SATs
SATs
- (Standard Attainment Tests)
Children take Standard Attainment Tests (SAT`s) when they are 7, 11 and 14, and national examinations, often, though not exclusively, GCSE`s, at the age of 16 (end of key stage 4). SATs are statutory. State schools must report their results however, it is possible for a child to be disapplied from the tests. Many independent schools take SATS but are not obliged to report the results.
KS1
- (Standard Attainment Tests)
Children take Standard Attainment Tests (SAT`s) when they are 7, 11 and 14, and national examinations, often, though not exclusively, GCSE`s, at the age of 16 (end of key stage 4). SATs are statutory. State schools must report their results however, it is possible for a child to be disapplied from the tests. Many independent schools take SATS but are not obliged to report the results.
KS2
- Key Stage Two (Y3-Y6)
This covers children aged 7 to 11. Children are tested in English, maths and science, at age 11 (Y6), prior to the move to senior school,. The results are reported to the DfES and to parents. The average 11 year old is expected to achieve a level 4.
KS3
- Key Stage Three (Y7-Y9)
Tests are taken in Y9, at senior school, when a child is typically aged 14. Children are tested in English, Maths and science and the results are reported to the DfES and to parents. Teachers assess pupils in these areas plus art, citizenship, design technology, geography, history, ICT, MFL, music, PE. The target level at KS3 is level 5, with the most able achieving a level 8. There are wide variations reported in the levels achieved at this stage. Very few independent schools take key stage 3 tests, most will have assessed the child at 11+ or 13 + via The Common Entrance examination (see below).
IGCSE
- IGCSE
The International GCSE (IGCSE) is becoming an increasingly popular option in independent schools. The IGCSE offers more rigour and depth, than GCSE enabling the more able to be stretched while still meeting the needs of others. IGCSE can be awarded without coursework ie by 100% examination although coursework options exist. Exams are graded in the same way as GCSEs: Foundation targets grades C-G and Higher grades A*-D. Many people consider the IGCSE to be more akin to the old style O level than GCSE. For example maths IGCSE has a strong emphasis on algebra and introduces calculus, in preparation for A level maths.
GCSE
- Key Stage Four (Y10-Y11)
Most children embark on a two-year GCSE course (in some schools pupils sit some GCSEs at the end of Y10). Children are usually encouraged to take a broad base of subjects including: English (usually language and literature); maths; science (biology, chemistry, physics - a combination of one, two or all three in a guise of awards: single, dual etc); a modern foreign language (no longer compulsory) - most schools offer French and often a choice of German, or Spanish but always check with a school first; a design technology subject; humanities (history Geography, RE), and the Arts (visual and performing). Often business/vocationally orientated subjects such as business studies, economics, media studies, and ICT are offered.
Social sciences: psychology, sociology are popular in some schools as are Latin, Greek and Classical studies. Virtually all GCSE's have a compulsory coursework element worth between 20% and 100% of the marks (some independent schools have opted to follow the IGCSE courses in some subjects as there isn't a coursework element). Non-GCSE courses such as PE (which is offered at GCSE), games and Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) or similar, plus citizenship continue to be followed.
Children usually make their GCSE - option choices in Y9 following extensive consultation with the school, their parents and teachers. At this stage the proposed level of study will be discussed. Most subjects offer two tiers of entry, foundation and higher. Foundation level study is aimed at grades C-G and Higher Grades A*-D. Most schools and colleges will expect a student to have achieved at least a grade B in any subject to be studied at A level.
11+ Entrance Exam
Usually consisting of tests written and marked by the schools themselves in Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Common Entrance at 11+ consists of English, Maths and Science, taken over two days and set at a high Key Stage 2 SATs level, with extension questions for the more able.
13+ Entrance Exam
Usually set by the ISEB but some Independent Schools set and mark their own. Normally taken in January but occasionally in November or May/June. The core subjects (English, Maths, Science) are compulsory and can be taken at more than one level. Additional subjects, include History, Geography, Languages (Modern and Ancient) and Religious Studies. Again, Modern Languages and the Classics can be taken at different levels.
A levels
- A levels
All A levels are now unitised rather than based on a final exam. An A level course usually consists of a mix of AS awards taken at the end of the first year of A level study and A2 courses in the second year. Students can choose when to cash in their awards.
IB
- IB
A levels are often criticised for not offering a broad base of study post 16. Some schools offer the IB as an alternative to A levels. A few schools (in the independent sector) offer only the IB. A handful of schools in the UK, usually those offering an American style curriculum offer IB from a younger age.
The International Baccalaureate also known as International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is for students aged 16 – 18; IBMYP, the middle years programme of the International Baccalaureate is for children aged 11-16 and IBPYP is the Primary years programme of the International Baccalaureate - for children aged 3 to 11.
A recent addition is the IBCP, the International Baccalaureat Careers Programme, offered by a small number of schools as an alternative to the IB Diploma.
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