Key Stage 5
Overview
- Key Stage 5 is often called 6th Form and is Years 12 and 13 (ages 17 and 18).
- Some students study for A levels which build on their IGCSE studies. To start on A level studies students must obtain at least 5 A*- C grades at GCSE or equivalent level. A levels are not for everyone.
- Students who do not meet the A level entry requirements will be able to follow the ICS Diploma which is set and assessed internally at the school.
Transition Phases
Key Stage 5 to Life after school
Students follow a programme in form time to assist them in making decisions for life after school. Key Stage 5 to university is the most popular route taken by students in the A-Level programme. Students are supported in their applications to universities all over the world. Other routes such as colleges of further education, vocational education and apprenticeships can be researched for those not wishing to go to university.
Expectations
At Key Stage 5 students are regarded as young adults. They are expected to be responsible for their learning and role model behaviour to the rest of the school. It is expected that students will work with their teachers by meeting deadlines, carrying out additional work and reading to complement their lessons.
Subjects
Many students entering Key Stage 5 will choose the A-Level programme of study which enables them to make applications to universities. However, not all students will be able, or will want to follow the A level pathway. ICS is able to offer different pathways for its students.
The A-Level programme
Students study 4 subjects to AS level (end of Year 12) and carry on with 3, or in some cases 4 subjects to full A level. ICS currently offers a range of subjects which includes:
| Mathematics | Physics | Chemistry | Biology |
| English Language | Art | Drama | English Literature |
| History | Psychology | Geography | French |
| Arabic | Economics | ICT | Business Studies |
Students will also follow extended curriculum activities which will include study
skills, career guidance, wider perspective studies and community/school service.
The ICS Diploma
This is offered to students who have found the GCSE/IGCSE programme challenging. ICS has developed a programme of study which enables students to work towards externally examined qualifications known as Functional Skills. The subjects covered will be in Mathematics, English and ICT. Students will also follow internally delivered and assessed units of work in selected subjects which will include aspects of personal finance, sustainability, work, food, healthy lifestyles and drama. On successful completion of the course students will gain an ICS Diploma.
Homework
Students will be set regular homework. Assignments might be set that will be worked on over a number of days or weeks, whilst other homework could be due more imminently. In addition, students are expected to go over class notes and read around topics taught. Students should expect to do a minimum of five hours of work per subject per week, outside of classroom hours.
Assessments
- Students will be assessed internally on an ongoing basis in each subject.
- AS and A level certification is by external examination and in some cases coursework.
- External examinations are taken as modules throughout the course. Students must pass AS modules to progress to A2.