GCSE
GCSE is a two-year programme. Students study GCSE in Year 10 to 11 to prepare for the exam, which is similar to Form 4 and 5 students studying for HKCEE in Hong Kong’s old education system. Students who score 5Cs or above are eligible for A-Levels. With this certificate, they can also apply for the foundation programme in the UK.
Many overseas students see Year 10 as the beginning of their overseas studies, without considering their needs to adapt to the new environment and education system. All these while trying hard to meet the requirements of the first year programme. This may have a negative impact on their academic results. Instead, if students start in Year 9, they can spend a year to adapt to the new environment and at the same time improving their language skills, which helps them to perform better throughout the programme.
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Grade:
Year 10 & Year 11 -
Age:
Usually 15 – 16 -
Duration:
1 Year or 2 Years -
Subject Selection:
Flexible, minimum of 5, usually 7-10
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Paths to GCSE:
After Form 3
→ Join Year 10 (Recommended)
After Form 2
→ Skip a year and join Year 10
After Form 4
→ Join Year 10
→Join Year 11 for a one-year programme
Compulsory Subjects:
Choice of 2 or 3 science subjects
- EFL (English as a Foreign Language)
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
Common Electives:
- Art & Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Computing
- Design & Technology
- Drama & Theatre
- Economics
- English Literature
- EPQ
- Film Studies
- French
- Further Mathematics
- Geography
- German
- History
- ICT
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Philosophy & Ethics
- Russian
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Textiles
A-Level
Most of the students in UK enter universities after completing A-Level. It is a two-year programme similar to the curriculum in Form 6 and 7 in Hong Kong’s old education system. They can choose subjects according to their future study preferences as there is no restriction on the choice of liberal arts or science subjects. In general, students take 3 to 4 subjects and they can already be eligible to enter UK universities.
Some UK private colleges, sixth form colleges and international boarding schools provide A-Level programmes with higher flexibility. It is designed for international students with better English language skills and academic performances to complete their studies within a shorter period of time, i.e. three to five semesters. Students in the one-year programme generally study 3 subjects while students in the five-semester programme can study 3 to 4 subjects depending on their abilities.
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Grade:
Year 12 & Year 13 -
Age:
Usually 16 – 18 -
Duration:
1 Year or 2 Years -
Subject Selection:
Flexible, usually 3 – 4
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Paths to A-Level:
After Form 4
→ Join Year 12 (Recommended)
After Form 3
→ Skip a year and join Year 12
After Form 5
→ Join Year 12
→ Join Year 13 for a one-year programme
Common Electives:
- Art & Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Computing
- Design & Technology
- Drama & Theatre
- Economics
- English Literature
- EPQ
- Film Studies
- French
- Further Mathematics
- Geography
- German
- History
- ICT
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Philosophy & Ethics
- Russian
- Sociology
- Spanish
IB-Diploma
International Baccalaureate(IB) is a curriculum recognised globally by international universities. The two-year IB Diploma programme is another option besides A-Level. Some international and private schools in Hong Kong also adapt this curriculum.
Compare to A-Level, IB provides more extensive knowledge. Apart from studying major subjects from six categories, students must complete other compulsory courses such as Extended Essay. In addition to the knowledge provided in textbooks, this programme aims to equip students with better writing skills, logical thinking and time management skills.
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Grade:
Year 12 & Year 13 -
Age:
Usually 16 – 18 -
Duration:
2 Years -
Subject Selection:
Rigid, 9 in total, 3 Compulsory & 6 from Subjects Groups
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Paths to IB
After Form 3
→ Skip a year and join Year 12
→ Join Year 11’s Pre-IB programme
After Form 4
→ Join Year 12 (Recommended)
After Form 5
→ Join Year 12
Core Subjects:
- Extended Essay -EE
- Theory of Knowledge – ToK
- Creativity, activity and service – CAS
6 Subject Groups:
Common Electives:
Group 1
Language & Literature
Group 2
Language Acquisition
Group 3
Individuals & Societies
- Economics
- Geography
- Psychology
- Global Politics
Group 4
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
Group 5
Mathematics
Group 6
The Arts or Elective
- Visual Arts
- Dance
- Music
Students must choose one subject from each of the six categories. Every subjects have higher level (HL) and standard level (SL).
Students must choose a minimum of 3 subjects at higher level. The highest score is 7 in each subject.
BTEC
BTEC National Diploma contains 7 levels. Equivalent to A-Level, the third level of the diploma is a two-year programme, one subject of high level BTEC is even equivalent to three A-Level subjects.
BTEC is approved by more than 200 universities globally including most of the universities in Hong Kong. This curriculum focuses on imparting practical knowledge and skills. Different from traditional disciplines, it contains subjects including business, design, and tourism. Its assessment method is mainly based on coursework and projects, with lesser focus on examinations. After completing the diploma, students will receive their UCAS score for applying for universities or work.
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Grade:
Year 12 & Year 13 -
Age:
Usually 16 – 18 -
Duration:
1 Year or 2 Years -
Subject Selection:
Flexible, usually 3 – 4
-
Paths to BTEC
After Form 4
→ Join Year 12 (Recommended)
After Form 3
→ Skip a year and join Year 12
After Form 5
→ Join Year 12
→ Join Year 13 for a one-year programme
Common Electives:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Agriculture
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Animal Management
- Applied Law
- Applied Science
- Art and Design
- Aviation Operations
- Beauty Therapy
- Business
- Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- Creative Media Production
- Dental Technology
- Engineering
- Environmental Sustainability
- Floristry
- Forensic and Criminal Investigation
- Horse Management
- Hospitality
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Music
- Music Technology
- Performing Arts
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Retail
- Sport
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Travel and Tourism