The British International School Riyadh aims to offer an education for life and a preparation for the challenges it poses, whether intellectual, physical, technological or social. Sixth Form students play a central part in the life of the School, as senior members of the School community and as role models for the next generation. The Sixth Form also represents the culmination of a student’s School career as well as preparation for university. These two years are likely to be the most challenging and exciting that a student will have experienced. During this time, students will develop the maturity and focused ambition to succeed and perhaps even go beyond their own expectations. We want our Sixth Form students to involve themselves fully in a wide and stimulating range of activities and we set high standards to enable them to develop the academic, creative, sporting and personal strengths needed for the 21st Century.

Even the parents of twins will testify that each one has a unique character and their own preferences, strengths and areas of challenge. BISR is committed to giving our students a range of pathways as they move up the school. For the 2024-25 academic year we will  offer Advanced Level (A-Level) at the new Al Waha Campus,  the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma) at our Diplomatic Quarter Campus, and for the first time: two Business and Technology Education Council (International BTECs) options at the Al Hamra Campus.

International BTECs are vocational qualifications developed in unison with trade and industry, they are assessed through ongoing coursework, rather than exams, which suits certain learners. They can also be taken in conjunction with A Levels where that is desired. International BTECs and combinations of BTECs and A-Levels can lead to university entrance, apprenticeships or directly into the workplace.

The Al Hamra and Al Waha Campuses are located approximately 2km apart, with careful scheduling we will be able to provide students with options to study either purely BTECs or a combination of BTECs and A Levels. (This may involve either staff or students transiting between campuses using a school shuttle).

With all three of our Secondary campuses being located within easy travelling distance from each other, our students will be able to follow the programme that best suits their needs. Our mantra is ‘Your School, Your Choice’. Student’s must consider carefully the options available and verify with their preferred university which qualifications are best suited to gain entrance to their preferred university and course. Our Head of Sixth Form and the academic teams are available to speak to you about these pathways, should you have further questions.

Study within the Sixth Form is both challenging and rewarding. To be successful on either pathway, students will need to develop as strong independent learners, dedicating time during evenings and weekends to their studies. However, we know that breaks from academic studies are beneficial to learning. Students are therefore encouraged to maintain a balanced lifestyle, involving themselves in physical activities, creative pursuits and service to the community. These activities, along with leadership opportunities allow students to develop essential life skills alongside their academic studies.

All three pathways are demanding but the rewards are considerable. The academic record of the Sixth Form at BISR is outstanding and we do hope that you will, in due course, add to those achievements.

BTEC qualifications are an exciting new pathway for BISR and open a world of possibilities for our students. 

For the 2024-5  and the 2025 - 26 Academic years our cohort of students in Year 12 will have two International BTEC options:

• Sport

• Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

These can be studied at the Subsidiary level (equivalent to 1 A Level) or at the Foundation Diploma level (equivalent to 2 A levels).

BTEC International Level 3 offers learners aged 16 and above the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for a career, continue in further education, or progress to higher education. The demand for workforce skills is increasing and the need for global certification in technical and vocational areas is growing.

The Pearson BTEC International Level 3 qualifications are career-focused, designed to enable learners to gain the knowledge and skills required for employment, or to be taken as part of a wider study programme or apprenticeship.
They have been designed for international learners, and have therefore been developed in collaboration with employers, HE Institutions and teaching professionals from around the world. This is reflected in the depth and breadth of the content, and the design of the assessment. They are designed to enable the combination of theory and practice in teaching and learning which is then assessed through a combination of written and practical tasks set in work-related contexts.
They are designed for learners aged 16+ intending to progress into higher education, higher applied courses or direct to employment. The UK is a target destination for many of these international students for both entry into higher education institutions and/or employment.