Orientation for Class 9 Students and Parents

2016 - 17

About Us

One of the largest private school systems in the world

Established in 1978 in Karachi

126,000+ Students

8,000+ Total employees

5,000+ Teaching staff (from total)

185 Schools

52 Cities

03 Regions

International schools in 6 countries

At The City School our guidance counsellors provide holistic academic and career guidance to students.

Whilst working with students on their academic choices, our trained counsellors also keep in mind the personal challenges and stressors that students might be dealing with.

We aim to involve families, peers and the school administration in the guidance counselling process.

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What is O-Level?

o Cambridge O Level is an internationally

recognised qualification equivalent to the

UK General Certificate of Secondary

Education (GCSE).

o Cambridge O Level provides learners with

excellent preparation for academic

progression to Cambridge Advanced

including Cambridge A/AS Levels.

The number of

students taking the

O Level

examinations has

increased three-fold

over the past five

years because the

qualifications are

accepted

internationally.

• One of the most recognised

qualifications around the World

• O Level courses are renowned for

developing vital educational skills

• O Level has continually evolved to

ensure that syllabuses are kept up-to-

date and reflect good educational

practice

• Pathway to world top universities and

colleges

• Equally suitable for local colleges and

universities

• Language skills

• Analytical skills

• Problem solving skills

• Skill based learning

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The GCE O-Level

6Examination and Grading

Examinations are held in May/June and

October/November each year with results issued

in August and January respectively

O Level grading is accepted by Universities in

many countries, including Canada and the USA,

who will admit students on the basis of their O

Level performances alone.

Grade C in O Level English Language satisfies

the English proficiency requirements of many

universities in the UK and other countries.

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Important Facts

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Excellent track record of best results

in CIE

World distinctions and awards

Cambridge approved examination

center

Excellent teaching faculty

Fully equipped science and computer

labs

Dedicated counselling department

TCS O Level

Programme

O-level facilities and activities

Computer labsFaculty

Science labs

Common Rooms

Libraries

Modern Classrooms

Sports Fitness

Youth Leadership Programme

Student Clubs

Career Counselling

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Subject Group Selection will be done towards the end of Prep II (Class 8 from Academic Session

2016-17)

Class 9 (O-Levels year 1): School based (TCS) exams of all subjects

(Mid-year and Final)

Class 10 (O-Level Year 2): CIE exams of 3 compulsory subjects

(Islamiyat, Urdu and Pakistan Studies)

Class 11 (O-Levels Year 3): CIE exams of 2 compulsory (English & Math) and minimum 3 selected

subjects.

CIE Criteria:

* 80% Attendance (min.)

* 60% Marks in every subject

TIMELINE

Points to remember when deciding subjects!

Choose a subject that you are interested in and are

passionate about.

Be comfortable with your course of study, so discuss with

family, friends, teachers, counsellors and also search on

internet.

Identify your abilities and skills which you can enhance with

the subjects you select.

Explore your career ambitions and choose a course which

will most likely help you achieve them.

Subject Details – GCE O Level

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Compulsory – Science & Business Groups

English

Urdu

Islamiyat

Pak-Studies

Mathematics

Subject Details – GCE O Level

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Elective Subjects*

*Subject options may differ from branch to branch.

Please check with your selected branch for available subject options .

Physics

Chemistry

Computer Studies

Pre-Engineering

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Pre-Medical

Subject Details – GCE O Level

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Elective Subjects*

Economics

Principles of

Accounts

Business Studies

*Subject options may differ from branch to branch.

Please check with your selected branch for available subject options .

Economics

Principles of

Accounts

Computer Studies

Economics

Principles of

Accounts

Add. Maths

Subject Details – GCE O Level

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Elective Subjects*

Add Maths

Literature in

English

Environmental

Management Art & Design Urdu – First

Language

*Subject options may differ from branch to branch.

Please check with your selected branch for available subject options .

Economics

History: World Affairs

Computer Studies

Food & Nutrition

Sociology

Statistics

Commerce

Grading Criteria

Grades are awarded in each subject according to the following percentages:

A* 90-100

A 80-89

B 70-79

C 60-69

D 50-59

E 40-49

U 39 or less

What is Career Planning?

Career planning is the ongoingprocess of choosing a careerthat fits with your unique set ofinterests, abilities andconsistency.

Why do I have to worry about my career right now? I’m only in class 9th!

The sooner you begin making plans for your future career-wise, the better off you'll be.

“What are you going to do when you grow up?” It is good to have some idea at this level, as it builds your focus for the long-term career prospects.

You’ll grow your network early - By going to school sponsored events, local meet ups and connecting with your teachers, you can grow a powerful network that will support you in college admissions and beyond

You’ll be more competitive for college applications. If you’re applying to colleges, your part-time job or volunteer experience can build a case for you as a strong applicant.

You’ll have a head start figuring out what you want to do after high school. When you gain experience, it will help you understand what you do and don't want to do for a career.

You’ll learn a lot. Doing college search online and discussing career prospects with your counsellor/parents/teachers will help you understand what you are best suited for major-wise and career-wise.

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Options after O-Levels

A levels University

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Science – Mathematics & Computer Studies

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Short-term:

What subjects to choose in A-levels?

What co-curricular activities will highlight the college application?

Long-term:

Which fields/careers appeal to you now?

Who are your real life role-models that inspire you to follow them?

A-levels

A-levels are usually taken after successful completion

of a previous level of course, such as O-levels.

Cambridge International Examinations - Examination

Body

2 years – AS after 1year

3 subjects + 1 or more additional subjects

Merit Scholarships in A levels at TCS

NOTE: The permutations and combinations are only acceptable if the above mentioned criteria is achieved.

Sports / Co-curricular Scholarships

100 % for national and international achievements

50 % for provincial achievements

Scholarships will be valid for one year only

What you need to do as

a Student?

Develop your knowledge base!

Read reference books and other related literature

Focus on studies and

keep your eyes on the goal

Make a personal timetable and keep

a check on your performance

Devote ample time for Self

study

How to build your

profile ?

Community service

Participation in productive Co-

curricular activities e.g. Debates and

Dramatics

Learn new languages

(foreign/computer)

Read newspapers/

magazines

Help younger students in their

studies

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

o Sports

o Debates- MUNs /Parliamentary /Declamations

o Societies

• Urdu Literary

• English Literary

• Community Service

• Environmental Awareness

o Art Competitions

o Math Competitions

o Science Competitions

Student Leadership

School Events

Guidance Counseling

Student Council

Sports Clubs

Cultural Societies

Communication With Parents

◌ Newsletter

◌ Parent-Teacher Meetings – thrice yearly

◌ Meetings with H.M/ S.M with prior appointment

◌ Meeting with teachers after home-time with

prior appointment

◌ Telephone/Emails

◌ Application

What you need to do?

PARENTS TO DO LIST:

LISTEN to your child – be your child’s best friend!

ENCOURAGE him/her to question and be independent

INVOLVE yourself in your children’s lives consistently!

APPRECIATE your child’s unique skill set and abilities – be their BIGGEST FAN!

STUDENTS TO DO LIST:

TALK to your parents about any concerns & comforts.

TRUST your parents to make the right decisions with you.

ALLOW them to be there for you – they are the best guide.

RESPECT your parents – their prayers and support are vital to your success!

To Score the A’s you must Secure the C’s!

Confidence - Believe that you are the best!

Consistency - Regular hard work pays off!

Compassion - Be kind and humble to others!

Courage - Don’t be afraid of new challenges!

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