Aile World School

Where Education Meets Innovation and Sustainability

A level

The A-Level (Advanced Level) program is a two-year post-16 curriculum primarily offered in the United Kingdom and many other countries as a pre-university qualification. The A-Level curriculum is designed to prepare students for university study by allowing them to specialize in subjects of their interest. Below is a detailed curriculum outline for A-Level studies, which includes a range of available subject options and the components necessary to prepare students for the A-Level examinations.

General Structure
  • Students typically choose 3 to 4 A-Level subjects, although some may opt for more depending on their abilities and university aspirations.

  • The first year of study leads to AS-Level qualifications, which can stand alone or contribute to the full A-Level achieved at the end of the second year.

  • A-Level courses are composed of modules or units, each covering different topics within the subject area.

  • Assessment is typically through a combination of written exams, coursework, and practical work, depending on the subject.
Core Subjects

Mathematics:

  • Pure Mathematics: Algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and geometry.

  • Applied Mathematics: Mechanics, statistics, and decision mathematics.

  • Advanced Mathematics: Advanced course that extends the concepts covered in A Level Mathematics, including more complex topics such as advanced calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.

Sciences:

  • Biology: Cellular biology, physiology, ecology, and genetics.

  • Chemistry: Physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry, analytical techniques.

  • Physics: Mechanics, electricity, waves, and modern physics.

English :

  • Language: Focuses on language structure, usage, and communication skills, preparing students for academic and professional success.

  • Literature: Analyze and interpret literary works, honing their skills in critical thinking and comparative essays.

Languages:

  • Modern Languages: Advanced proficiency in French, Spanish, German, etc.

  • Arabic Language: Develop proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Arabic. They cover a range of topics related to Arabic literature, culture, society, and current affairs.

  • Additional Language: Achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the written language, and improve their communication skills. 

Humanities:

  • History: World history, thematic studies, and historical interpretations.

  • Geography: Physical, human, and environmental geography.

  • Economics: Microeconomics, macroeconomics, and economic theory.

Languages:

  • Modern Languages: Advanced proficiency in French, Spanish, German, etc.

  • Arabic Language: Develop proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Arabic. They cover a range of topics related to Arabic literature, culture, society, and current affairs.

  • Additional Language: Achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the written language, and improve their communication skills. 
Additional Subject Options
  • Environmental Management:  knowledge and understanding of global environmental issues and theories, and of the policies and strategies for managing the environment. 

  • Environmental Science: examines the interaction between human activity and the environment, focusing on sustainability and conservation.

  • Environmental Technology: Application of science and technology in the process of addressing environmental challenges through environmental conservation and the mitigation of human impact to the environment.

  • Marine Science: Marine ecosystems, oceanography, marine biology, and environmental conservation.

  • Design & Technology: Innovate and create to develop designs and make high quality products.

  • Electronics: Develop knowledge of digital and analog circuits, microcontrollers, and signal processing, to design and test electronic systems, preparing for engineering and technology careers.
  • Art and Design: Fine art, graphic communication, photography, textiles.

  • Business Studies: Business operations, finance, marketing, and strategy.

  • Computer Science: Programming, data structures, algorithms, and software development.

  • Music: Music theory, history, composition, and performance.

  • Accounting: Understand, apply, analyse and evaluate accounting information.

  • Travel & Tourisim: Learn to appreciate the changing nature of travel and tourism and understand the importance of sustainability in the development and management of the industry.

  • Statistics: Develop skills in data analysis, probability, and statistical reasoning.

  • Digital Media & Design: DFigital photography, moving image, games design and mobile and multimedia applications.
Preparation for A-Level Examinations:
  • Subject Mastery: In-depth study of subject content as outlined by the exam boards, which includes lectures, seminars, and independent study.

  • Skill Development: Emphasis on critical thinking, essay writing, problem-solving, and analytical skills across all subjects.

  • Past Papers: Regular practice with past examination papers and mark schemes to familiarize students with question formats and expectations.

  • Mock Exams: Scheduled mock exams to assess progress and address areas for improvement.

Coursework: For subjects with coursework components, students must engage in research, draft, and revise their work under teacher guidance.

  • Practical Skills: In subjects like sciences, art, and technology, students must develop and demonstrate practical skills, which are assessed through projects or lab work through our green hubs.

  • Study Skills Workshops: Sessions on revision techniques, time management, and exam stress management.

  • Teacher Feedback: Continuous feedback from teachers on homework, classwork, and assessments to guide students’ learning.

  • Peer Study Groups: Encouragement of collaborative study groups for peer support and knowledge sharing.

  • University and Career Guidance: Support in choosing university courses that align with A-Level subjects, including advice on personal statements and interview preparation.
Enrichment Activities
  • Subject Clubs and Societies: Participation in subject-specific clubs for additional exposure to material and engagement with like-minded peers.

  • Lectures and Seminars: Guest speakers, workshops, and seminars from industry professionals or academics to provide real-world context to learning.

  • Research Projects: Encouragement to undertake independent research projects or extended essays that allow students to delve deeper into areas of interest.

  • Competitions: Entry into subject-related competitions to showcase understanding and gain recognition.
Assessment and Evaluation
  • Internal Assessments: Regular internal assessments help track progress and identify areas where students may need additional support or extension opportunities.

  • External Examinations: These are typically held at the end of each academic year (AS and A2). The style and content of these exams are dictated by the exam boards and are the primary determinant of the student’s qualification.

  • Evaluation of Practical Work: In subjects with a practical component, such as sciences, art, and drama, students are assessed on their competency and the quality of their practical work throughout the course.

  • Coursework Assessment: For subjects with coursework elements, assessment criteria will be provided, and students must meet these standards to achieve high marks. Coursework is often moderated or externally assessed to ensure consistency and fairness.

  • Oral Examinations: In language subjects, oral proficiency is tested through spoken exams, which may include conversation, presentation, and interpretation exercises.

  • Reflective Reviews: After assessments, students are encouraged to reflect on their performance and identify strategies for improvement moving forward.
Support Services
  • Academic Support: Access to additional tutoring or remedial classes for students who require extra help in specific subjects.

  • Mental Health and Well-being: Services to support students’ mental health, including counseling and stress management resources, especially during exam periods.

  • Special Needs Accommodations: Provision of necessary accommodations for students with learning differences or disabilities to ensure they can fully access the curriculum and demonstrate their knowledge during exams.

  • Career Counseling: Advice and guidance on potential career paths and the necessary steps to pursue specific professions, including help with university applications and job placements.
Extracurricular
Engagement
  • Volunteer Work: Encouraging students to engage in volunteer work, which can provide valuable life experiences and enhance their university applications.

  • Internships: Facilitating opportunities for internships in fields related to students’ A-Level subjects to gain practical experience.

  • Cultural Exchange: Opportunities for cultural exchange programs or international collaborations that can broaden students’ perspectives and understanding of global issues.
Parental Involvement
  • Regular Updates: Keeping parents informed about their child’s progress, upcoming assessments, and any additional support the student might need.

  • Parent-Teacher Meetings: Scheduled meetings to discuss student performance, expectations, and collaborative strategies to support learning at home.

  • Workshops: Offering workshops for parents on how to support their children through the A-Level process, including understanding the university application system.

By offering a robust selection of A level courses and providing comprehensive support for exam preparation, the A level curriculum aims to prepare students for the academic rigor of college courses, while also offering the opportunity to earn college credit in key stage 5. The program is designed to challenge students, foster a love of learning, and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in higher education and beyond.