Programs in the list: GCSE, Pre-GCSE, A-level, International Baccalaureate, Pre-IB, BTEC (level 3), Foundation, Pre-U, Advanced Placement, Abitur (German Baccalaureate) , Spanish Bachillerato (Spanish Baccalaureate), Esame di stato (Italian matriculation certificate), Swiss matura Swiss Matura, French Baccalaureate (French Baccalaureate) .
Full list of required documents for admission to academic programs (may vary depending on the country of study and the institution):
- Knowledge equivalent to the age level of the course, certificates, diplomas (if any)
- Grades from the school for the last 1-2-3 years
- Letters of recommendation from teachers of foreign languages, mathematics and the class teacher. Additionally, an educational institution may request a recommendation from the principal
- Testing for knowledge of mathematics, language, other subjects
- Certificate of knowledge of the language of instruction
- Interview with a representative of the school (possibly Skype interview)
- Certificates, certificates, awards, personal achievements of the student
- A motivation letter / personal statement
- The first page of the children's travel document / passport
- Photos of the passport format (the number of photos varies according to the requirements of the school, usually from 1 to 12)
- Medical certificate on the general health of the child and the release of vaccinations
- Birth certificate
(Additional documents may be required on the individual request of the educational institution)
Attention! The requirements for each of the following educational programs may vary depending on the foreign educational institution.
GCSE
Available: The Concord College
Brief information. One-two-year program of preparation of children for study on A-level, IB, BTEC.
Age of students. 14 - 16 years old (grade 8 and older).
Academic requirements. The level of knowledge corresponding to the 8-9 grade of the school.
Level of English.IELTS 4.5 (for each of the sections) / TOEFL 103 CBT / 34 IBT / SLEP 43.
GCSE - certificate of incomplete secondary education. The training program allows students from all over the world to become familiar with the UK's education system in grades 8-9. The course, designed for 1-2 years, involves the study of basic and additional subjects that teenagers choose according to their preferences. Mathematics, academic English, and foreign language are compulsory. The choice of students in British schools offered literature, chemistry, physics, law, economics, biology, accounting, business discipline (more than 70 subjects). To obtain the GCSE certificate, it is quite effective to study two compulsory and three to five additional disciplines.
Classes are held in classrooms and laboratories (depending on the disciplines chosen by the child). The main material is given in the lessons. There are also homework assignments, individual projects. Independent, group work is practiced. The progress of schoolchildren is determined during the training period. Its level is influenced by the quality of the tasks provided by the program, the results of testing, activity in the classroom. At the end of the course, the children take the national uniform examination. It entitles you to a GCSE certificate.
The estimation system
On average, students receive 6 to 8 subjects to receive a GCSE certificate. They are estimated A, B, C. They correspond to 5, 4 and 3 on a five-point system. The highest score is A *.
The result of training
GCSE certified teens can continue their studies in A-level, IB programs. During their studies in the UK schools, they receive knowledge, develop the skills required in the following courses. In addition, the GCSE program gives students an idea of ​​the specifics of academic requirements, the nuances of passing exams and the system of British education in general.
Pre-GCSE
Available: The Queen's College of Ethelburgs
The GCSE preparation program is aimed at students of the 9th grade. It allows to improve the skills of English, to pass a standard subject course of academic preparation, corresponding to the educational level. The main emphasis in Pre-GCSE is on language training.
Admission to the preparatory course can be foreign students 13 years and older who have a certificate of secondary basic education, characteristics of the school, owning English at the level of IELTS 2.5-3.0. The training lasts from 3 months to the academic year.
About the program
Pre-GCSE is designed in accordance with high British educational standards. It allows to provide full-fledged preparation of students for passing exams and obtaining a GCSE certificate. The course includes an intensive linguistic, subject program. During the training, the teachers of the colleges in which the Pre-GCSE is offered monitor the academic progress of the students and, if necessary, adjust individual plans. The program also provides for the passing of exams that are identical to the actual ones (for admission to private prestigious British schools for the GCSE course).
The learning process
The Pre-GCSE course involves studying the main aspects of English with an intensity of 10-15 hours / week. And mathematics. Students also get acquainted with a number of academic subjects, including natural, social sciences, personal, physical education, business, information technology, art.
The preparatory course will not only provide the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills for continuing education in Britain, but also decide on the choice of a private boarding school. In colleges for students of the Pre-GCSE there are consultations of specialists on the selection of an educational institution for training on GCSE and subsequently A-level.
A-level
Available: Kent College Canterbury
Brief information. Two-year program of preparation for admission to universities.
Age of students. 16 years and older.
Academic requirements. GCSE with a score not lower than C / certificate of incomplete secondary education, academic
English level. IELTS 5.5 (for each of the sections) / TOEFL 194 CBT / 71 IBT / SLEP 57.
A-level - a program for students preparing for entering universities of Great Britain. The certificate obtained at the end of the course frees the entrant from passing additional entrance examinations. A-level is called the "gold standard" of British school education.
The program is taught in most colleges and schools of the country. Its structure, academic organization is the same for all educational institutions. The peculiarity of A-level is that the emphasis of teaching here is put on depth, the intensity of the study of subjects, which are determined by the choice of the student's further activity.
The program is designed for 2 years of study. The first students are offered a minimum of 4 priority subjects. On the second - three. Students who enter the A-level course are initially focused on a certain specialization. At the university, they will subsequently deepen their knowledge of the priority disciplines. When selecting items, it is recommended to pay attention to the academic balance. Some disciplines of the A-level course partially repeat each other.
The evaluation system
To obtain an A-level certificate, you must pass 3 to 5 items with an A to C score (full AE scale). Exams are given every year. Learning outcomes of the first and second years play an important role in assessing the level of the student's preparation for continuing studies at the university. Today, the highest A-level score is A *. It was introduced in 2008 specifically for students with a high level of academic knowledge in selected subjects.
The result of training
The higher the academic level of the student, the easier it is to get to the University of Great Britain by the results of the A-level. Also, the certificate gives the right to enter a number of universities in the world.
IB (International Baccalaureate)
Available: The College of Du Lehmann
Brief information. 2-year program of obtaining an international full secondary education, preparing for admission to universities.
Age of students. From 16 years (10-11 class and is more senior).
Academic requirements. GCSE with a score not lower than C.
English level. IELTS 5.5 (for each of the sections) / TOEFL 194 CBT / 71 IBT / SLEP 57.
InternationalBaccalaureate is a program created more than half a century ago in Switzerland, a universal school course with a curriculum that has made it possible to equate the education received by students in other countries with the national one. Today IB Diploma (equivalent to the certificate of secondary education) is recognized by the leading universities in the world.
The program has a number of features. One of such is the development of students' social adaptation skills, regardless of their chosen specialization. The emphasis is on independent work. Students are taught to think critically, motivate to achieve. This style of teaching spurs interest in in-depth study of priority subjects. The program, aimed at developing self-confidence, ambition, is suitable for purposeful students.
As for academic preparation, students are offered a large selection of subjects. Obligatory is the study of science (methodology) and mathematics. In total, to receive IB Diploma, it is enough to pass examinations in 6 subjects. Teaching disciplines is conducted on two levels: standard and advanced.
The evaluation system
A scoring system was adopted in IB. The maximum score is 45, the checkpoint is 24. The higher the examination scores, the more likely the applicant to enter the chosen university in the UK or the world. Academic knowledge of students by school teachers and independent examiners is assessed. This contributes to the credibility of IB Diploma.
The result of training
Applicants with high IB results are admitted to universities without exams. In each educational institution only the level of academic preparation is stipulated. As a rule, holders of IB Diploma with ratings above 24 points can apply for admission without examinations.
Pre-IB
Available: Lehman Manhattan School
A number of academic and other requirements are presented to the students of the IB course. The program is available to children 14 years and older who have been interviewed in English. The language proficiency level must be at least IELTS 4.5. If the admission shows that the student is not ready for the program, he is asked to take the Pre-IB course. It provides for the study of English, mathematics, natural, humanitarian disciplines. Students who are 14 or older are admitted to Pre-IB.
Features of the program
In addition to the academic preparation for the IB course, the course provides classes in the areas of Creativity, Action, Service. The program is aimed at developing the creative abilities of students. They are offered lessons in pottery workshops, art studios, participation in social (volunteering: helping handicapped people, old people, collecting charitable funds, etc.), sports events.
Training on Pre-IB usually takes place in small groups of 3-7 people. The program is designed for an academic year, includes 5 modules, each of which is studied for 7 weeks.
The result of training
The main goal of Pre-IB is to fulfill the conditions for entering the International Baccalaureate course. In-depth study of academic disciplines, extensive extracurricular program, stay in the English-speaking environment, communication with native speakers, development of autonomy allow the adolescent to adapt effectively to training in a new foreign environment, and to be fully prepared for the forthcoming international baccalaureate program.
BTEC (level 3)
Available:Abby DLD London
Brief information. A program equivalent to 3 A-level exams, allowing students to enter universities on an equal basis with applicants with A-level, IB certificates.
Age of students. From 16 years.
Academic requirements. GCSE with a score not lower than C.
Level of English. Minimum IELTS 5.5 (for each of the sections).
BTEC (level 3) - the third level of British education. The professional qualification of students is equated to the A-level exams. The program is designed for 2 years of study. Each course involves the study of 9 - 12 modules, made up of core subjects. The BTEC (level 3) program is exclusively practical. Subjects are studied by students on the basis of real situations. Students carry out projects, research works. Each of them affects the overall score for the profile discipline.
The peculiarity of BTEC (level 3) is the increased control over the progress of students. School assignments, tests are supervised by teachers. This approach to the learning process allows us to clearly identify the weaknesses of students and effectively adjust the curriculum. BTEC (level 3) allows you to study priority disciplines from a practical point of view, using the existing theoretical developments. The effectiveness of this approach is confirmed by time and practice. BTEC (level 3) has been taught in British schools and colleges for over 25 years.
The evaluation system
The work of students on the course is evaluated during the year. Their results form academic results. In BTEC (level 3) the following rating system is adopted: Distinction (excellent), Merit (good), Pass (satisfactory).
The result of training
Students who study under the BTEC (level 3) program get the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for further studies at the university and further work in their specialty. Many perceive the course as practical and combine it with the A-level. This allows you to get the most quality academic training for the university and improve your status in the international labor market.
Foundation
Available: Kings College of Boston
Brief information. One-year program of preparation for the university, aimed at foreigners who received a certificate of full secondary education in their country.
Age of students. Older than 17 years (graduates of schools are accepted for the course).
Academic requirements. Complete secondary education.
Level of English. IELTS 4.5 / TOEFL 477.
The program allows you to prepare for university studies for adolescents who do not have the experience of studying in English schools. The course involves the study of academic English, information technology, the development of learning skills. In addition, students are offered subjects that will later be taught at the university on the chosen course. The choice of disciplines is wide enough. It can be art, business, engineering and so on.
The Foundation's advantage in short-term. For the year the student can prepare for admission to the specialization of interest in the university. The course involves an intensive study of priority (elective) and compulsory disciplines. Programs of the Foundation are usually developed jointly with universities, employers who need specialists of a specific profile.
Learning Outcome
After the Foundation, you can enroll in many British universities. Do not recognize the course only the most prestigious educational institutions. There is no Foundation program to prepare for admission to legal or medical specialties. The requirement for applicants in this case is the presence of an IB or A-level certificate.
Pre-U
Available: Epsom College
Brief information. Two-year training program for Oxbridge, an alternative to IB, A-level, BTEC.
Age of students. Older than 16 years.
Academic requirements. High school diploma.
Level of English. IELTS 5.5 - 6.0.
Pre-U is the youngest international training and preparation program for the university. It has a number of features. First of all, this refers to the approach to training and certification requirements. Students are offered for in-depth study of 28 core subjects. Choose from them you need three. The Pre-U course offers students not only classical theoretical lessons, practical classes, but also specialized design programs that allow them to acquire research skills, develop analytical skills.
Pre-U is considered one of the most difficult academic courses among the existing ones. But this program allows students to concentrate as much as possible on the study of priority disciplines, get a high-quality result and subsequently continue their studies at the most prestigious universities in the UK and the world.
Evaluation system
Pre-U students take exams at the end of a two-year course. Intermediate knowledge control is not implemented. The program assumes an assessment of the academic achievements of students according to the scheme Distinction, Merit, Pass. Each level is divided into three sublevels. The D2 score for Pre-U corresponds to A * by A-level. D1 corresponds to an exceptionally high level of academic knowledge. The final grade is deduced from the three exams, the individual project and the research work of the student.
The result of training
Based on the results of the Pre-U examinations, students are admitted to Cambridge or Oxford universities for courses in the relevant area (specialization). The course can be combined with A-level. This will ensure the maximum quality of pre-university preparation.
Advanced Placement
Available: Nor Brouwert School
Learn in the US, Canada - it's prestigious and gives an excellent start for a future career. To enter the universities of the countries can be based on the results of one of the preparatory programs. In the US, the most famous is the AP. It was developed by the Council of the College Board in the 1940s. A little later Advanced Placement tried several authoritative schools in the country with the support of leading American universities. The principle of the program has not changed since then.
During the studies on the program of the senior classes, preliminary admission to the university is provided, allowing students to determine the subjects, the assessments (credits) for which will later be translated into a university diploma. Examinations on disciplines are written by students one year after the beginning of studies (ie at the end of 11 and 12 classes) Subsequently these disciplines the student continues to teach at the university. Estimates received on AR are taken into account when enrolling in an institution of higher education and subsequent training. The course involves the passage of profile material on the topics of the first two semesters of the university program. At the end of the program, students receive a diploma of secondary education (High School Diploma).
AR includes 21 subject specialization. For each of the selected subjects at the end of the course, students take a written exam. The latter is most often carried out in a test form. The level of academic preparation of a student is assessed on a 5-point scale (A-F). The results of examinations are submitted to the university with the other documents of the applicant.
To pass the AP course, modern foreign students can be based on private and public schools, US colleges. For admission to the program you need TOEFL (equivalent) certificate, SSAT, SAT, recommendations of English teachers, mathematics, characteristics from school. Also, applicants are invited to write an essay.
The Diploma of AR is recognized today by many prestigious universities in America, including Harvard. The number of educational institutions, which can be acted upon by the results of the preparatory program, is increasing every year.
Abitur
Available: The Zalemsky International College
Germanic education is one of the most prestigious in the world. Specialists who have received diplomas in the country are valued in the world labor market. Foreign students often begin their educational path in Germany at school. Rules, programs, terms of study in different federal states are different. But the result of school education is always Abitur. The certificate allows yesterday's student to enter the university. Many universities of Germany accept students according to the results of Abitur, that is, without additional examinations.
The children who have finished the 13th grade receive the certificate. At the same time, 4 final exams on the main subjects are submitted. A foreign student must receive a minimum of two years of study at the German school to receive Abitur. State educational institutions accept children older than 14 years. Education in a private school can begin earlier. Foreigners who do not live in Germany, the certificate can be issued only by a private boarding school (freie schulen).
Abitur at school
Institutions are divided into several categories. After completing the primary school will have to choose the direction of training and follow-up. The average humanitarian, technical education corresponding to the world standards can be obtained at a prestigious gymnasium. Graduates of such a school without additional examinations come to many faculties of prestigious universities (with the exception of medical). The secondary school also gives an opportunity to obtain a diploma of Abitur, then to enter the university. In schools, preparation for the university takes the last year of training.
Abitur in college
The students who have received secondary education in their country in Germany to receive Abitur will have to undergo a two-year special course, which allows to level the difference between 11 and 13-year educational cycles. In Studienkolleg, foreigners are offered 5 directions of study: T (basic disciplines are mathematics, physics), M (biology), W (mathematics, economics), S (social sciences, foreign language and other subjects) and G (history, German literature and others Subjects). Colleges work throughout Germany, except for North Rhine-Westphalia.
Spanish Bachillerato (Spanish Baccalaureate)
Available: Kings College of Alicante
The educational system of Spain provides for 16 to 18-year-old students the degree of bacillary. This degree is a complete secondary education or the first level of a professional. For three courses students choose a specialization and deepen their knowledge either in humanitarian or in exact sciences. Passage of the program requires the Ministry of Education of Spain for admission to local universities. After the completion of Spanish Bachillerato, students take final exams, the points on which are taken into account as competitive grades in higher educational institutions of the country.
Training, as a rule, takes place in small groups, as schoolchildren are divided into streams of 4 specializations. The first include design, art and creative courses: dance, music, stage. The study of natural sciences is envisaged in the second complex. The scientific block is integrated with the technological one. The fourth area of ​​study is humanitarian and social subjects.
Time is given not only to academic subjects, but also to special training. For foreigners, the college conducts Spanish lessons from beginners to advanced. If a student can not pass two exams in the subjects of the first year, he can be trained in the summer months and retake them again. If you fail to complete the 4 disciplines, you must complete the annual training one more time.
Admission to the higher educational institutions of Spain is possible with a diploma título de Bachiller.
The program of the Italian matriculation certificate Esame di stato
Esame di stato - Italian exam for matriculation. It is carried out within the limits established by the state standards. Esame di stato has two forms:
- Maturità Linguistica (with a linguistic bias).
- Maturità Scientifica (with an emphasis on natural sciences).
With the Italian certificate applicants can enter the universities of Italy and the world. A wide range of courses in Italian is offered in Switzerland.
Preparation for the Esame di stato is carried out in accordance with the student's chosen bias.
The program of the Swiss matriculation certificate of Swiss Matura (Schweizer Maturität)
Available: College Du Leman
Swiss Matura is one of the most complex programs in the Swiss education system. Preparation for the certificate begins in junior school and ends in the 12th grade. After the 8th grade, students from Swiss schools undergo a four-year gymnasium course. He provides active preparation for the exam on the receipt of Swiss Matura.
In general, the Swiss educational system solves the following pedagogical tasks:
Transfer of academic knowledge in the main subjects of the school curriculum;
Education of an individual capable of forming independent judgments and critical thinking.
Effective methods and technologies are used to solve problems. Training on the Swiss program allows children to qualitatively prepare for admission to the university. In gymnasium classes they develop not only academic, but also special skills necessary for passing the Swiss Matura exam. Students learn to independently conduct projects, conduct research, objectively assess the level of their achievements.
Features of Swiss Matura
The program is presented in five types (AE). Each of them is a certain specialization (linguistics, economics, humanities, etc.). The type of the program is chosen by pupils of schools in 13-14 years (7 class). After this, active preparation for the examination of Swiss Matura and entrance to a specific faculty of the university begins. In total, 13-15 subjects (compulsory) are studied for obtaining a Swiss diploma, at least 3 languages. It is also possible to select additional disciplines in accordance with the specialization.
French Baccalaureate (French undergraduate)
Available: International School of Notre Dame
French Baccalaureate is a qualification that allows an entrant to enroll in a French university. The program of obtaining a certificate has an international status, it implies serious academic preparation of students. A feature of French Baccalaureate is the emphasis on the development of special skills. Students of the program are taught to reason, develop judgments, ideas, think critically.
The main requirement for entering the preparation course for the French Baccalaureate exam is a high level of French proficiency.
Like the Italian, Swiss system, the French system provides for the selection of specialization in the senior classes. Students are encouraged to focus on the study of natural, social sciences, economics, and art.
Language exams
In addition to any of the basic programs for obtaining a certificate of maturity, private school students can pass intensive foreign language courses to obtain an international certificate. Each of them is designed for a minimum of one trimester.
The standard language program (English, German, Italian) provides for a load of 25-30 academic hours a week. Every day students are offered classes in oral communication, writing, grammar. For those who speak a foreign language at an advanced level, but need to improve their skills, literature lessons are provided.
The main goal of each course is to obtain a corresponding certificate (DELF, TOEFL, PLIDA, FCE, etc.), integration into the language school program.
For foreign students at the language department, short-term vacation courses (summer, winter) are also provided. They allow you to combine preparation for admission to the selected school curriculum or a foreign language course with cognitive rest, sports. Classes on vacation courses take place mainly in the mornings. Afternoon, evening time is reserved for the extra-curricular program, which allows to improve the foreign language in a relaxed atmosphere.
