UK Secondary Education

 The UK secondary school system is divided into key stages, with Key Stage 4 (KS4, ages 14–16) and Key Stage 5 (KS5, ages 16–18) being the final two stages before higher education or employment. 

1. Key Stage 4 (KS4) Years 10–11, Ages 14–16: GCSEs & IGCSEs 

Qualifications Offered:

• GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) – The standard qualification in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• IGCSE (International GCSE) – A globally recognised alternative, often used in private and international schools.

Subjects & Curriculum

Students typically study 8–12 subjects, including:

Core (Compulsory) Subjects:

• English Language & Literature (sometimes separate)
• Mathematics
• Science (Combined Science = 2 GCSEs or Triple Science = 3 GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Optional Subjects (Students choose 4–6):

• Humanities: History, Geography, Religious Studies
• Languages: French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, etc.
• Arts & Design: Art, Music, Drama, Design & Technology
• Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Business Studies
• Technical/Vocational: Computer Science, Food Technology, Engineering

Exams & Grading

• Final exams at the end of Year 11 (May–June).
• Some subjects include coursework (e.g., Art, Design & Technology).
• Grading:
  • 9–1 scale (9 = highest, 1 = lowest, 4 = "standard pass", 5 = "strong pass").

2a. Key Stage 5 (KS5) Years 12–13, Ages 16–18: A-Levels

Qualifications Offered:

• A-Levels (Advanced Levels) – The gold standard for university entry.
• International A-Levels – Slightly different exam boards (e.g., CIE, Edexcel).
• IB (International Baccalaureate Diploma) – Alternative to A-Levels (less common in UK).

 A-Level Structure

• 2-year course (AS in Year 12, A2 in Year 13).
• Students choose 3–4 subjects (unlike GCSEs, much more specialised).
• No compulsory subjects (students pick based on university/career goals).

Exams & Grading

• Assessed mainly by final exams (some subjects have coursework, e.g., Art, History).
• Grades: A* (highest), A, B, C, D, E, U (fail).
• AS-Levels (Year 12) can be standalone or contribute to full A-Level.

2b. Key Stage 5 (KS5) Years 12–13, Ages 16–18: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an academically rigorous alternative to A-Levels, offered by select schools in the UK, particularly private and international institutions. 

Unlike A-Levels, which focus on in-depth study of 3–4 subjects, the IBDP requires a broader curriculum with six subject groups, alongside core components that develop research, critical thinking, and independent learning skills.

Structure of the IBDP

• Students study six subjects (three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL)), alongside the IB Core, which includes:

Six Subject Groups

1. Studies in Language & Literature - English Literature, World Literature

2. Language Acquisition - French, Spanish, Mandarin (ab initio or B Level)

3. Individuals & Societies - History, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Business Management

4. Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science

5. Mathematics - Analysis & Approaches (AA), Applications & Interpretation (AI)

6. The Arts - Visual Arts, Music, Theatre (or an additional subject from Groups 1–5)

• Higher Level (HL): More demanding, equivalent to A-Level depth (240 teaching hours).
• Standard Level (SL): Less intensive (150 teaching hours).

The IB Core (Mandatory for Full Diploma)

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – Explores epistemology (how we know what we know).
• Extended Essay (EE) – A 4,000-word independent research project.
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – Requires extracurricular involvement (e.g., sports, volunteering).

Assessment & Grading

• Exams at the end of Year 13 (May for Northern Hemisphere schools).
• Each subject is graded 1–7 (7 = highest).
• TOK & EE contribute up to 3 bonus points (max total = 45).
• Minimum 24 points needed to pass (average UK score: ~34).