A Level Route (A)
In order to study on the A Level route, students must first meet matriculation requirements of an average point score of 6.5 over the best 8 subjects, including a grade 5 or above in English. Evidence of an international perspective is required for external students, together with a satisfactory reference from their current school. In addition, students need to meet the subject grades listed in the matriculation document. The majority of the A Levels that we offer require that the students obtains a grade 6, or above, in the subject (or related subject) at GCSE in order to study it at A Level.
Our Sixth Form offers you a very wide range of A Levels. Please see the attachment detailing suitable combinations to help students make their decision. Virtually every combination of subject will be considered and timetabled if possible, though on the odd occasion this may lead to some limited clashes between lessons. It should be recognised that you may be Course Counselled against certain combinations if experience shows that these are unsuitable for Higher Education entrance or that they limit your chances of academic success.
When choosing your A Level subjects you should consider:
- Your ability in, and potential for, the subject
- Your interest in, and commitment to, the subject
- The overall combination of subject choices
- Any formal requirements for Higher Education courses (Russell Group ‘Informed Choices’ publication may be helpful for those students applying to these types of institutions: http://russellgroup.ac.uk/for-students/school-and-college-in-the-uk/subject-choices-at-school-and-college/).
A Levels will be 2 year Linear courses, externally examined in June 2025
A Levels
A Levels, students will sit internally assessed examination at the end of the Lower Sixth and mid-way through the Upper Sixth, before sitting external examinations at the end of the Upper Sixth. The points scored in all exams combine to produce an overall grade for the full A level which ranges in grades from A* to E. In the AES International Sixth Form students are expected to continue with 4 A Levels where appropriate into the Upper Sixth to maintain breadth in our student’s studies which we believe is valued by universities and employers alike.
Vocational A Level Equivalent
The Vocational A Level Equivalent (VAE) course currently offered is Financial Studies. It differs from a “traditional” A Level because it is a modular course, with students sitting two sets of examinations in each year of study. Note that VAE carries the same UCAS weighting as a traditional A Level.
Why study Vocational A Level Equivalents?
- VAE’s are respected by universities
- It suits students who enjoy learning in chunks, with smaller but more regular examinations
- Employers value the qualities that VAE students develop, including organisation, time management, presentation and research skills.
- Students have an opportunity to try a range of activities, such as designing projects, organising events, investigating how professionals operate and working in teams.
- The Financial Studies course is one of the two courses (A Level Business being the other) which are deemed to be “career related” and therefore accredited by the International Baccalaureate for the IBCP route.