Sixth Form

We hope this A level Section of the website will help you to make good choices to support you when you leave school. At MIS we have a balanced curriculum that will help you develop the skills that you need whatever you want to do after school. We have a broad range of subjects that includes 3 or 4 A levels including IELTS, and a Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme that prepares you for life after school and includes units on careers and university applications to help you get ready for a successful transition. The table below explainshow lesson time in years 12 and 13 is used.

A levels are England’s national high school qualification, although they are also used in 125 other countriesbecause they have a proven reputation for being excellent preparation for universities around the world,employment and life. They are studied by students aged 17 – 18 during their final two years at school. Students usually take three subjects. For some universities and courses, it is helpful to take four subjects; our Headof Sixth Form and our university counsellor can help you to decide what is the right path for you.  

What are the benefits of A Levels?

1. Universities around the world, including all UK universities and the vast majority US universities, accept A Levels for Many universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, MIT and Stanford often see the best A Levels applicants as prime targets. To find out more about university recognition of A levels visit: www.cie.org.uk/recognition

2. A levels provide a deep understanding of chosen subjects, enabling students to prepare for specific university coursesand career

3. Academic expectations are high and close to those experienced in top

4. A levels emphasize and develop critical thinking, advanced comprehension and research

5. A levels promote advanced reading and writing skills, particularly the ability to structure and defend an academic

6. A levels develop the ability to present and participate in a debate and to positively engage with critical

7. A levels develop students as independent

MIS is a registered examination centre for the Cambridge Assessment A Levels. Cambridge Assessment is the world’slargest provider of education programmes and qualifications with over 9,000 schools in 160 countries.

Choosing your options

Most students will take  four AS level subjects in year 12.

The subjects you choose should be based on the grades you get at IGCSE as well as your intended career pathway, and yourform tutor, subject teachers  will help you with these. You should not choose subjects based on a teacher you like or the subjects that your friends have chosen.

Your final decision should be made after you have discussed it with your form tutor and parents.

Courses Offered

As the A Level programmes has developed at MIS, we have been able to offer more A levels courses and each year as ourschool grows, we will continue to offer more courses. The list of courses that follows shows the courses that we will be offeringthis year, 2023-2024

It is important to note that we will only run each course if there are enough students opting to take the course.

Therefore, whilst most will be running, they are not all guaranteed.

Students and parents often ask if you need to study a particular subject at IGCSE to study it at ALevel. The answer depends on the subject.

The first group of subjects requires an IGCSE in that subject before starting A Level. This is because A Level study builds upon the knowledge, skills and understanding gained through IGCSE study. Our experience suggests that students who do well in these subjects normally have a B grade (or above)pass at IGCSE:

• Maths
• English

Similarly, the following subjects require a pass at IGCSE in either coordinated or triplescience before starting A Level:

• Biology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science

The next group of subjects are offered at IGCSE and this is a good preparation for A level study.However, the syllabuses are designed to allow students to start A level study without having donethe subject at IGCSE and some students do this successfully each year:

• Business Studies
• Psychology
• Global Perspectives

The final subject on the above list is offered at A Level at MIS. This subject is not taught at IGCSEand you do not need prior knowledge to study this course. It can make a good choice if you areinterested in that subject.

Your choice of A Levels subjects will affect what you can study in University and where you can apply. Universities often require specific A Levels subjects for particular courses.Some individual universities and universities in some countries also have general subject entry requirements you must meet. To make sure you choose the right subjects for whatyou want to do in the future, use this quick guide:

If you know the subject you want to study at university or the country you want tostudy in:

 Check the general and subject specific entry requirements for several universities in that country online and make sure you know the subjects you need to If you don’tknow how to do this, find Mr Christian in the careers room and ask for help.

If you don’t know the subject but do know the country you want to study in:

 Check the general entry requirements for several universities in that country online and make sure you know the subjects you need to take. If you don’t know howto do this, find Mr. Christian and ask for

• Where possible, choose at least two facilitating subjects. The facilitating subjects MIS offers are: Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry and (Economics can also be a good alternative to these.)

In this table you will find the subjects we are offering our MIS students this year. From the table you should select a maximum of FOUR subjects – all from different sections.

A LEVEL SUBJECT BLOCKS    

• Students need to choose 4 subjects.
• Apart from the 4 subjects, they are required to do IELTS which is mandatory

You should be selecting subjects based on your interest in that subject and how you feel it might help you in your future career choice. Remember that the subjects youchoose will be used to assess your suitability for a university course.

The choices you make must not be based on a particular teacher who is delivering the course of the fact that your friends have also decided on certain subjects.

This selection is yours and yours alone.

If you need ANY help in making your choices, please do not hesitate to contact the school. The admissions department will organise a personal interview with the Headof School or the  Secondary Principal or University Counsellor.

A Level Art and Design offers students the opportunity to develop their technical skills and ideas through a range of different media and materials. Students complete four components for this qualification, two in the first year and two in the second. In all components, students investigate a theme or topic through criticalengagement with a theme:

• Component 1: AS Levels coursework

(A Levels weighting: 25%, AS weighting: 50%) Portfolio of up to five sheets supporting work (A2 size)One final outcome (no time constraints)

• Component 2: AS Levels externally set assignment (A Levels weighting: 25%, AS weighting: 50%) Portfolio of up to three sheets of supporting work (A2 size) One final outcome produced in a 15 hourControlled Test

• Component 3: A Levels Personal Investigation (A Levels weighting: 50%) Onefinal outcome

Portfolio of supporting work (A2 size) Written analysis (1000-1500-word essay)

Core skills are introduced at the beginning of the course to develop a visual language through exploration of the formal elements, composition and experimentation with a variety of 2D and 3D processes.

Students are expected to produce preparatory work for all components, culminating in a final piece using their chosen media. Possible materials, processes and techniques include drawing, painting (acrylic, gouache, watercolour), printmaking (mono, Lino, dry point, block), collage, sculpture (assemblage,construction, casting, moulding) and mixed-media.

Students contextualise their ideas through researching the work of other artists, studying their techniquesand responding to these. Critical and analytical vocabulary is introduced and encouraged throughannotations, reflections and evaluations.

Sketchbooks are required and should evidence idea development from initial concept right through torealisation. Students must show engagement with their surroundings through first hand recording anddrawing from observation.

Students may progress to a variety of university courses in a range of disciplines: Fine Art, Fashion and Textiles, Architecture, Photography, Graphic Design, Illustration, Product Design, Interior Design, 3D Design, Animation, Media Studies, Advertising, Film, Accessory Design, Jewellery, and Art History.

Why study Biology?

“An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only a great curiosity butgreat fulfilment.” – David Attenborough.

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from the headlines either… The human genome has been sequenced and we know the complete arrangement of the three thousand million bases that make up human DNA. In Kenya, 350 peopledie every day from AIDS and in South East Asia the skies are dark with smoke as the last Borneanrainforests are burned to grow oil palms. Biologists are concerned with all these issues. They work in the fields of cell biology, medicine, food production and ecology… and the work they do is vital tous all.

Cambridge International AS and A Levels Biology builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE(or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advancedpractical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination in Year 12.

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas innovel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinkingand problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Levels Biology is ideal for learners who want to study biology or a wide variety of relatedsubjects at university or to follow a career in science.

If you take the course, which is most suitable for those who have gained grade B or above at IGCSE level Science (or equivalent), you begin by studying the Advanced Subsidiary Level in Year 12. Once the Advanced Subsidiary A Levels in Biology is achieved, you can continue to takethe Advanced Level qualification in Year 13.

What will you learn as part of your course?

This syllabus is designed to provide you with:

• Confidence in a technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
• An understanding of the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and its application in othersubjects and in everyday life
• An understanding of how scientific theories and methods have developed, and continue todevelop,
• as a result of groups and individuals working together
• The ability to communicate effectively using universal scientific conventions
• An awareness of the importance of IT and a concern for accuracy and precision
• Improved awareness of the importance of objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative andinventiveness
• An interest in, and care for, the local and global environment and an understanding of the need for

In year 12 you will study the following topics:

Biological Molecules                                                    Transport and gas exchange

Cells as the basic units of life.                                     Disease and protection DNA and themitotic cell cycle

In year 13 you will study the additional topics of:

The diversity of life                                                      Respiration

Genetics                                                                      Mammalian physiology

Molecular biology and gene technology                      Plant Physiology

Transport and gas exchange                                       Disease and protection against disease

Assessment:

For the Advanced Subsidiary A Levels in Biology there are 3 examination papers sat in theMay/June examination session in year 12.

Paper 1 – Multiple choice

Paper 2 – AS structured questions Paper 3 -Advanced practical skills

To continue on to the Advanced Level there are 2 more examination papers sat in theMay/June examination session in year 13

Paper 4 – A2 structured questions

Paper 5 – Planning, analysis and evaluation

Why study Chemistry?

 “Wherever we look, the work of the chemist has raised the level of our civilisation and hasincreased the productive capacity of the nation.” – John Calvin Coolidge.

The behaviour of atoms, molecules, and ions determines the sort of world we live in, our shapesand sizes, and even how we feel on a given day. Chemists that understand these phenomena are very well equipped to tackle problems faced by our modern society. On any given day, they may be measuring the amount of insecticide in drinking water, comparing the protein content ofmeats, developing a new antibiotic, or analysing a moon rock. To design a synthetic fibre or even the skin of a space capsule requires a knowledge of chemistry. To understand why an autumnleaf turns red, or why a diamond is hard, or why soap gets us clean, requires, first, a basicunderstanding of chemistry.

Cambridge International AS and A Levels Chemistry builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practicalexamination.

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistryideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Levels Chemistry is ideal for learners who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.

If you take the course, which is most suitable for those who have gained grade B or above at IGCSE level Science (or equivalent), you begin by studying the Advanced Subsidiary Level in Year 12. Once the Advanced Subsidiary A Levels in Chemistry is achieved, you can continue to take the Advanced Level qualification in Year 13.

What will you learn as part of your course?

This syllabus is designed: 

• to stimulate students, create and sustain their interest in chemistry, and understand its relevance to society
• to give a thorough introduction to the study of chemistry and scientific methods

• to develop skills and abilities that are relevant to the safe practice of science and to everyday life:

• concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, the skills of enquiry, initiative and insight

• to enable candidates to become confident citizens in a technological world and to take an informedinterest in matters of scientific importance
• to stimulate interest in, and care for, the

In year 12 you will study the following topics:

• Moles and equations Equilibrium
• Atomic structure Rates of reaction
  • Electrons in atoms Nitrogen & Sulphur
  • Chemical bonding Chemistry
  • States of matter Periodicity
• Enthalpy changes Organic chemistry

In year 13 you will study the additional topics of:

Lattice energy                                         Polymerisation

Electrode potentials                               The chemistry of life

Reaction kinetics                                    Analytical chemistry

Transition elements                                Design and Materials

For the Advanced Subsidiary A Levels in Chemistry there are 3 examination papers sat in theMay/June examination session in year 12.

Paper 1 – Multiple choice

Paper 2 – AS structured questions Paper 3 –Advanced practical skills

To continue on to the Advanced Level there are 2 more examination papers sat in theMay/June examination session in year 13

Paper 4 – A2 structured questions

Paper 5 – Planning, analysis and evaluation

Why choose Chinese?

Cambridge International AS and A Level syllabuses in Chinese are accepted by universities andemployers as proof of linguistic ability and understanding. Successful language students gain lifelongskills, including:

• the ability to communicate confidently and clearly in Chinese
• a sound understanding of the nature of language and language study, and of the skills and abilities requiredfor further study, work and leisure
• insight into the culture and contemporary society of countries where Chinese is spoken
• better integration into communities where Chinese is spoken
• a positive attitude towards language learning, towards the speakers of other languages, and towardsother cultures and societies
• skills which can be used in other areas of learning, such as analysis and memory

A Cambridge International A Level in Chinese provides a suitable foundation for the study of languages or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in languages, or as part of a course of general education. A Cambridge International AS Level in Chinese provides a suitable foundation for the study of the language at Cambridge International A Level and thence for related courses in higher education. Depending on local university entrance requirements, it may permit or assist progression directly to university courses in languages or some other subjects. It is also suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in languages, or as part of a course of generaleducation.

Assessment

This syllabus is examined in the June and November examination series. Schemeof assessment summary

Reading and Writing Essay

Set Texts

The examinations are designed to assess candidates’ linguistic competence and their knowledge ofcontemporary society. In the exams, candidates will be expected to:

• understand and respond to texts written in Chinese, drawn from a variety of sources such asmagazines, newspapers, reports, books and other forms of extended writing

• manipulate Chinese accurately to demonstrate a capacity to choose appropriate examples of lexiand structures

• select information and present it in Chinese

• organise arguments and ideas

Why study Mathematics?

“No employment can be managed without arithmetic, no mechanical invention withoutgeometry” – Benjamin Franklin.

Mathematics at Advanced Level is both challenging and enjoyable. Mathematics develops keyemployability skills such as problem solving, logical reasoning, communication and resilience, whilst providing you with an increased knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques and their applications. It also supports the study of other A Levels subjects and provides excellent preparation for a wide range of university courses such as social sciences,engineering, sciences and of course mathematics. Researchers at London School ofEconomics found that having an A-Level in Mathematics increases your earning potential by 7-10% compared to any other A- Level.

We offer the Cambridge AS and A Levels in Mathematics. If you take the course, which issuitable for those who have gained grade B or above at IGCSE level (or equivalent), you beginby studying the Advanced Subsidiary Level in Year 12. Once the Advanced Subsidiary A Levels in Mathematics is achieved, you can continue to take the Advanced Level qualification in Year13.

What will you learn as part of your course?

Cambridge A Level Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof ofmathematical knowledge and understanding. Successful candidates gain lifelong skills, including:

• A deeper understanding of mathematical principles;
• The further development of mathematical skills including the use of applications ofmathematics in the context of everyday situations and in other subjects that they may bestudying;
• The ability to analyse problems logically, recognising when and how a situation may berepresented mathematically;
• The use of mathematics as a means of communication;
• A solid foundation for further study

Why study Physics?

We would be lost without physics! All the gadgets that we take for granted like laptops andmobile phones wouldn’t be here. Nor would the electricity supply that charges them and powersso many other things we use every day. It’s hard to imagine a world without the Internet, butwhen you were born almost no one had heard of it. A physicist invented it! Physicists areconstantly finding new things.

Cambridge International AS and A Levels in Physics is suitable for students who are looking at careers in engineering, medicine, communications and even law. The course requires students to develop problem solving and analytical skills – not just their knowledge of the subject. These skillsare highly transferable and desirable in any future career.

The course is most suitable for those who have gained grade B or above at IGCSE level Science, Once the Advanced Subsidiary A Levels in Physics is achieved, you can continue to take theAdvanced Level qualification in Year 13.

What will you learn as part of your course?

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics qualifications are accepted by universities and employers as proofof essential knowledge and ability.

This syllabus is designed:

• to give a thorough introduction to the study of Physics and scientific methods
• to develop skills and abilities that are relevant to the safe practice of

science and to everyday life: concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity,

• the skills of enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
• to emphasise the understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles,rather than the recall of factual material
• to enable candidates to become confident citizens in a technological world and to takean informed interest in matters of scientific importance
• to promote the use of IT as an aid to experiments and as a tool for the interpretation of experimentaland theoretical

Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science encourages learners to meet the needs of Higher Education courses in computer science as well as twenty-first century digital employers. It encourages learners to think creatively, through applying practical programming solutions, demonstrating that they are effective users of technology.

Our approach in Cambridge International AS & A Level  encourages learners to be:

• Confident, using a range of technology and programming paradigms
• Responsible, using technology ethically
• Reflective, as programmers, improving their own programming solution

• Innovative, creating efficient solutions to problems
• Engaged, in technology, how it is built and how software solutions are developed.

 What will you learn as part of your course?

       AS Level content

1.   Information representation
2.   Communication
3.   Hardware
4.   Processor Fundamentals
5.   System Software
6.   Security, privacy and data integrity
7.   Ethics and Ownership
8.   Databases
9.   Algorithm Design and Problem-solving
10.   Data Types and Structures
11.   Programming
12.   Software Development

    A Level content

13. Data Representation
14. Communication and internet technologies
15. Hardware and Virtual Machines
16. System Software
17. Security
18. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
19. Computational thinking and Problem-solving
20. Further Programming

 Assessment overview

At AS Level candidates take papers 1 and 2. At A Level candidates take all four papers.

Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals

75 marks

Paper 1 will assess sections 1 to 8 of the syllabus content.

Written paper.

50% of the AS Level 25% of the A Level

1 hour 30 minutes

Paper 2 Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills

75 marks,   2 hours written Paper.

Paper 2 will assess sections 9 to 12 of the syllabus content.

Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions.

50% of the AS Level 25% of the A Level

Paper 3 Advanced Theory

Paper 3 will assess sections 13 to 20 of the syllabus content.

25% of the A Level

1 hour 30 minutes

Paper 4 Practical

Paper 4 will assess sections 19 to 20 of the syllabus content, except for low-level and declarative programming.

Candidates will submit complete program code and evidence of testing.

Candidates will be required to use either Java (console mode), Visual Basic* (console mode) or Python (console mode) programming languages.

Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions on a computer without internet or email facility.

25% of the A Level

2 hours 30 minutes

Aims and Objectives:

The course aims to develop the skills and the necessary conceptual knowledge to engage with current psychological research and debate. Students will be required to draw on a broad understanding ofpsychological theory, concepts and research methodology. Student will learn how to conduct research andhow to apply findings to novel situations.

Key Skills:

• Knowledge and understanding – Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding
• Applying knowledge and understanding – Apply their knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations and real lifeand theoretical contexts
• Analysis and evaluation – Analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological information, ideas and

Course Content:

Year 12:

Research Methods

This covers all aspects of how to conduct psychological research. This includes features of experimentaldesign and requires students to conduct & evaluate psychological research.

 Core Studies

Different research studies from social, cognitive, biological and behavioural psychology are learned in detail,evaluated, and linked to issues and debates.

Year 13:

Psychology and Abnormality

This covers mental health issues such as schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder & depression. Students will look at how different approaches to psychology address symptoms, explain the causes, and how they are treatedand managed.

Psychology and Consumer Behaviour

This aspect of the course focuses how physical and psychological environments, features of products, advertisingand the consumer themselves affect consumer behaviour and decision-making.

Useful Resources: (including text book)

Further reading through:

• “Cambridge International AS and AL Psychology Coursebook” – Cambridge University Press
• “Psychology for Cambridge international AS & A Level” – Oxford University Press
• https://blogpsychology.wordpress.com/
• http://psychtutor.weebly.com/as-level.html

• http://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/psychology-revision/a-level-cie

A Level – Critical Path:

Deconstruction

Reconstruction

Reflection

Communication and Collaboration

Why Study Economics?

A helpful starting point for those who wish to pursue a career in economics or finance. Gives you a good base understanding of the various economic concepts you may encounter when working towards a career in economics or undertaking university study. Many students find a personal benefit in understanding the economic world. It can provide an understanding of concepts such as inflation and the economic impact of unemployment and such real-world issues.

In terms of job prospects, A-Level economics can provide a strong foundation and skill set for a number of career paths.

Typical careers for A-Level economics students include:

• Economist
• Chartered accountant
• Investment analyst
• Management consultant
• Civil servant

You may also find yourself working in the banking sector, with charities, NGOs or voluntary organizations, consultancies, or insurance firms.

The aims are to enable students to:

• know and understand the terminology, concepts, theories and principles of economics

• express ideas in writing and using statistics and diagrams, or other methods, where appropriate

• develop the habit of using works of reference as sources of information specific to economics

• read critically to gain information about the changes in the wider economic and social environment

• appreciate the methods of study that economists use, and the most effective ways economic information may be analyzed, correlated, discussed, evaluated and presented

• develop an interest in and enthusiasm for economics that could lead to further study

Content overview:

• Basic economic ideas and resource allocation
• The price system and the microeconomy
• Government microeconomic intervention
• The macroeconomy
• Government macroeconomic intervention
• International economic issues

• Assessment overview: