What is A-Level?

The Advanced Level (A Level) course is a post-16 two-year course that is highly respectedand known for its academic rigour, it is seen as the gold standard of British education.Being a globally recognised qualification means that examination success in this course will open doors to topuniversities worldwide.

Pupils will typically choose three or four subjects to study. This is different to the International Baccalaureate (IB)or Gaokao, but the A Level course allows pupils to specialise in their chosen fields from an earlier age and focus ongaining a greater depth of knowledge as a foundation for university education. The A Level course has been designed suchthat the engaging subject content and specialist skills development form part of the key to success in higher education,but it is the focus on developing independent learning that will really enable its participants to flourish in thefuture.

It is important that a pupil chooses their A-Level subjects carefully as university entry requirements sometimes specifywith subjects are necessary. For e xample, most Medicine courses require the study of chemistry and/or Biology atA-Level. Under the careful advice of our excellent university counselling team, each of our pupils will receiveindividual guidance on the best combination of subjects for the strongest personal profile. It is important to note herethat it is common for young adults to be unsure of what to study at university and the advice for A-Level choices wouldbe to always choose the subjects that brings the most happiness. If you are studying what you enjoy, then studying is apleasure and learning will be natural and a lifelong pursuit.

Curriculum Framework

At Hiba Academy Nantong, we strive for excellence and equity in our approach to the A-Level programme. Recognising therigorous academic landscape, we are committed to offering a broad spectrum of subject options that cater to our pupils'diverse interests, while allowing them to showcase their strengths. Our A-Level curriculum helps pupils cultivate deepknowledge and an array of skills in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.

During the AS level in Grade 11, pupils will normally select fo ur (or a maximum of five) subjects, one of which must beEnglish, reflecting our commitment t o strong communication skills as a foundation for academic and professionalsuccess. During the second year of the course, pupils have the option to continue with all their chosen subjects or tofocus on three main subjects, allowing for increased specialisation and greater depth of study.

At the same time, pupils will also be encouraged to undertake an extended project qualification during their time in the Sixth Form, called Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) project.This project fosters a host of skills not typically assess ed in traditional examinations,such as independent research, collaboration, innovation, and self-directed learning. EPQ typically counts for up to 28 UCAS points in the UK university admissions process, which is equivalent to half an A-level, allowing students to potentially enhance their university application and showcase their passion and ability in a particular subject area. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of higher education and contemporary careers.

Our programme supports pupils in becoming competitive candidates for universities and future employment, ensuring theyare prepared to contribute meaningfully to a modernand interconnected world.

Examination Boards

Choosing the right examination board is vital to your child's academic success. At our school, we provide threeprestigious options: Cambridge Assessment International E ducation (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA. CAIE isglobally recognized for fostering a broad understanding and promoting analytical skills, thereby readying pupils fortheir future endeavours.

Pearson Edexcel is noted for its well-organized assessments and its focus on research-oriented A-level subjects, whichpaves the way for a coherent academic trajectory. Oxford AQA is a joint venture between Oxford University Press, adepartment of the University of Oxford, and AQA, one of the UK's leading exam boards. Offering a distinctive approach tosecondary education qualifications such as GCSEs and A-Levels, Oxford AQA is recognized for its internationalperspective and emphasis on developing critical thinking and independent research skills.

For our Extended ProjectQualification (EPQ) program, we have chosen Oxford AQA, acclaimed for its emphasis on independent learning and researchskills — essential for university-level studies. The EPQ allows pupils to delve deeply into a topic of their choice,developing comprehensive research abilities and academic resilience, all of which will be useful in the workplace.

In aligning subjects with the examination board that best supports their academic goals and learning preferences, weensure a personalized and impactful educational exper ience. With CAIE, Pearson Edexcel, andOxford AQA, all internationally recognized for their excellence, we affirm our pledge to provide an education of globalstandards. This pupil-centric approach is directed at nurturing outstanding educational outcomes, establishing a solidbase for further studies, and paving the way toward a successful professional life.