Pre-Sixth Form Academic curriculum
Our Pre-Sixth Form Academic curriculum is designed predominately for students from outside of the UK who intend to study the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form. A typical IB student has a love of learning and enjoys a broad range of extra-curricular activities. They are independent, prepared to take risks and enjoy being stretched and challenged.
The Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to enable a smooth transition into Ardingly Sixth Form by:
- Supporting students so they adapt to living away from home in a boarding environment through facilitating their social integration into the College
- Improving students’ fluency in English and acquiring basic technical vocabulary in the subjects they want to study as part of the full IB Diploma
- Strengthening the students’ knowledge in the ‘core’ subjects of Maths, English and Science
- Providing the opportunity for students to sit GCSE examinations in key subjects, to assist with university entry.
Compulsory Core subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Science – Biology and Physics (Chemistry is available as an optional subject).
Optional subjects:
Students select two or three optional subjects. These are chosen and discussed with the Head of Middle School.
Pre Sixth Form programmes are bespoke and tailored to the needs of students sitting GCSEs following one year of study. Students may study subjects on the IB Diploma Programme that they have not studied at GCSE. Prior to their arrival at Ardingly College, Pre-IB students will be sent details of the work that is covered in Year 10 (Remove) to enable them to prepare for the Fifth Form.
About GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
GCSEs and IGCSEs are UK qualifications generally taken by 16-year-old students who have completed five years of Secondary Education. Courses are typically two years long and the final, public examinations in all subjects are taken at the end of the Fifth Form. However, Pre-IB students complete a smaller number of IGCSEs in one year.