Why study GCSEs, A-levels and other
equivalents in the UK?
Students come from all over the world to study for the UK's universally known and respected GCSEs, A-levels, Standard Grades, Highers and other equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate. These are academic and career-based courses designed to stretch your ability and imagination. And you'll be in the right place to study for them. Many independent boarding schools and colleges are at the top of the UK league tables for GCSE, Scottish Higher and A-level results.
For many international students, GCSEs and A-levels are important steps on the road to degree or career-based courses. GCSEs and Scottish National Qualifications offer you the opportunity to explore a range of subjects from the sciences, humanities and arts, and discover your real strengths and interests. Scottish Highers, A-levels and AS-levels allow you to cover a smaller range in more depth, and to a level that prepares you for higher study. These courses will encourage independent thinking and personal study skills, as well as teamworking on projects. Or maybe you're planning to skip further studies and go straight into a career when you finish school - GCSEs and A-levels are held in high esteem across the globe and will help you stand out from the rest. Employers will be impressed by the skills you've gained through thinking for yourself and through research, teamwork and analysis.
Students are also encouraged to combine their academic work with a lively social life and, wherever you go, there will be a wide choice of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. You could find yourself directing a student play, scoring your school football team's winning goal, developing your singing talents or impressing your tutors with your debating skills. Coming to the UK is a great chance to expand your horizons, meet people from all over the world, get your first real taste of independence and learn more than you thought possible, not just academically but also about yourself and your own strengths. Higher and further education institutions will not only take into account academic results when selecting the best candidates for courses, they will also be looking at your all-round personal development. Your experience in the UK on a GCSE, A-level or equivalent course will build your character and confidence, broaden your outlook and help you become a strong candidate for whichever course or career you choose. Students come away with excellent qualifications and, most important of all, with the confidence, enthusiasm and energy to realise their dreams as well.
What can I study? - GCSEs
Students usually study from eight to 12 GCSE subjects over two years (in Scotland, you might study for a Scottish Certificate of Education Standard Grade, a similar qualification to the GCSE). Most students study a core of statutory subjects and choose additional subjects from a list.
Core subjects include English, mathematics, design and technology, a modern language, a science, information and communications technology (ICT), physical education and (from August 2002) citizenship. Optional subjects include art and design, business studies, drama, economics, engineering, health and social care, leisure and tourism, music, physics, and religious education. Students may take GCSEs in core and optional subjects.
Other subjects are also available at individual schools and colleges, depending on the expertise and qualifications of the teachers. For mature students, GCSE pathway courses are available at some colleges. Students complete a number of GCSEs in one year, which could lead on to an access course, a career-based course, AS-levels, A-levels or a career.
On any GCSE course, you receive formal tuition in the classroom and laboratory but are also encouraged to work independently and undertake research for projects, often outside school hours. Educational visits, either on your own or as part of a small group, are often part of the timetable. Some subjects take account of the work you do throughout the year, while others are assessed entirely by examination. Examinations are independently marked and graded. GCSE grades range from A* (the highest) to G.
New GCSEs in vocational subjects (formerly Part One GNVQ) are a career-based version of the GCSE. Eight subjects are available: art and design, business, engineering, health and social care, information and communications technology (ICT), leisure and tourism, manufacturing, and science. One vocational GCSE is equivalent to two conventional GCSEs. As with other GCSEs, grades range from A* (the highest) to G.
AS-levels and A-levels
they are advised to choose subjects that will help their future career and/or university application. The vast choice of subjects on offer includes all the GCSE subjects listed above plus geology, sports studies, electronics, photography, theatre studies, media studies and many others. In Scotland, students take National Qualifications at Higher level and, in some cases, at Advanced Higher level (see below). Boarding schools in Scotland offer Scottish Highers, Scottish Advanced Highers and A-levels.
For some subjects, such as mathematics, you will need to have taken a GCSE in the same subject. Others require no specific prior knowledge of the subject.
AS-levels and A-levels take two years altogether. In the first year, you study four or five subjects at AS-level. An AS-level counts as the first half of an A-level in the same subject. In the second year, you choose two to four of those subjects (usually three) to study at A-level. Some subjects take account of the work you do throughout the year, while others are assessed entirely by examination. Examinations are independently marked and graded. A-level grades range from A (the highest) to E.
On both A-level and AS-level courses, you receive classroom and laboratory tuition but you are also encouraged to work independently and undertake research for topical projects, frequently outside school hours. Educational visits, either on your own or as part of a small group, may be part of the timetable. www.educationuk.org
Vocational A-levels, also called Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE), can be taken alongside or instead of conventional A-levels.They are available in 12-, six- and three-unit awards.The 12- unit awards, also called 'double awards', are equivalent to two A-levels; the six-unit awards are equivalent to one A-level; the threeunit awards are equivalent to one AS-level.Vocational A-levels are offered in 14 subjects: art and design, business, engineering, health and social care, information and communication technology (ICT), leisure and tourism, manufacturing, construction and the built environment, hospitality and catering, land and environment, media communication and production, performing arts, retail and distributive services and science.
Scottish Standard Grades and Highers
Scotland has its own system of educational qualifications known as National Qualifications. Towards the end of the fourth year of secondary school (age 15 to 16), students take Scottish Certificates of Education (SCEs) at Standard Grade or, in some instances, Intermediate courses. Each Standard Grade course is normally taken across two years and is designed to be taken ahead of the other national courses. Most students in Scottish schools will take seven or eight Standard Grades, completing these in their fourth year. In the fifth and sixth years (age 16 to 18), students can take up to four or five further subjects at any of the National Course levels and most will take these at 'Higher' level.
There are National Courses at four levels in the Scottish framework. Those at the level above Higher are called Advanced Highers. Courses at levels below Highers are called Intermediate one and two. The main qualification required for entry to Scottish universities is the 'Higher'. Generally, school students go on to higher education at 18, after six years of secondary education but a significant minority go on at 17, after five years in secondary school.
All National Courses are made up of a group of internally assessed National Units and an external assessment. A course is usually made up of three single units (a single unit is based on an estimated 40 hours of timetabled learning) but the number will vary where half units or double units are used. The units of a course are related to the learning requirements of a coherent programme of study in a given subject area. The external assessment for the course is designed to test that knowledge and skills have been retained. It may take the form of an examination, a project or a performance.The main diet of examinations for National Courses takes place in May to June and leads to certification in early to mid August. Students who remain until the sixth year normally do a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers. There are variations to this pattern arising from the ability of the student and/or the curriculum policy of the school or the local authority. This policy may allow students to take other qualifications, including SVQs (the English equivalent is the NVQ).
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate was created as an international qualification for students aged between 16 and 18 at schools around the world. It is accepted as an entry qualification for higher education by most countries, including the UK. Three subjects must be offered at A-level equivalent standard and three at AS-level equivalent during this two-year course. Students must also complete an extended essay on one subject and take part in a course on the theory of knowledge, as well as extra-curricular activities. Award of the diploma depends on the student gaining at least 24 points from these subjects.
Key facts
The British Government have put aside £287 million to ensure that all schools have broadband internet access by 2006 and are able to make use of online curriculum materials.
UK schools and colleges will receive more than £950 million in 2003/04 to increase student numbers and improve the quality of teaching and teaching environments.
Results for 2002 in the three biggest GCSE entry subjects:
English: proportion of grades A* to C was 59.7% (58.5% in 2001).
Mathematics: proportion of grades A* to C was 52.3% (50.1% in 2001).
Double award science: proportion of grades A* to C was 51.8% (52.4% in 2001).
Steps to follow if planning for a study programme in UK You should ideally start your application process at least a year ahead when you want to go and study. You will then have ample time to finish the entrance tests and application procedures required by UK universities.
Accommodation in UK
UK towns and cities are a comfortable home for students, there are many inexpensive, comfortable and safe places to stay in UK
One should always try to arrange long-term accommodation before leaving home....
Immigration requirements For Studying & Working In UK Student visas can be obtained from the new Visa Application Centres in Delhi and the British Deputy High Commissions in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Students need to prove that they have an unconditional offer on a full time course, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds to cover the entire cost of studying and living in Britain and that they intend to return home on completion of their course.
Studying In Glasgow University University of Glasgow is one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious seats of learning, with an international reputation for its research and teaching, and an important role in the cultural and commercial life of the country.Excellent opportunities for students to gain generic and transferable skills in areas such as bioethics, IT, statistics, scientific writing, entrepreneurship and public speaking Bioinformatics Biomedical Sciences
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