Programme
1. IGCSE, IBDP, University & Careers link 2. Key upcoming events and dates 3. General advice on how to make the right
subject choices 4. IGCSE options and subject selection 5. IBDP options and subject selection 6. Matching subject choices to University
ambitions
IGCSE, IBDP, University/Careers Links
IGCSE Subject Choices
IBDP: Subject Choices
Vocation Tertiary Education
Profession
Advice on making the right choices
Making the right choices to ensure success for the future is essential! Success on making the right choices is the shared responsibility of: § Students § Parents § The College
Key upcoming events and dates for IGCSE
Monday, 10th December IGCSE Options Evening 6.30pm Mei Lan Fang Theatre
14th - 18th January Student Information Sessions
Heads of Department/Subject teachers will provide further information and advice to students in class
Wednesday , 23rd January Careers Day Monday, 4th February Year 9 Parents’ Evening Thursday, 7th February IGCSE Form Deadline
Key Upcoming Events and dates for IBDP Monday, 8th October Year 11 Parents’ Evening Wednesday, 31st October IBDP Introduction to the options process.
(Year 11 students only) Thursday, 1st November IBDP Options Evening
6.30 pm Mei Lan Fang Theatre 7th – 22nd January IGCSE Mock Exams Wednesday, 23rd January Careers Day
28th January – 1st February IBDP Subject presentation and taster sessions
Thursday, 7th February IGCSE Mock Report issued Monday, 18th February Year 11 Parents’ Evening Thursday, 21st February IBDP Options Submission Deadline
The role of the parent and student
The most important key to choosing the right subjects is communication and an active role in the options process. It is essential to: 1. Attend all Option Evenings and information sessions 2. Talk frequently at home about possible option choices,
Universities and Career paths 3. Research Universities, Course requirements and possible
requirements for future vocations/professions 4. Discuss possible option choices & future plans with the University
Careers Guidance Counsellors 5. Talk to the IBDP Coordinator, Heads of Department, Subject
Teachers, Deputy Head of Senior School - Academic
Essential aspects to consider
When discussing option choices, consider the following: 1. Future university, career and vocational requirement 2. Subject enjoyment 3. Subject combinations that will be achievable and
balanced 4. Ensuring you maximise your learning style and
provide greater scope and choice later
Things to be aware of
Choosing the right subjects can be challenging and sometimes choices can be made based on: 1. Peer pressure 2. Parental pressure 3. Teacher preference 4. Lack of knowledge of the courses AV O I D T H E S E TO E N S U R E H A P P Y A N D SUCCESSFUL CHOICES!!
IB Diploma Subjects Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2 Language Acquisition
Group 3 Individuals and Societies
Group 4 Experimental Sciences
Group 5 Maths and Computer Science
Group 6.1 The Arts
Group 6.2 Electives 1 (Groups 3/4)
Chinese A1.1 H/SL
English B H/SL
Economics H/SL
Chemistry HL/SL
Maths HL Theatre H/SL
Economics H/SL
Chinese A1.2 H/SL
French B H/SL
Geography H/SL
Biology HL/SL
Maths SL Visual Arts H/SL
Geography H/SL
English A1.1 H/SL
Mandarin B H/SL
History H/SL
Physics H/SL
Maths Studies SL
Music H/SL
Psychology H/SL
English A1.2 H/SL
Spanish B H/SL
Business Management H/SL
ESS SL only
Film H/SL Biology H/SL
Languages A1.1 SSST SL only
French ab Initio SL only
Psychology H/SL
Physics H/SL
Mandarin ab Initio SL only
Spanish ab Initio SL only
English A1.2 only
IGCSE & IBDP: Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature
Both courses are designed for students who have experience of using the language of the course in an academic context. These students should be near fluent readers, writers and speakers of the language. Students who have been studying a particular language for more than five years should undertake that language at an A1 Language and Literature level.
§ Students studying IGCSE English literature and language should undertake IBDP English A1.1: Literature
§ Students studying First Language English IGCSE should take IBDP English A1.2: Language and Literature
§ Students who take First Language Chinese IGCSE should undertake IBDP Chinese at A1.2 SL or HL
§ Language B SL/HL is for Foreign Language learners.
§ Language ‘ab Initio’ is Standard Level (SL) only and for the beginner with little or no previous experience of that language.
IGCSE and IBDP: Group 2 Language Acquisition
IGCSE IBDP: Groups 3 to 6
§ Students’ learning styles and skills should be considered.
§ If a student has a clear goal of their future tertiary studies then it is important that they ensure that they have undertaken the correct courses to meet University requirements.
§ Most Group 3 and some Group 6 subjects do not require previous experience (apart from Music) but it is recommended if they undertake the subject at a Higher Level.
IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME CANDIDATE
6 Required Subjects § 3 at Higher level (HL) (240 Class Hours)
§ 3 at Standard level (SL) (150 Class hours)
3 Core Requirements § Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
§ Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
§ An Extended Essay (EE)
IB Assessment Requirements
§ 7 Point grading system (6 subjects x 7 points = 42 points maximum)
PLUS § Up to 3 “bonus points”
Earned from combining scores from TOK Class and the Extended Essay
TOTAL = 45 Points Possible
Candidates need at least 24 points to receive the IB Diploma*
What the IB Diploma Programme provides
§ Research skills – in all subjects areas, from TOK and EE § Critical skills – in all subject areas, from TOK and EE § Language skills § Analytical skills § Independent Learning skills § Creative skills – also from CAS § Personal skills § Social awareness and responsibility - CAS
Matching Subject Choices to University Ambitions
Presentation to parents 13th September 2012
Mr. John Macrow and Mr. John Huart University & Careers Guidance Counsellors
UK Universities
§ The best known UK universities are part of the Russell Group, which contains over 20 of the best funded UK research universities, which can offer a comprehensive list of degree programmes
§ Russell Group universities include Durham, LSE & Cambridge
§ There are 13 universities in the 1994 Group: this includes Bath, York, St. Andrews and Royal Holloway. These universities are more specialised than the Russell Group but equally good at the degree programmes they offer
§ Applications from students at this school will largely be to these 39 universities
2012 Applications
§ Every one of last years 26 applications to the UK was to a Russell Group or 1994 Group University, apart from one late application
This included:
§ 23 applications to “Top Six’ UK Universities
§ 87 applications to the Russell Group
§ 22 applications to the 1994 Group
Destinations 2012
§ Medicine at NUS - 43 points
§ Land Economics at Cambridge - 43 points+HL776
§ Law at KCL - 39 points
§ Management at LSE - 37points+HL766+7SLMath
§ English at UCL - 38points+HL665
Destinations 2012
§ Medicine at Birmingham - 36points +HL18points+6HLChem
§ Physics at Imperial
- 40 points+HL776 § BioMedical Science at KCL
- 36points+HL665 § BioChemistry at Birmingham
- 38points+HL665
Destinations 2012
§ Management at Durham - 34points+HL665
§ Sports Management at Edinburgh
- 32points + HL554 § Sociology at Warwick
- 36 Points § BBA at HKU
- 36 Points
US Universities
§ There are over 7000 post secondary institutions in the United States! With such a huge number and wide variety it can be difficult to know where to begin.
§ Most academic students will choose either two year or four year degree granting institutions. There are nearly 4500 of these. Paring it down even further results in over 2700 four year degree granting institutions. (bachelor’s degrees)
§ These institutions can be divided into National Comprehensive Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities and Regional Colleges.
§ Our students typically apply to the top 100 in each of the first two categories.
DCS CLASS OF 2012 -‐‑ PLACES & OFFERS -‐‑ USA National Comprehensive Universities
§ University of California at Berkeley (#21) - 43 points*, 2090 SAT
§ Carnegie Mellon University (#23) - 43 points*, 2090 SAT
§ University of California at Los Angeles (#25) - 41-43 points*, 1730-2090 SAT
* Predicted Scores
DCS CLASS OF 2012 -‐‑ PLACES & OFFERS -‐‑ USA National Comprehensive Universities
§ University of Michigan (#28)
- 43 points*, 2090 SAT § New York University (#33)
- 41-43 points*, 2010-2050 SAT § University of California at San Diego (#37)
- 34 points*, 1910 SAT * Predicted Scores
DCS CLASS OF 2012 -‐‑ PLACES & OFFERS -‐‑ USA
Liberal Arts Colleges § Wellesley College (#6)
- 44 points*, 2160 SAT
§ Smith College (#19) - 41 points*, 1730 SAT
§ Colgate University (#21) - 41 Points*, 2090 SAT
* Predicted Scores
IGCSE Options
§ Final performance in the IGCSE examinations is more important than subject choice when it comes to university preparation for the UK and US
§ The IGCSE curriculum will provide you with a “broad & balanced curriculum”, which is what UK and US universities want
§ A good set of final grades is essential for a university application to a good UK or US university
§ A good set of grades means between 7 and 10 A or A* grades
IGCSE Options
§ Therefore, your application to UK or US universities begin with your IGCSE results
§ Why is this?
§ IGCSE results are used to DISCRIMINATE between applicants
§ IGCSE results are recognised as good PREDICTORS of performance at degree level
§ Your IGCSE results are the only EXTERNALLY ASSESSED results you can provide universities
IGCSE Options
§ “Top Six” UK University applications & offers last year:
§ Minimum IGCSE score – 4 A/A* grades
§ Maximum IGCSE score – 11 A/A* grades
§ Maximum A* grades – 10 out of 11
§ Next best – 9 A* grades out of 10
§ Similar performance would be required for US “Ivy League” schools
THEREFORE – choose a range of subjects at which you can succeed!
IB Options
§ At IB level, subject choice becomes much more important if you are considering a UK university application
§ The most important choice you make is that of your Higher Level subjects
§ There needs to be a “fit” between your HL subjects and the degree programme you wish to follow
§ Scientific degree programmes in particular require particular subject combinations at Higher Level
§ Therefore, in some cases the degree programme will tell you which subjects to take
Selecting the ‘right’ mix of subjects is more relevant for students aiming at a UK type university system
You know EXACTLY what subject you want to study
Not sure .. Or just don’t want to narrow it down yet
UK centric US centric Canada Hong Kong
Australia Europe
IB Options & degree requirements
UK Universities
§ Specific HL options are prerequisites for applying to certain academic programs
§ This can be irrespective of the university where you plan to study the academic program
US Universities
§ Specific HL options are generally not required for admission consideration in any academic program
§ However, the top universities may be so competitive that only those with HL in the right subjects get serious consideration
IB Options & degree requirements § Choosing the right subjects and getting the best grades is only the
start of what you may need for a high ranking university place
§ Work experience is essential for vocational areas like Law, Engineering & Medicine and very useful for other degree programmes
§ Work experience is just one of several ways in which you can show your commitment to a particular career before you actually get to university
§ Other ways would include carrying out your own research, keeping up to date with recent findings and wider reading generally around your chosen subject
§ Your choice of topic for your Extended Essay is another good way to show your deep interest in a particular area of study
The University Careers Service can help you with: § What I need to do, by when (i.e. the application timeline) § How do I identify & choose the best-fit degree course or university for
me? § Understanding the differences between different University types across
the world § Preparing personal statements & personal essay for university
applications § Preparing for interviews - getting used to talking about your university
ambitions and subject choice § Writing a more impressive CV/resume (for scholarship app’s, interviews
etc)
Next Steps…
§ We will arrange Careers Counsellor interviews with all Year 11 & 12
students later in the year to discuss their options. If possible, we would like parents to be present at these meetings
§ Alternatively, please call into the Careers Office or ring or e-mail to make an appointment with Mr. Macrow or Mr. Huart
§ Telephone Ms. Julia Ju on 5899 9910 extension 174 OR e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Next Steps…
§ Researching appropriate courses and universities can be time
consuming but is very necessary
§ Visiting universities is the best way to confirm that this is the place where you want to spend the next 3 or 4 years
§ Universities will be happy to arrange meetings with appropriate staff if approached in advance but the best time to visit is during Open Days
§ Attending a summer school at your first choice university is another excellent way to prepare for your application
Next Steps…