INTERNATIONAL

2017-2018

SIS HANDBOOKS

A LEVELS

We are a learning community, passionate about providing an International Education, which inspires and encourages learning and intercultural understanding. We facilitate

self-discovery and the development of unique interests, gifts and talents, whilst promoting service learning as a force for good in the world.

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INTERNATIONAL A-LEVELS 2016-2018

SIS HANDBOOKS

Sotogrande International School aims to develop each student’s unique interests, gifts and talents and, with this in mind, has created the ACES programme. The ACES programme allows serious young sports people the opportunity to pursue their dreams of playing sport at the highest level while still achieving academic success.

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INTERNATIONAL A-LEVELS 2016-2018

We offer an academic programme which allows students to pursue their passion whether it be music, golf, tennis, polo or any of the other specialist opportunities available on our beautiful coast at the highest level while still achieving academic success.

It is our aim to inspire students to realise their full potential as young adults, learners and individuals who can set and attain personal goals.

We embrace the SIS values as a profile of the whole person as a lifelong learner.

A small team of well-qualified and experienced teachers nurture and encourage students to embrace opportunities to be the best they can be.

OVERVIEW

This section provides a summary of how courses will be organised in the last two years of school for students normally aged 16-18 years. Students study for either two or three A Levels

MISSION STATEMENT

Students will take two or three Advanced level subjects at Advanced Subsidiary level in year 1 and Advanced 2 level in year 2. The examination board will be Pearson Edexcel.

International A levels are modular with two modules be taken in June of year 1 and two further modules in June of year 2. Physical Education, which is an A level, is not modular and examinations are only available at the end of the second year of study.

All the examinations for UK A levels must be taken at the end of year 2 (linear A levels), though students can qualify for AS levels at the end of year 1 (AS levels are not equivalent to an A2 level).

Students may take three Advanced Subsidiary levels in year 1 and drop one subject in year 2 to complete two full Advanced levels, except in the case of Physical Education A level.

INTERNATIONAL A LEVELS COURSES(US GRADES 11 & 12/UK YEARS 12 & 13)

INTERNATIONAL A LEVEL CURRENT COURSE OFFERINGS

These choices are subject to change and for the most up to date offering please contact the Programme coordinator Chris French at info@sis.gl

These choices are subject to change and for the most up to date offering please contact the Programme coordinator Chris French at info@sis.gl

INTERNATIONAL A LEVELS SUBJECTS

ENGLISH LITERATURE

The aims and objectives are to enable students to:• Read widely and independently set texts and others that they have selected for

themselves • Engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them • Develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation • Explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of

them • Undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions.

MATHEMATICS

The assessment objectives of this qualification are to:

• Recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts and techniques in a variety of contexts.• Construct rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs through use of precise statements, logical deduction and inference and by the manipulation of mathematical ex-pressions.• Recall, select and use their knowledge of standard mathematical models to represent situations in the real world; recognise and understand given representations involving standard models; present and interpret results in terms of the original situation.• Comprehend translations of common realistic contexts into mathematics; use the results of calculations to make predictions, or comment on the context; and, where appropriate, read critically and comprehend longer mathematical arguments or applications.• Use contemporary calculator technology and other permitted resources accurately and efficiently; understand the limitations. Answer to appropriate accuracy

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.)

Physical education develops an understanding of how the mind and body works in relation to performance in physical sport, whilst also engaging with key issues and themes relating to contemporary global influences on physical education. Students will be encouraged to engage in physical activity and sport by contextualising the theory and applying their knowledge to their practical performance as a performer or coach.

The blend of scientific and social knowledge offered by P.E. is designed to:

• Encourage learners to become more competent, confident and expert in their tech-niques, and to apply them across different sports and physical activities.

• Help students develop important transferable skills for progression to the next level, including numeracy, communication and an understanding of practical performances.

• Position students to access a growing number of physical education and sports sci-ence education programmes and/or employment in the sport, leisure and tourism sector.

ASSESSMENT AND THE GRADING SYSTEM

International A levels are graded A* to E. The A* grade was introduced in 2008 to differentiate the highest performing students from other A-grade candidates. If you don’t get enough marks to pass with an E, you will be awarded a U, which means ‘unclassified’.

Two international A levels, at a minimum grade E, are normally the minimum re-quirement to enter university or college.

ASSESSMENT FEE

There is an assessment fee that must be paid by each candidate in order to be en-tered for the international A Level examinations. This fee is levied by the school to cover all costs associated with examinations and their assessment com-ponents.

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ECONOMICS

The assessment objectives of this qualification are to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the specified content. • Apply knowledge and understanding of the specified content to problems and • issues arising from both familiar and unfamiliar situations. • Analyse economic problems and issues. • Evaluate economic arguments and evidence, making informed judgements.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

At Sotogrande International School we are keen to recruit students who are able to develop both academically and personally within an environment that fosters personalized learning and development. Students must demonstrate the academic potential to be successful in their chosen course of study. We value the unique attributes of applicants who devote a substantial proportion of their time and energy to their chosen passion.

External applicants will normally be required to take admissions tests in both English and Mathematics. Applicants for whom English is not their mother tongue will be required to take an English proficiency test if they have not been studying in a school where English is the language of instruction for at least 4 years

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL A LEVELS

• Satisfactory completion of the equivalent of ten full year courses in Years 10 and 11 (UK equivalent).

• Satisfactory completion of two years of core courses in English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities.

• Final Grade C equivalent in both English and Mathematics. • Final Grade B equivalent in any subject or related subject to that chosen for A level

study. Please note that the International A level minimum requirements may be flexible for exceptional circumstances.

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UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION

Official courses offered by Spanish State universities are usually studied in Spanish and some Autonomous Communities may request that non-Spanish students sit Spanish language university entrance examinations.

A Levels are universally recognised as university preparatory courses and provide entry to universities across the world. Two A levels, at a minimum grade E, are normally the minimum requirement to enter university or college.

Universities offering courses in English may also require evidence of English language proficiency through an English language test. This is particularly true of the UK and United States and students for whom English is not their first language may be required to achieve a minimum level in IELTS or TOEFL tests.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL A LEVELS

www.sis.ac

Sotogrande International School

Avda La Reserva SN

11310 Sotogrande Cádiz

+34 956 795 902

info@sis.gl

www.sis.ac

OPENING MINDS. CREATING MAGIC. CHANGING THE WORLD.