UK Education System

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GCSE is a two-year programme, which is equivalent to Form 4 and Form 5 in the Hong Kong Education System. Students generally choose ten subjects. Each subject will be graded on a scale of 9 (the highest grade) to 1 (the lowest). Some schools offer one-year iGCSE programme, which is equivalent to the second year of the two-year GCSE programme. Students generally choose five to six elective subjects.

Compulsory subjects
EFL (English as a Foreign Language) （EFL）
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

A-level is a two-year programme, which is equivalent to Form 6 and Form 7 in the (Old) Hong Kong Education System. Students generally choose four  subjects. Each subject will be graded on a scale of A* (the highest grade) to U (the lowest/fail). Compare with HKDSE, A-level Grade A* is equivalent to HKDSE 5**, Grade A is equivalent to 5* and Grade C is equivalent to 4. Some schools offer one-year A-level programme, where some students will take fewer subjects. Subject choice will need to refer what the student would like to study at University. 

The Business and Technology Education Council (BTECs) are vocational qualifications that are widely recognised as equivalent to GCSE (BTEC level 1 to 2) and A Level (BTEC level 3). Instead of examinations, students are usually assessed by practical assignments such as projects, research, experiments, and field trips etc. Like A-level, it is also a 2-year program designed for students aged between 16-19.

At Level 3, Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels, and the qualification is accepted for university admission. Most of the UK universities and colleges acknowledge BTECs, including the Russell Group universities. Most of the Hong Kong universities accept BTECs for non-JUPAS admissions too.

Common subject choices

Students can choose flexibly from a wide range of vocational subjects including but not limited to:
Art and Design
Business
Drama
Engineering
Computing
Media
Sport

IBDP (also known as IB) is a 2-year program usually for students aged 16-19, providing them with preparation for getting into top universities. The program level is equivalent to Form 6 and Form 7 in the "Old" Hong Kong Education System. So the exam standard will be higher than HKDSE.

IBDP curriculum is made up of three core and six subject groups

Three cores (compulsory, one subject from each group):

Theory of knowledge
The extended essay
Creativity, activity, service

Six subject groups (elective, one subject from each group)

Studies in language and literature
Language acquisition
Individuals and societies
Sciences
Mathematics
The arts

If you want to know which year group and programme are the most suitable for you, please WhatsApp or Call us at +852 6996 8619