Home
Academic Overview  - Malvern College

Academic Overview

Malvern College has a strong academic tradition going back almost 150 years. Whilst maintaining trusted values we have a reputation for being at the forefront of educational developments. We were the first school to have a language laboratory for pupils, we developed the world renowned Nuffield science and also initiated the Key Skills course now used in over a thousand schools in the UK. In 1992 we maintained our innovative approach by introducing the International Baccalaureate (IB) as an alternative academic qualification. Over the last 20 years we have offered both A levels and the IB and currently our Sixth form pupils are evenly divided between the two. Our highly qualified academic staff encourage a scholarly approach in our pupils. The return is a splendid set of examination results and admission to highly regarded universities. A personal tutor guides our pupils in their choice of university and course.

A Level and International Baccalaureate

Malvern College offers students entering the Sixth Form an exceptional degree of choice, providing an extensive range of subjects at both  A Level and in the International Baccalaureate. At Malvern, we have been running both Sixth Form programmes of study for 20 years, providing students with unrivalled professional expertise and experience. You can download a pdf version of our A Level and International Baccalaureate prospectus, which outlines all of the courses that we offer.

A Level and International Baccalaureate Prospectus 2012

 

Pre-Sixth Form Course

The Pre-Sixth Form course was introduced in September 2005.  This course is intended for pupils whose assessment tests, academic background and standard of English indicate that they are capable of completing the individual specifications in one year and making a success of the IGCSE examinations.  All students have the opportunity to gain entry into the Sixth Form to study either the International Baccalaureate or A levels.  However, entry into the Pre Sixth Form does not guarantee a place in the Sixth Form.

Aims of the Course

The course has been designed for students who are not native speakers of English with two main objectives.

  1. To provide students with an introduction to all aspects of life at Malvern College.  It is hoped that this integration year will allow for seamless entry into the Sixth Form where the student is able, from the outset, to concentrate on their studies.  In the Sixth Form students are free to choose to study either GCE Advanced Levels of the International Baccalaureate or A levels.
  2. For the students to be taught exclusively in English to allow for a considerable improvement in their English regardless of their standard on commencement of the course.

The Academic Programme

Pupils will study the following subjects:

  • English
  • English as an additional language (leading to IELTS examination)
  • Mathematics
  • Two Sciences (from a choice of Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
  • Either History or Geography
  • Either French, Spanish or Latin (if previously studied for at least two years)
  • Pupils may also study for a GCSE in their own native language

Those students who have attained the required standard will be entered for the (I)GCSE examination in these subjects.  Those students who have not attained this standard  may continue to study the course, but will not be entered for the (I)GCSE examination.

For Mathematics, French and Spanish, and the students will be taught with the rest of our Year 11 students.  For all other subjects they will be taught in their Pre-Sixth Form group.

The students' timetables will also include Physical Education and Games.  They will have the opportunity of choosing from a wide range of co-curricular activities in Sport, Art and Drama

Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting

This will be the same for the Pre-Sixth form students as for all other Malvern College students.

They will receive weekly Hall from subject teachers and regular end-of-topic tests.

Formal assessment will be in the form of internal trial IGCSE examinations in Week 2 of the Lent term.  Those students attaining the necessary standard in these examinations will be entered for the (I)GCSE examinations.

The students will receive an effort and achievement grade card midway through each term and grades will be reported to parents.  In addition parents receive a formal report on their son/daughter's performance at the end of term.

There is also a Parent's Meeting in the Lent term, though you are, of course, welcome to visit or contact the school at any time.

Decision on Sixth Form Entry

The school recognises that parents wish to know as soon as possible if their son/daughter will be able to enter the Sixth Form.  The assessment procedures outlined above will enable the school to monitor progress and it is hoped that we will be able to make a decision as soon as possible in the academic year.  This will allow parents to make alternative arrangements where necessary.

Formal Requirements for German Students

1.  Students who return to Germany at the end of their Pre-Sixth Form Year.

If the student joined Malvern College from grade 10 in the German system then they can return to Germany without any formal qualifications.  If joining us from grade 9 then the student can only return to the German system having done (I)GCSEs in Mathematics, English, German, one Science and Geography or History.

2. Students who wish to return to university in Germany having attended the Sixth Form at Malvern College after the Pre-Sixth form year.

If the student joined us from grade 9 then again they must be able to show that they have taken (I)GCSEs in Mathematics, English, German, one Science and either Geography or History.  There is currently no such requirement for students joining the Pre-Sixth Form course from grade 10.

However, in all cases we advise you to seek clarification from the German authorities to ensure your son/daughter is not disadvantaged at some point in the future.