These examinations are well regarded internationally and give a sound start to the preparation for university entrance. Specialist music students have three periods of music per week up to and including S5. The sixth form course begins at age 16 or 17. It can either be a one or two year course depending on university entrance requirements. Our students go to university in many different countries and the somewhat complex mix of possible qualifications is designed to meet the needs of all.
Detailed advice is available to parents and students when choices are made.
Some also take SAT IIs which cover subject knowledge as opposed to the basic skills tested in SAT I. These are frequently mixed with the AICE subjects depending on need. This latter point means that those students currently in Year 7 will eventually begin their GCSE courses one year earlier than at present. This will allow them to undertake two years of study in the sixth form. This in turn will create the possibility of achieving a greater range of advanced qualifications and give our students a head start in their application for university places.