Information to parents of secondary pupils: academic studies ( )

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1 1 Information to parents of secondary pupils: academic studies ( ) 07/06/15 ISM, then known as IPS, was founded in The secondary section was created in September 1996, and moved to the present site in Serrano Galvache in September With its emphasis on meeting the needs of the whole person and on the quality and effectiveness of the learning process, the secondary section aims to prepare its students to be as well equipped as possible to face the challenges of a changing world. The Curriculum at I.S.M. has been specially designed to meet the needs of both Spanish and non-spanish students in Madrid. Whilst it is based on the English National Curriculum, and the academic examinations which are recognised for entry into universities in Britain, the curriculum permits Spanish students to follow these studies whilst at the same time satisfying the curriculum requirements of the Spanish government for the education of Spanish students in non-spanish schools. In some respects ISM s curriculum is unique: whilst meeting the needs of students to choose either British, US or Spanish universities, it also provides, with the Spanish humanities subjects, a broader academic dimension and preparation for life than is provided by just one educational system. Examples are the Philosophy, History of Art and World Literature courses in Spanish which students can take in the Spanish humanities area in Years 12 and 13. The information below seeks to explain the main characteristics of the teaching system in I.S.M. which follows the English National Curriculum. This is done through a description of the examination courses taken at the school, which is an official examination centre for Cambridge International Examinations, part of Cambridge Assessment (formerly U.C.L.E.S. - The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate), and EDEXCEL (formerly The University of London Examinations Board). I. Studies that are offered by the International School of Madrid General Students in the International School of Madrid study a teaching programme which is specifically designed to suit their needs. Whilst all students study a range of subjects which are based on the British National Curriculum programme and which prepare them for entry into British universities, Spanish students also study the Spanish subjects required by the Spanish Ministry, thus validating their studies and ensuring an excellent preparation for entry into Spanish universities, having in addition the very high level of English obtained in I.S.M. In Years 7 to 11 students are set in some subjects according to their level, for instance in French and Mathematics in Key Stage Three (French Years 7-9; Maths, Year 9). As both sets are timetabled at the same time pupils can be moved between groups in order to match their needs better.

2 For more information about KS3 subjects, all compulsory, please refer to the information given to parents in the meeting with teachers and on the web site. Some KS3 pupils may be doing Drama instead of Sports on Fridays if they are taking part in the Musical, which takes place in the Spring in a local theatre. An important rehearsal for the play will take place from 8 a.m. on Wednesdays. Sports for KS4 and 5 will take place by year group on different days on site. The information below focuses on studies in Key Stage Four (Years 10 and 11), where IGCSEs are studied over two years and examined at the end of Year 11, and Key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13), where students study Advanced Level subjects (mainly AS in Y12 and A2 in Year 13). Details of studies and examinations in the International School of Madrid. There are five types of external examinations taken in I.S.M. A) The IGCSE examinations, taken mainly in Year 11. English as a First Language and Spanish as a First Language are normally taken in Year 10. In a few cases Foreign Language French is taken in Year 10. B) The GCE Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS) and Advanced Level (A2) examinations, which are taken in Years 12 and 13. C) The K.E.T. (in Primary), P.E.T., F.C.E. (First Certificate), C.A.E. (Advanced) and C.P.E. (Proficiency) examinations of Cambridge ESOL (English as a Second Language examinations). Only students taking the final exam with ISM, unless they are at a lower level of English, can take these courses, which are a great support for studies in English and provide important Certificates to measure the standard of English of a student, particularly when applying to University in the UK or for employment. The school takes care of all the administration, invigilation, resources, such as text books, for this course. Students who sign up for these courses commit themselves to taking the final exam in the summer with the school. Our exam centre is Cesma Business School, in Calle Bausa, officially recognised by Cambridge to examine ESOL. D) In addition students take the French Alliance Française examinations (Prepa., CAF, DELF, etc). All these externally assessed exams are billed separately. The End of Key Stage Tests (SATs), taken in Year 9, are marked internally. More information on the SATs levels, recorded in the reports, will be provided in the Autumn Term. The information below gives you more details about some of these examinations. A) IGCSE EXAMINATIONS. To understand what IGCSE is we need to explain first what GCSE means. i) What are G.C.S.E.s? G.C.S.E. means 'General Certificate of Secondary Education'. These are examinations which all pupils in the United Kingdom (except Scotland) have to take at the end of their compulsory period of education, usually at year of age. They consist of a programme of studies in a number of compulsory and optional subjects taken over two years, in Years 10 and 11. Within the Spanish educational system this corresponds to 3º and 4º of ESO. 2

3 3 ii) What are IGCSEs? The IGCSE is the international version of the GCSE. The IGCSEs taken through Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) are recognised world wide as an appropriate qualification to be taken by pupils of this age. The main difference between the GCSEs and the IGCSEs is that in some areas they have been restructured to give a more international flavour to the courses. iii) The significance of the IGCSE qualification The marking system is as follows: Grades A,B,C,D,E,F,G are given, a grade C being regarded as a pass mark. Most institutions of higher education in the UK require 5 IGCSE passes with a minimum of a C grade, in addition to three A levels. iv) An examination for pupils of all abilities The IGCSE is designed to examine pupils of all abilities. Within some subjects, including Maths, Science and Economics, there are two optional levels: Core and Extended. Extended is designed for those pupils who are capable of achieving an A or a B grade. Although all the pupils of the International School of Madrid have the opportunity of studying both levels, there will be some pupils to whom it could be recommended not to take the Extended level in certain subjects as they are more likely guaranteed a pass at C grade by taking the Core level. This decision would be taken in Year 11 (the second year of IGCSE studies). v) Evaluation of Coursework One of the most important characteristics of the IGCSE exams is that in some subjects some of the work that the students complete during the course counts towards the final exam mark. The evaluation of coursework varies from 20-40% of the final grade. Examples are Art and Design, and First Language English. vi) Subjects in Years 10 and 11 Students follow a two-year course in compulsory and optional subjects, being examined at the end of Year 11. Most pupils will have already taken and passed two IGCSEs in Year 10, English as a First (or Second Language, if their English is weak) and Spanish as a First Language (or Spanish as a Foreign Language, if their Spanish is weak) before they commence Year 11 studies. Some pupils at ISM take French as a Foreign Language early too. There are a minimum of five compulsory IGCSE subjects for all the pupils, and a number of optional subjects (three). In addition to IGCSE courses, all Spanish students study Spanish subjects required by the Spanish Ministry. In Years 10 and 11, which is equivalent to 3º and 4º E.S.O., the subjects are 'Lengua y Literatura Española and Cultura Española/Sociedad'. vi a) Compulsory Subjects English as a First Language (Year 10), English Literature (Year 11), Mathematics, Co-ordinated Science (a Double Award IGCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics), First Language Spanish (Year 10) and IGCSE Spanish Literature (Year 11) are compulsory subjects for most students.

4 4 - This means that most pupils are prepared for a maximum total of 7 IGCSE certificates (Sciences is a double award). This does not include the three optional subjects outlined in section vi b) below. Lengua y Literatura Española and Cultura Española/Sociedad' are also compulsory for Spanish pupils. vi b) Optional subjects The International School of Madrid offers a number of suitable IGCSEs which can give the pupils in each case the chance to study subjects useful to them and to achieve the top grade, thus ensuring the validation with the Spanish system. Students normally choose 3 subjects from the following: - History or Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in year 11, and the new Computer Science IGCSE in Year 10; Geography or French; Economics or Art and Design. If teaching staff consider it appropriate, pupils can also be prepared for other subjects, taken in the November or June examination sessions, such as First Language French. Other Foreign Languages (German, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, Arabic, Hindi) can also be examined, although tuition for these is arranged privately. Mr. Salmon arranges these language examinations. Different levels of extra French, German and Italian are often offered after school. vi c) Other classes (not IGCSE exams) Physical education; Sports or Drama; Religion or Citizenship (or Psicología in Year 13, this subject in Spanish). In Year 11 the school offers a Careers Guidance Scheme (Step One) which helps students to understand their strengths and weaknesses better. It involves a number of psychometric and other tests taken in January and which are followed up by an interview in March with an experienced careers guidance counsellor from the UK, to which parents are invited, some weeks later, with a complete, detailed dossier of the results, which include suggestions for careers. In pupils, mainly but not exclusively from Year 11, signed up for the scheme. More information will be sent in the Autumn Term, but please do look at the Step One web site B) ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATIONS (AS and A2) AND SPANISH STUDIES IN YEARS 12 AND 13 i) General In Year 12 and 13, the last two years of school, equivalent to the Spanish 1 st and 2 nd Bachillerato, students are prepared for the Advanced Level (A) and the Advanced Subsidiary examinations (AS) of the University of Cambridge and Edexcel examination board. The Advanced levels consist of a vigorous programme of study and are recognised world wide as an excellent means of entry to a university. Most of the AS courses are studied in Year 12 and each course is the first part of the full A level. The second part, called A2, is normally studied in Year 13. Many students finish with three or four full A levels, one being

5 Spanish Advanced level, normally taken in Y12. Most British universities require the equivalent of three good Advanced Level passes for entry (not including Spanish in the case of Spanish pupils). ii) Subjects that are on offer in Years 12 and 13 Each student is advised as to the most suitable options open to them. Normally it is recommended that each student takes between three and four AS levels in Year 12, in addition to Lengua y Literatura Española and A level Spanish, and continues with three A levels (A2) in Year 13. The Spanish Advanced Level is taken in Year 12, as most of our pupils have a very high level of Spanish. Admission into Year 12 will require at least five IGCSE passes (grade C) which do not include Spanish, and acceptance by the school on at least three Advanced Subsidiary (AS) courses, which do not include Advanced level Spanish. It is expected that for AS and A level a grade A or B is achieved at IGCSE for the subject that the student wishes to study. Two examples: for Physics A level, a B or a C grade Extended Maths at IGCSE is necessary, and for French, an A grade. In some cases a student may achieve only C grades. In this case the school will meet with parents and the pupil concerned and plan the most appropriate programme of study. There will be a meeting the day before term starts (8 th of September, at 9.30 a.m.) for all Y12 students, in order to plan subjects. The following A/AS Level subjects are offered: * Languages: - English Literature, French, Spanish * Mathematics/Sciences/Technology :- Physics, Chemistry, Biology Mathematics, Computing * Humanities/Arts:- History, Geography, Business Studies, Art and Design For the option blocks for , see the Annex 1 Admission into Years 12 and 13. Pupils must study at least one of the following English subjects: Literature in English AS level, English Language AS Level or CAE/CPE (Cambridge Advanced English). English Language AS and CAE/CPE are timetabled at the same time. English Language AS is examined over two years, and aimed at students whose level of English is lower than average and who would find it very difficult to take A level Literature in English. Spanish students in Years 12 and 13 (1º y 2º de Bachillerato) The emphasis in Years 12 and 13 is on the Advanced Levels. If students wish to consider entering Spanish universities they can do so through Direct Access with A levels. All students who are thinking of the possibility of applying to Spanish universities and who want to obtain the Título de Bachillerato MUST study the 'Lengua Española course of 1º y 2º Bachillerato plus other Science/Maths or Humanities options in Spanish. Other subjects Catholic Religion or Citizenship (or Psicología in Y13); Sports, including sporting events against other schools. The school has a long history of theatrical productions (Doña Rosita la soltera o el lenguaje de las flores, by Federico García Lorca (1999); Las de Caín, of the Álvarez Quintero brothers (2001); Asuntos de Familia by Alfonso 5

6 Paso (2002); La casa de Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca (2005); West Side Story (2006); Chicago (2007) and The Little Shop of Horrors (2008); Grease (2009); Doña Rosita la soltera o el lenguaje de las flores, by Federico García Lorca (2010); Mamma Mía (2011),Oliver in 2012, Guys and Dolls in 2013, Annie in 2014 and My Fair Lady in We are preparing Mary Poppins for With Annie we gained first prize in the Madrid schools drama competition, and with My Fair Lady in 2015 second place, with a number of individual and collective awards. iii) The A and AS level qualification The official marks that will validate the qualifications of the A and AS level are A,B,C,D and E. Please note that a pass grade at A/AS level is an E, not a C as in IGCSE. School reports from Year 10 reflect this difference. Teachers would expect a D grade at AS to continue the A2 course. C) CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMINATIONS (K.E.T., P.E.T., F.C.E., C.A.E. AND C.P.E.). These are the ESOL (English For speakers of Another Language) of the University of Cambridge Examinations Board. K.E.T., P.E.T. and F.C.E. correspond to 'Waystage User', 'Threshold User' and 'Independent User.' Whilst K.E.T. (Key English Test) is a basic qualification in English, and a step towards P.E.T., the latter (Preliminary English Test) gives proof of English language competence at a basic level sufficient to 'survive' in everyday situations. F.C.E. (First Certificate in English), the most widely taken of all the Cambridge EFL exams, gives proof of competence in English at an intermediate level. It is widely recognised in commerce, industry and educational institutions in Britain and other English-speaking countries. In I.S.M. K.E.T. is taken in Year 6, P.E.T. in Year 7 and FCE in Year 9. Cambridge Advanced English (C.A.E.) and Proficiency (C.P.E.) are normally taken in Years 12 and 13 respectively. Pupils who take these courses must take the final examination with the school. II. University entrance British universities: IGCSE, Advanced and Advanced Subsidiary qualifications are recognised world wide for entrance into university. For British universities, entrance is through U.C.A.S., ( and the school prepares students well in advance with careers guidance, undertaken by staff. This is concerned with further education and careers, and we have up to date information (including booklets, university prospectuses, leaflets and videos). Three members of staff are responsible for this area, which includes Spanish universities. Teachers take great care to advise students about entrance to British universities, which include Oxford and Cambridge, US or Spanish universities, so that when the time comes to make applications, students are clear about the choices and the entrance process. PSAT and SAT examinations (for US Colleges and Universities) can also be arranged through the College Board. Students have at their disposal a Careers and Further Education section in the Study Room, and there are frequent careers talks and visits from university admissions officers organized by Ms. Begoña del Valle and Mr.Coughlan, who is the Key Stage 5 Coordinator, also responsible for guidance for entrance to non-spanish universities, assisted by Mr. Paul Lang (US and Canadian universities), Y13L tutor and Mr Loft, Y13S tutor. Spanish universities: Ms. Begoña del Valle and Rafael Mialdea advise students for entrance to Spanish 6

7 universities. Students can apply to Spanish universities directly with their A levels, through a Credencial de Acceso Directo based on the UCAS Tariff, that corresponds with the Fase General de la Prueba de Acceso. Students who wish to raise their grade have to take the external UNED exams of the Fase Específica for entrance to public universities. More information on these exams is given below in Annex 1 (pages 7, 8 and 9). Students who wish to continue their higher education studies in the USA can take the U.S. College Board examinations (SATs). Pupils register online with the College Board - and the tests are taken at different times of the year at the American School of Madrid, a registered centre for the College Board. Students at ISM can thus choose from the whole international range of university education. 7 Note on resources: Web site for UK universities: Web site for Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A level syllabuses and past papers: See the section on Qualifications. Web site for the Edexcel examination board (University of London): At present this board is used for Advanced Level French only. Note: non-academic information about the school, such as philosophy, school rules, discipline, Bulletin, etc., can be found on the web site, or requested from the school office. Annex 1 Admission into Years 12 and 13 These following are the admission requirements for entry into Years 12 and 13: Year 12 At least five IGCSE passes (grade C) which do not include First or Foreign Language Spanish. Acceptance by teachers on at least three Advanced Subsidiary (AS) courses, which do not include Spanish Advanced Level. Pupils choose subjects from a number of blocks (A to D). They may choose one from each. They also must do Blocks E to I. Year Block A Chemistry Business Studies Art B Physics French Geography C Biology Applied ICT History D Mathematics English Literature E Advanced Level Spanish F Cambridge Advanced English* (CAE) or English Language AS. G Lengua y Literatura Española (compulsory for pupils whose first language is Spanish) H Normally some Spanish Bachillerato subjects (**see below) I Catholic Religion or Citizenship J Sports *CAE is optional, if Literature English AS or English Language AS (over two years) is taken. Students must take at least ONE of these three English subjects. Only students who sign up to take the exam in June 2015 can attend the CAE classes.

8 ** Matemáticas aplicadas a las ciencias sociales*, Filosofía, Historia del Arte*, Geografía*, Literatura Universal*. OR Matemáticas 2*, Física*, Química*, Biología*, Dibujo Técnico*, (*These subjects are the ones that count for the Prueba específica ). Year 13 The minimum requirement for pupils to continue with A2 courses is three AS pass grades (A to E) at AS, which does not include Spanish. Most subjects will require at least a D pass, which gives us a fair guarantee that a pass grade can be achieved at Advanced Level. Failure to satisfy these requirements will mean that a student will have to repeat Year 12. Year Block A Chemistry Business Studies Art B Physics French Geography C Mathematics Applied ICT History D Biology English Literature E Further Maths+ F Cambridge Proficiency English* (CPE) G Lengua y Literatura Española (compulsory for pupils whose first language is Spanish) H Three Spanish Bachillerato subjects (**see below) I Catholic Religion or Citizenship, or Psychology K Sports (one period a week). Some pupils have 2 periods of Drama week. *CPE is optional, if Literature English AS or English Language AS is taken. Students must take at least ONE of these three English subjects. Only students who sign up to take the exam in June 2015 can attend the CPE classes. ** Matemáticas aplicadas a las ciencias sociales*, Filosofía, Historia del Arte*, Geografía*, Literatura Universal*. OR Matemáticas 2*, Física*, Química*, Biología*, Dibujo Técnico*. (*These subjects are the ones that count for the Prueba específica ). Note +: Further Maths is an option to Spanish Matemáticas 2. Humanidades (Ciencias Sociales, ADE, Imagen y Sonido, Comunic. Audiovisual, etc) Matemáticas CCSS (para las Ciencias sociales) (compulsory) Historia del Arte Geografía/Filosofía Literatura universal **Bachillerato Subjects Ciencias (Ingenerías y Biosanitaria) Matemáticas 2 (compulsory, unless students study Further Maths). Física Química Dibujo Técnico Biología Pupils have to study and pass at least three subjects at the end of the year in school exams in order to be able to obtain the Título de Bachiller. Matemáticas CCSS or Matemáticas 2 is compulsory, unless studying Further Maths, and they must choose two other subjects from the list. Like most of the British schools in Spain, ISM has uses the Direct Access facility to enter Spanish universities. The AS and A2 examination results are converted on a scale system to points based on the UCAS tariff (used to calculate A level results for entry to a British University), and the Spanish Ministry of Education has fixed the equivalences of this tariff for the combination of grades for different university subjects (See the UNED web site and table below, Annex 2). The grade that pupils achieve through Direct Access is equivalent to the Fase General of the new exam for entrance to Spanish public and private universities. In order to improve the grade for access 8

9 to Spanish public universities our students must take the examinations of the Fase Específica subjects. This can give up to 4 extra points to add to the Fase General total and facilitates access to the more demanding careers such as Ingenería and Medicina. The school offers a mock examination for the Específicas in April to decide if the student is well prepared for the real exam. If the student does not pass that mock, we offer a second opportunity. After this, if he/she fails, the student will have to do the específica as a private candidate. Sometimes pupils may wish to drop a subject or change an option during the year. This is not normally allowed. Any changes must be approved by Mr. Wickham. To obtain the minimum mark (5) in the Credencial de acceso a la universidad pupils need at least 140 points of the UCAS tariff. (For a detailed explanation and the UCAS tariff with Spanish equivalent marks, see the letter to parents Admission to Spanish universities: the Fase General and the Fase Específica ). In order to obtain this credencial, the student does not need to pass all the Spanish subjects, but in order to obtain the Título de Bachiller, pupils will have to: have passed Years 12 and 13, both in English and Spanish subjects have obtained either one A level and 2 AS levels, or 2 A levels It could happen quite often that a student thinks that getting the Credencial de acceso a la Universidad is enough for him/her to get into the university. This is right, but it also right that sometimes, if you are applying to a job in the public sector (oposición a la comunidad europea), the government could ask for the Título de Bachiller. Your son/daughter would then realise just how important it was to have passed all the English and Spanish subjects and would regret they hadn t passed these subjects. Unjustified absenteeism or continued lack of punctuality for classes is also taken into account on assessing whether a student has passed the year. Non-fulfilment of these requirements will mean that the school will not be able to prepare or present pupils for entry into university. 9 Some useful internet sites Cambridge International Examinations board web site: Edexcel examinations board web site: For the UCAS tariff: For UNED - (acceso directo). National Association of British Schools in Spain useful links for teachers and families - Annex 2 UCAs Tariff and equivalence with Spanish grades/points Acceso a la Universidad española. 1. FASE GENERAL (A Levels) - puntuación máxima de 10 puntos: Los alumnos de sistemas educativos de la Unión Europea no tienen que realizar la prueba de Selectividad española (fase general) y se aceptan los requisitos a la Universidad del país que corresponda, en nuestro caso, el Reino Unido. Se utiliza la tabla de puntos UCAS de Reino Unido. Hay que acreditar un mínimo de 140 puntos de UCAS a través de los G.C.E. En junio, la UNED expide una credencial basada en los resultados estimados (predicted grades), que tienen validez en las universidades españolas solo a efectos de admisión, debiendo ser sustituida por la credencial definitiva con los resultados de agosto.

10 10 UCAS TARIFF 2. FASE ESPECÍFICA (prueba voluntaria) 4 puntos: REINO UNIDO (UCAS) ESPAÑA A-LEVELS (A1) A-S LEVELS (A2) A* ,2 A , ,6 B , C , ,4 D A ,6 B ,8 E C D ,2 E , , , , , , , , , , ,8 > Esta prueba es voluntaria tanto para los alumnos españoles como extranjeros. Es recomendable realizarla para aquellas carreras universitarias que tengan notas de corte altas como en el caso de Medicina, Biotecnología, Fisioterapia y algunas ingenierías, entre otras. Se puede obtener un máximo de cuatro puntos que se añaden a los obtenidos en la fase general. Por poner un ejemplo, la nota media de corte de medicina de junio estaba por encima de 12. Sería imposible obtener esta nota si solo se hace la fase general ya que en aquella se puede obtener un máximo de 10 puntos. El alumno puede examinarse de un máximo de cuatro asignaturas vinculadas a la modalidad de la carrera que quiera estudiar. Se eligen las dos notas mejores y se ponderan con 0,2 ó con 0,1. El alumno debe consultar qué asignaturas se ponderan más en los estudios que van a realizar. En el de Medicina, por ejemplo, serían las asignaturas de Biología, Física, Matemáticas y Química. Si obtuviera un cinco en la primera y un 6 en la segunda, tendría 0, ,2 6 = 2,2 puntos que se añadirían a los obtenidos a la fase general.