ALEVELS: Sixth-Form School (16+)

Moving up in the world

Transitioning from Year 11 after successfully completing IGCSEs, is an important stage in a student’s academic career at Square College and in the wider context of their lives (Career choices, progression).

Whilst it is no small feat, it provides the opportunity for a prospective student to choose from a wide range of A Levels and Elective subjects (4 in total). In making their choices, students can gear their time in Sixth-form towards their academic strengths and develop their unique intellectual passions. For example, a student might pair their Alevel in computer science with an elective co-curricular in game design & development or an Alevel in chemistry with a research project in genetic engineering.

Taking Alevels with you

Both accepted internationally and domestically, it’s a gateway to direct university admission and that’s why it’s important that students choose their Alevels carefully. If students have a specific university or course they are considering, they will need to investigate the requirements for it and identify the Alevel subjects that will prepare them accordingly. We of course, are there to nudge our students in the right direction.

Alevels demand Discipline, Intensity and Focus.

The DIF (Discipline, Intensity, Focus) system is at the core of our teaching, it can always feel like there is a sense of urgency but that is exactly it! Students must be aware how this crucial time can shape their lives. Not only do Sixth-formers have access to amazing academic and intellectual opportunities at Square College but also a greater range of extra-curricular activities to develop a healthy bank of skillsets, needed in the world today like:

• In-depth subject content.
• Independent thinking.
• Evaluating variable information sources.
• Thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments.
• Making judgements, recommendations and decisions.
• Presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them logically and clearly.
• Leadership skills and taking initiative.

Higher Expectations, Higher Rewards.

More is more or is it? Transitioning from 8-11 subjects at IGCSE level to 3-4 subjects at A-level, might seem like “less“. This is a gross mis-conception! Alevel Students are required to carefully pick 4 topics in their first year, and decide early on what path they are choosing to walk.

This means a student picking Chemistry, Maths, Physics and History, will spend almost 3x more time on each of these topics relative to IGCSE’s. Students are required to prepare presentations, lead discussions, set up their own study sessions and plan their study breaks. At Square College, Alevel students are gently guided to adulthood and all the things that come with it!

Sixth-formers take Initiative and Responsibility.

Sixth Form is a time of great personal growth and development, something we are fond of at Square College. Our team of incredible tutors support our sixth-formers to really investigate and grow their skillsets, in and out of school but on the same stroke, we look for students to take initiative, have a can-do attitude to work and seek answers always!

Syllabus & Curriculum

Square College follows the well established, robust and accredited Cambridge international Examination Syllabus. It outlines an academically rigorous curriculum, challenging our students and pushing them to do their best.

Please find details of the general curricular here. General curriculum requirements can be found exclusively on the CIE website.