Both GCE A Levels and IB are highly acceptable for entry into H.E in the UK. A growing number of parents favour the British curriculum for several reasons: the British curriculum is highly transferable to a multicultural context it is highly perceptive evolving and highly preferred in the UK as it is the home qualification GCE A Levels as are quite often refereed as the gold standard as the vast majority of students have gained entry in higher education in the UK via the A Levels. Many students in grade 12 and 13 opt for the GCE A Levels or IB as an alternative to their national school qualification to get better academically prepared to join a degree course. The Apolytitrion of Lykeio is not a preparatory school programme for a degree in the UK Therefore those who are determined to embark on as degree course in the UK have two routes: the GCE A Levels or the IB Diploma Programme. Greek schools cannot offer A Levels or any other country specific qualification as an alternative to the Apolytirion. They offer the IBDP as an alternative to the Apolytirion as a growing number of students decide to study in the UK or in other English speaking institutions in Europe such as the Netherlands Germany France Italy, Belgium, Spain and the Scandinavian countries. They follow an intensive 2 year preparation. The IB has no country of origin it is an international qualification which allows breadth and depth of its curriculum through the combination of the 6 subject students are e asked to select from specific groups. 3 at HL and 3 at SL
On the other hand those who select the GCE A Level curriculum, have to study over a two year period 3 or 4 A Levels, depending on the requirements of the course they wish to apply. Here is no specific combination as long as the students enjoy the subject and achieve the required grades. The requirements for a Medical degree of applications to Oxbridge universities or more competitive programmes give the opportunity to students thrive and prove themselves through a rigorous preparation to meet the requirements of university study. A well balanced combination with the guidance and support of the experienced team of consultants —- Universities in the UK normally base their offers of a place on 3 AAA Levels. Typical offers range from AAA to ABB, taught and assessed in B & C Lykeio) 12 and 13 grades allow the school to make predictions about the student’s academic performance.
The British curriculum is renowned for encouraging self discipline to student’s international understanding and respect for cultural diversity open-mindedness and the opportunity to develop skills and competencies in co-curricular activities. A growing number of Greek parents favour the British education because they find the British curriculum appealing as it adopts a liberal approach to learning as it is continuously evolving and responds to the needs of the changing world. Increasingly large numbers of students worldwide follow the British curriculum as this pathway will prepare them for entrance to top Russell group and Ivy league universities. The portfolio of subjects will allow them to explore their areas of academic interest and obtain the gains they aspire to gain entry in their Firm or Insurance choice. The IB is broadly acceptable for entry in UK universities.
What happens when predicted grades are inflated or suppressed??
Predicted grades should be aspirational but also achievable and in no way affected by the students or parents pressure. There are serious risks when predicted grades are inflated or suppressed and can significantly disadvantage or overestimate students. It all depends on the professional judgement as the counsellor’s expertise and experience play a vital role in informing predictions. The predicted grades serve as a guiding light and provide valuable information about the student predicted performance. As part of the admission process they help admission selections understand the students’ academic potential. Preduicted grades should always be for the est interests of the applicants with the ultimate end goal to gain entry in their chosen degree course. Experienced university admissions selectors often understand if a predicted grade is inaccurate (inflated or suppressed) and this affects their decision. Predicted grades are part of the reference on the ucas application and the one should be supportive and aligned to the other to allow consistency and accuracy about the students predicted grades in the May exams. Predicted grades are used in a variety of ways throughout the application process therefore they should reflect the applicant’s potential as accurately as possible.
*Writer: Rallou Daniilidou