The National Curriculum for England and Wales is divided into four Key Stages.
- Key Stage 1: (Years 1 and 2)
- Key Stage 2: (Years 3, 4, 5, and 6)
- Key Stage 3: (Years 7, 8, and 9)
- Key Stage 4: (Years 10 and 11)
The core subjects of the National Curriculum are:
English, Mathematics, and Science
Other subjects include: History; Geography; Design and Technology; ICT; Modern Foreign Languages; Music; Art and Design; Physical Education; Religious Education; and Citizenship.
Years 10 and 11 constitute a two-year cycle during which students prepare for the GCSE examinations (General Certificate of Secondary Education). Many students in international schools take IGCSEs (International GCSEs), rather than the standard British GCSEs. These are fully recognised as equal to the standard GCSEs.
Following successful results in (I)GCSE examinations students wishing to go on to university or other institutions of higher education will take A Levels (or, in a number of international schools, the International Baccalaureate (IB) - see below). A levels constitute another two-year cycle and are highly specialised. Students will normally study 3 subjects for A Level, though they may study for a fourth A Level, or perhaps an additional subsidiary level course (known as AS). The choice of subjects depends upon a student's likely course at university, and likely future career.
Acceptance at a British university will depend upon the results gained at A Level (and also take into account success at GCSE). International students transferring at a late stage to a British school (for example at the A Level stage, but not having taken the GCSE exams) should not be too concerned. British universities are flexible in their demands, especially with international students, and will offer places on the school's recommendation and likely results in A Level or IB examinations. Universities in other countries are normally acquainted with the British system, and will apply similar criteria to universities in the UK.
Click here or more information on the National Curriculum for England and Wales.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
IB is similar to A Levels in that it is a final two-year course for entry to university. It is administered by the International Baccalaureate Office, based in Geneva. It is well established and is acceptable for UK university entrance as is the A Level system. It is also recognised by most countries throughout the world. Indeed, Education Ministries in some countries prefer it to the A Level system since, although similar in the level of achievement required, it is broader based, requiring six academic subjects to be studied.
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