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Go Your Own Way: Finding the Right Pathway through the Sixth Form
2019-05-06 | By The British School
We all have individual strengths, interests and goals. For young adults, at an important stage of their lives, choosing which pathway to follow through school and beyond is an important decision. Typically, students in Dutch education choose their path in the third year of middle school (ages 13-14, the “Profielkeuze”). In the British education system, students choose a path in Year 11 (ages 15-16).
In the Sixth Form (Year 12 and 13, ages 16-18), pathways broaden for exploring students’ talents and skills, laying a foundation for more study and a fulfilling career. The right individual pathway is vital to ensure students move onto the next step of their future studies.
A Levels
A Levels are standard academic UK qualifications recognised by universities worldwide. Students choose three subjects, (some students, four), to study over two years, based on their interests and prospective university course requirements.
These three A Levels can be complemented by the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The EPQ is a UK qualification that can significantly support future university applications. Students undertake an extended individual project alongside their A Level subjects, giving excellent preparation for working and thinking at university level.
BTEC
BTECs are UK vocational qualifications for students seeking a practical, career-focused path. At the same high standard as A Levels, they are best suited for those who are better at working continuously, rather than sitting final exams. Students can choose to mix A Level and BTEC to tailor a study programme that fits their goals or future university courses.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
IB Diploma Programme
IBDP, an internationally-recognised qualification, whereby the Core is at the centre of the programme. The Core encompasses the nature of knowledge and independent research and includes a project that involves community service. Students also study a broad range of six academic subject groups alongside this.
IB Career-related Programme
Combining academic and vocational skills, IBCP offers an internationally-recognised programme with a career-related focus. Students study BTEC Business (equivalent to two A Levels), the IBCP Core Programme and two subjects chosen from the IBDP curriculum. There is a strong emphasis on employability skills, practical tasks and nurturing skills for lifelong learning.
The British School in the Netherlands offers all of these pathways, plus a rich programme of career guidance, pastoral support, lectures, sport, life skills and more.
Find out more about the Sixth Form at the BSN and begin your journey here.
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