Sixth Form
Students entering the 6th form are taking first steps toward going to college or university. Students are given more independence and control over their learning, as well as more responsibility. This can be both demanding and challenging. Members of staff are available to guide all students toward examination success. Education is seen as a three-way process.
Success stems from close co-operation and communication between home, school and student.
Students will choose from between three and five different subjects, and will take the AS examinations at the end of Year 12, while the full A2 examination is taken at the end of Year 13.
We are the only international school in Berlin to offer Advanced Level (A-Level) qualifications, which are recognised by universities throughout the world, including the United States. After attending ISVA, many of our students continue their education in universities and colleges in the United Kingdom and the United States. A-Levels consist of two parts: the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) A2 level which enables a flexible study process and choice in subjects to suit individual students’ abilities.
Sixth Form students choose between three and five subjects. AS exams are taken at the end of Year 12 while A2 exams are taken at the end of Year 13. The school week is based on a total of 34 lessons.
From an academic view, studying for A-Levels is a challenge, however it does offer an excellent foundation for studying at university or college. Good A-Level qualifications are based on effective cooperation and communication between parents, students and teachers. Students can approach teachers at all times for help and guidance and to prepare for their A Level examinations.
Sixth Form Classes
The Sixth Form is divided into following classes:
| Level | Year | Age | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixth Form | Year 12 | 16 – 17 | AS |
| Year 13 | 17 – 18 | A2 |
The Sixth Form Day
| 08:30 – 08:35 | School starts |
| 08:35 – 08:40 | Resistration |
| 08:40 – 09:00 | Form Time or Assembly |
| 09:00 – 09:45 | Period 1 |
| 09:45 – 10:30 | Period 2 |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | Period 3 |
| 11:15 – 11:45 | Break |
| 11:45 – 12:30 | Period 4 |
| 12:30 – 13:15 | Period 5 |
| 13:15 – 14:15 | Lunch |
| 14:15 – 15:00 | Period 6 |
| 15:00 – 15:45 | Period 7 |
| 15:45 – 16:00 | Registration |
| 16:00 | End of School |
Sixth Form Subjects
Depending on the amount of subjects chosen, students can have upto 34 lessons per week. A minimum C grade at IGCSE is required to be able to study any subject at A-Level. We recommend to choose a maximum of 5 subjects, experience shows that a larger number of lessons proves a too excessive work load.
| Subject |
|---|
| English |
| Mathematics |
| History |
| Geography |
| German |
| Business Studies |
| French |
| Art |
| Physics |
| Chemistry |
| Biology |
| Psychology |
| Form Time |
Homework
Students can expect to have 5 hours homework per week and A-Level subject.
Assessment and Exams Sixth Form
A Level courses usually take two years; AS exams are usually taken at the end of Year 12, either as part of the A-Level qualification or as a qualification in itself. A2 Exams are taken at the end of Year 13. Exams are sat throughout the academic year, results are published in August.
Students must register for exams through a registered Examination Centre
International School Villa Amalienhof is a registered Examination Centre.
The examination boards offered at ISVA for A-Level examinations are Edexcel and Cambridge International Board (CIE).
The Exams Officer is responsible for organising the external exams. Exam fees are payable in addition to school fees.
The first bilingual Abitur Exams are expected to take place in 2019
Universtiy Application
Year 13 students who wish to apply to British universities receive guidance when filling in UCAS applications.
British Universities
Students apply to British universities through UCAS. UCAS is a central body that processes all applications for universities.
German Universities
Students apply directly to the universtiy of their choice. Year 11 students are advised when choosing their A Level subjects to prepare them for their chosen university.
US Universities.
US Universities
Each year in October, students can visit the American Universities Fair at the John F Kennedy School. Students can then apply directly to the university of their choice. Teaching staff is available to assist student when choosing universities and courses and to provide references.
Parents‘ Evenings
Parent – Teacher Conferences are held each term where parents can speak with subject teachers about their child’s academic progress and well-being. Should any concerns arise during the term, parents are welcome to contact their childs Form Tutor, School Coordinator or the Head of School. Parent Class Meetings also take place once a term.
