Introduction
The Upper School (Sixth Form) at Rugby School Nigeria will allow students to immerse themselves in advanced study. Students will enjoy the satisfaction of taking control over their chosen academic path by studying subjects they have personally chosen and, in the process, they will begin to mould their futures.
Upper School courses are academically demanding. Success requires a willingness to be scholarly and creative, curious and critical, determined and ambitious, to develop ideas independently and collaboratively.
Departments strive to push students beyond their perceived limits. Those with the interest and ability necessary to apply to the world’s top universities will be supported and encouraged.
A wealth of enrichment opportunities will supplement the formal curriculum in all subjects and these are available to all Upper School students.
Academic study at Rugby happens firmly within the context of the wider school experience.
As students develop through their lessons, enrichment, careers programme and Rugby 360 (community action and service programme), they start to understand the place of their academic learning in the real world.
In the following pages, we have provided an overview of the A levels, followed by some advice on selecting subjects within each of these routes.
Subjects on offer include English Literature, Mathematics & Further Mathematics; Biology, Chemistry, Physics; History, Geography, French; Art, Economics, Business Studies; Physical Education, and Computer Studies.
A levels an overview
A levels are stand-alone, subject-based qualifications and are the most commonly studied post-16 qualification in the UK and British schools internationally.
At Rugby School, students who opt for A level must study three subjects, unless they select Further Mathematics in addition to Mathematics. In that circumstance, students will be able to study four subjects (i.e. two Mathematics courses and two other subjects).
There is also the option to take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on a topic of their choice. The EPQ supports the development of independent research skills and allows students to pursue their curiosity and personal academic interests.
A levels are graded on an A*-E scale. At Rugby School Nigeria, A level students will participate in 42 periods per fortnight of taught lessons (49 for those students who take Further Mathematics).
Assessment
A level courses are assessed through linear examinations. Some have coursework components but this varies from one subject to another; most do not. The form that coursework and examinations take is dependent on the subject but reflects the skills important for that area of study. Public examinations take place during May and June and results are published in mid-August.
What are the advantages of A levels
A levels allows a free choice of subject so that three humanities subjects, three sciences or three creative subjects can be taken which is not possible within the IB Diploma.
A levels also allow Mathematics to be taken at a higher level (Further Mathematics) which can provide an advantage if applying for Mathematics degrees or quantitative science/engineering degrees at Oxford or Cambridge requiring highly mathematical entrance tests.
What do universities think of A levels?
A levels are the most common form of qualification for candidates applying to UK universities. Universities in the UK understand the qualification very well and will typically make offers on the basis of three A level grades.
When it comes to US, Canadian and European universities, A levels are also well recognised and it is possible to access global universities via A levels.