LEH International School Foshan recently hosted an A Level Information Session to introduce the A Level subject options to parents and students. The event aimed to provide a deeper insight into the curriculum and highlight the advantages of the British Advance Level curriculum.
In this article, we invite Mrs Kirk, Head of the Sixth Form to share more information on the A Level curriculum and support service at LEH Foshan and some professional tips with all families.
Mrs Kirk is our Head of Mathematics and Head of Sixth Form. She has taught Maths for over 30 years around the world in top international schools, including Colombia, Spain, Dubai and Bangkok. Before joining LEH Foshan she was teaching in the UK where she was not only teaching Maths, but also enjoyed the role of Sixth Form Tutor supporting pre-university preparation as well as an A-Level Examiner.
The A Level curriculum is one of the most widely recognised qualifications for university entry in the United Kingdom and around the world. It offers students the opportunity to specialise in specific subject areas and provides them with a more in-depth understanding of the subjects they choose to study. Click here to learn more about our A Level curriculum.
Diverse A Level Subject Options
At LEH Foshan, our commitment to providing students with a high-quality and forward-looking education is evident in the breadth and depth of our A Level curriculum. We are proud to offer nearly 20 elective subjects spanning across different disciplines in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, creative arts, and languages, to ensure that our students have a diverse range of options to choose from.
Art
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Chinese
Computer Science
Design & Technology
Economics
Geography
Global Perspectives
History
English Literature
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Music
Physics
Spanish
Sports Science
Q1: What are the best strategies when it comes to choosing A-Level subjects?
Research each A Level thoroughly – talk to your teachers to find out what is involved in the course. Talk to students who are already taking that subject. Find out how the course will be assessed and whether this will suit you and your strengths. A Levels are a big step up from IGCSEs – they are harder! So choose subjects wisely. Career or degree ideas may change so make sure to choose subjects which you like and can do well in. If you are taking a science A Level, you should consider whether you need to look at taking another science or maths, particularly if you are interested in scientific careers or courses. If you have a specific career in mind, check to see if you will need specific A Level subjects. If you have a specific degree course in mind, check the entry requirements. Some university courses are very specific about the A Level subjects required – other degree subjects are very flexible. Check entry requirements.
Q2: How does LEH Foshan help students choose their subjects? What sorts of support does the school offer to its students?
Once students reach the sixth form, it is expected that they have elected to study three or four A level subjects. However, prior to this, students must have achieved a specific level at IGCSE. We regularly hold meetings with both tutors and students to identify their interests and strengths. It is crucial that students select subjects they enjoy and can excel in. We discuss their aspirations and future goals with them, and guide students towards choosing the best path to achieve their goals. During our conversations, we also encourage students to explore subjects they may not have previously considered.
Q3: Do the choices depend on student’s IGCSE results?
There are instances when a student cannot choose a particular subject because there is no evidence of previous knowledge to the level that would allow the student to access the course. For instance if a student does not reach a level 7 in mathematics at IGCSE the school would strongly advise the student to choose another subject that they can access at A Level. A Level is quite a big jump academically and students need to be realistic about where their strengths lie. Conversely some students will not have studied Economics or Global Perspective before but the course will be open to them as all students will start from a lower assumed knowledge point.
Transferable Skills for Lifelong Success
In addition to academic excellence, LEH Foshan also places a strong emphasis on the development of transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, to ensure that our students are prepared for success in all aspects of their lives. These are reflected in our compulsory subjects and the diverse extra-curricular activities (ECAs).
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Physical Education
Careers and University Guidance
International Project Qualification (IPQ)
Personal Social Health Education (PSHE)
At LEH Foshan, our students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of ECAs, including sports, music, drama, and community service, which help to develop their leadership, social, and creative skills. Learn more about our ECA Programme here.
Support Services at Sixth Form
Apart from academic learning and support in the curriculum, students also benefit from structured career and university guidance and counselling services, including in-house tutoring, university fairs, and support from UCAS. Click here to learn more details.
At LEH Foshan, we recognise the important role that parents play in their child's academic journey. We encourage active, open, and honest dialogues between parents and students when it comes to choosing A Level subjects. We value the input of parents and believe that involving them in the decision-making process helps ensure that students are able to pursue their passions while also meeting their academic goals.
"Parents are encouraged to support their child’s learning and making choices is a vital part of the child’s growth so LEH strongly supports parents sharing their own academic journeys and researching with their child so that they can understand the many different paths to reach a goal or helping their child move forward even when they are unsure of their own path will really help our students make calm and well-considered choices."
The Sixth Form is the culmination of a student’s school career and the stepping stone to the worlds of higher education or the workplace. At LEH Foshan, we take pride in offering a world-class education that promotes intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Our A Level curriculum is expertly delivered by our experienced teachers and provides all students with a multitude of subject choices, allowing them to pursue their real passions and interests.
LEH Foshan also offers a Pre-A Level programme for students who have not completed the two-year IGCSE programme to help them lay all important foundations ahead of the 2-year A Level Programme courses. The programme is a one-year course, with intensive English tuition, and opportunities to experience learning new subjects in English and to provide comprehensive preparation for all the school’s A level courses. Learn more about our Pre-A Level programme here.