Bachelor’s degree, students have the possibility to take exams in two or three subjects in the Pruebas de Competencia Específica (Spanish curriculum) for specific preparation. Pruebas de Competencia Específica (PCE) exams are taken at the UNED centre in Alicante University.
'Selectividad' subjects will be offered at AIS, if requested and depending on career choices and student interest.
With the mark of your A-Levels and the result of your PCE examination, you will get a combined mark that will show what type of university - public in general - you may access with this mark. This is known as "nota de corte" for Spanish Universities.
Please always check entry criteria with institutions before applying.