Introduction
Sameera Damaree
Head of Sixth Form
Welcome from the Head of Al Waha Sixth Form
BISR provides a broad and challenging programme for our Sixth Form students, including both academic subjects and whole school leadership responsibilities. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to join what is a vibrant, dynamic and purposeful section of the School. We provide an environment where students can reach their potential, where expectations are high and where students are encouraged to make a positive contribution to the School community. Students have the opportunity to take up positions of responsibility and enhance their status as positive role models for younger students.
We offer a range of subjects at A level; a British qualification which is internationally recognised as being highly rigorous and desirable for entry into universities all around the world. A levels are a natural continuation from GCSE / IGCSE exams and follow a two year programme. Sixth Form is divided into two year groups:
Year 12 is the first year of A levels, officially called the GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) exams. Most students study four subjects at AS level. The pass grades that can be obtained range from A to E. Students are required to achieve a minimum of a D grade at AS to be allowed to continue with a subject at A2.
Year 13 is the second year of A levels, officially called the GCE Advanced levels (A2). Students will continue with three of their AS subjects at A2. Again, exams are taken in June at the end of Year 13. The Pass grades that can be obtained range from A* to E.
Some subjects study the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) or Edexcel IAL (International A level) exam specifications where the AS qualification (Year 12) forms the first year of the full A level (and 50% of the total qualification) and the A2 year (Year 13) consists of the remaining 50% of the full A level.
Other subjects have adopted the new ‘decoupled’ A level specifications; these are stand-alone AS and A2 qualifications. In most cases, students will take an independent AS exam at the end of Y12. However, if they choose to continue with that subject to A level, this will be discounted and students will be examined at the end of Y13 for the full A level. Examinations will be based on a combination of the two full years of study.
We very much hope that you will decide that A Levels at the British International School Riyadh are the right environment for you to continue or begin your studies. We aim for it to be an intellectually challenging and stimulating Sixth Form where hard work, leadership and participation are encouraged and supported.
We are currently able to offer the following A level courses, subject to sufficient numbers (minimum of six students for a subject to run):
Arabic
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Computer Science
Design & Technology (Product Design)
Drama and Theatre Studies
Economics
English Literature
French
Geography
History
Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Maths & Further Maths
Physical Education (PE)
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Spanish