What are A-Levels?

The Advanced Level, or A-Level, is a pre-university qualification equivalent to other programmes such as the Australian Matriculation, Canadian Pre-university and Malaysian STPM.

Since its inception in 1951, the highly sought-after UK-based qualification conducted by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) has provided students with in-depth knowledge and key skills that are essential in a range of work environments.

Cambridge International A-Level has a course duration of 18-24 months and requires a minimum of 5 credits (grade C and above) in SPM/IGCSE O-Level or equivalent. With more than 55 subjects offered in different combinations, students have a wide selection of subjects to choose from.

It is also important to note that the subjects offered in A-Level often include prerequisite subjects that prepare students for university and equip them with the skills required for higher education.

So, whether you have a solid education plan laid out or are open to new opportunities, this UK-based qualification provides you with a globally recognised foundation for your future.

What can I expect taking the exam?

Students sit for the University of Cambridge International Examinations Advanced (A) Level in two phases:

1) Advanced Subsidiary or AS Level (Year 1) which accounts for 50% of the overall marks for each subject.

2) A2 Level (Year 2) which accounts for another 50% of the overall marks for each subject.

Students who have successfully completed the AS Level move on to the A2 Level examinations. Universities require the overall total grade of both AS and A2 Level for university entrance.

An A-Level certificate will not be conferred without passing both the AS and A2 components.

What subjects should I choose?

When choosing your A-Level subjects, it is important to consider your aptitude, interests, academic strengths, and the career you are interested in.

At Kingsley, our commitment to offering a broad A-Level programme allows our students to align personal motivations and academic strengths with their studies.

The following list includes common A-Level subjects:

• Mathematics
• Biology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Further Mathematics
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Business Studies
• Accounting
• Economics
• Law
• Literature
• History

A-Level at Maple Leaf Kingsley International School

Kingsley offers an innovative approach to A-Level that will open the doors to top universities and exciting careers. Our programme is focused on building a solid foundation in key areas while preparing students for further study by encouraging them to think independently.

Our students in Kingsley study, learn and grow in a beautiful landscape with 24-hour security provided. With a goal to encourage every student to reach their full potential, the number of students in each classroom is scaled down for enhanced engagement. This allows collaborative learning experiences and optimal interaction between teachers and students, as well as peer-to-peer.

Kingsley is equipped with experienced staff and state-of-the-art facilities that are on par with international standards. A-Level students will also have access to exclusive facilities such as international standard Science labs, Computer labs, Wireless network across campus, Dance Studio, Music Room, Cafeteria, Library, Olympic-sized swimming pool, Culinary arts kitchen, Badminton and Table Tennis court, Football field and much more!

This ensures that students enjoy learning in a sophisticated setup while maintaining health through sports and co-curricular activities that become a part of their daily lifestyle.

In addition to this, Kingsley also provides guidance and preparation for UCAS applications to universities in the UK. We assist students with scholarship applications to affiliated parties and other universities of student’s choice and provide IELTS English examination preparatory classes for students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in renowned universities worldwide.

Admissions to Maple Leaf Kingsley International School for A-Level commences in September and January each year for students who have completed their IGCSE/O Level examinations or equivalent.

All you need to know about A-Level (Sixth Form) and more!

When Amir’s request to drop the subject was not encouraged by his mother, he started to work closely with his teacher to improve his learning progress instead.

“It was thought-provoking when Mr Peter told me that I was doing fine. I started to reflect deeply about what he said and decided to do my utmost for this subject.” Amir said.

Amir became very patient with his learning curve and dedicated four to five hours a day to practising his answers for sociological essays.

“When I realised that I can tackle the questions without referring to the coursebook, I had this sense of satisfaction. I realised that to struggle is an opportunity to learn.

“I learnt about information extraction and to be consistent in my efforts.” Amir shared.

Amir’s hard work paid off! In his June 2022 IGCSE Sociology Exam, he scored an A*.

“Being forced to face our fear is not a bad thing after all,” Amir shared.

He advises his juniors that not giving up easily,  falling and picking themselves up again and again, pays off!

“It is an advantage to work closely with your teachers and most importantly, you must have strong faith in yourself,” said Amir who is currently studying his IB Diploma Programme in India.

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

1. Time Management

Research shows that students who participate in extracurricular activities have improved academic and personal development. This includes significant character development, specifically in the areas of time management and leadership.

Extracurricular activities help students prioritise tasks, plan the day and create systems that help them stay organised. Therefore, they learn how to manage their time – an important life skill that translates into success in all spheres of life.

2. Social and Emotional Intelligence

Social and emotional intelligence is a set of skills that includes self-awareness, motivation, social awareness and relationship management. Participation in social activities such as field trips and other team-building exercises helps students learn how to communicate effectively, deal with conflicts and solve problems through teamwork. These skills are essential for success both in personal and professional life.

A quality primary education can help children succeed in later life by fostering their intellectual, social and emotional development. This is critical for both individuals and society as a whole because educated people are more likely to be productive members of society and contribute. 

We like to look towards Finland – the happiest country in the world.

According to UNICEF, “Primary education forms the bedrock of development. It is in primary school that children learn foundational skills that prepare them for life, work and active citizenship.”

Primary education is a critical time in a child’s development because it is when children begin to establish their identity and start to understand who they are and where they fit into society. It is during this stage that children learn to interact with others, make friends and understand those around them.

Children also develop many skills during this period, including literacy, numeracy, self-esteem and discipline. This early learning sets the stage for future success in school and beyond.

Role of primary education in holistic development of a child

The primary school years have a significant impact on children’s development. Here are few benefits of primary school education for children:

Social Development

Communication is key to a healthy society. And one of the most important roles of primary school education is to help children learn social skills that will aid in their development throughout life. Children learn how to interact with other people and how to get along well with them. This is especially important for children who have trouble interacting with others or following rules when there are no consequences for misbehaviour. Primary school helps children develop positive interpersonal skills such as cooperation and respect for other’s needs and feelings.

Starting school is an exciting start to a new adventure. Children begin to explore the world around them. They start to form relationships with other students and their teachers. They build upon the knowledge they already have and make discoveries as they get older. But the most important thing about primary school is that it helps children become the people they were meant to be!

Primary school is the first major part of a child’s learning experience and it is important to find a school that will nurture your child’s interests while equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in future. 

Now that children are back to school, here are five features that you need to consider before you zero in on the place that suits your child the best.

1. Environment and ethos

The environment of a school is one of the most important factors to consider when looking at different options as it will affect your child’s happiness, confidence, attitude and success within the classroom.  It is important to look at the ethos of the school as well – what is it they are looking to achieve? Is it solely focused on academic results? Or do they want to build a rounded individual who has a passion for learning and life?

A structured environment is imperative to the growth of children. There are a multitude of factors that go into creating a nurturing and positive environment, but a school that prioritises the well-being of children is bound to succeed. 

At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, students are always our priority. We maintain a confident, engaged, innovative and bully-free environment because we recognise that children learn by imitating those around them.

2. Curriculum 

How does the school structure lessons? What does an average day look like? Does the school offer specialist subjects like music or foreign languages? Does it encourage extracurricular activities or trips to help children learn in different ways? 

Many of the skills and talents we learn as children pave the way for the rest of our lives. Tapping into the enthusiasm and creativity of young people is vital. A curriculum that welcomes creative thinking and allows children to express themselves positively will lead to the development of skills and talents.

We expose our students to a wide range of subjects along with science kits, games, mathematical manipulatives, interactive whiteboards, computer skills and field trips for a hands-on and experiential learning journey.

Having said that, a happy environment plays a major role in the wellbeing, success and achievements of children in school as well as life beyond. Happiness can be undermined by various internal and external factors. External factors such as inequality, discrimination and violence can create an unhappy society. On the other hand, internal factors such as poor learning experiences, insensitive educators or overemphasis on results and test scores can create unhappy schools.

“Children want the same things we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained, and delighted.” – Dr Suess

However, out of all the factors that influence happiness, school experience has the highest impact in shaping the lives of children to who they become in future. Considering the important link between happiness and education, UNESCO Bangkok came up with the Happy Schools Framework devised based on the survey conducted under the Happy Schools Project.

The criteria which make a happy school were broadly placed under three main categories: people, process and place.

People

 The relationships and interactions in the school community, positive attitude, skills and wellbeing of the teacher, the collaborative values and working conditions are some of the criteria that determine how happy a school environment is.

At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, we produce well-rounded individuals who are curious about the world, thirsty for knowledge, happy and content, kind, resilient and have a good reflection of self. The school ensures that it stimulates these characteristics in the students through firm yet kind actions, building strong trust and giving genuine care.

Kingsley believes that by building these authentic connections, they not only make the students feel valued but empower them from within and encourage them to go further. This stems from their belief in empowering the teachers in a way that they serve as compassionate, creative, inspiring, fair and happy role models of the students. By being attentive to those who are in constant communication with the students, they are able to truly empower the students.

The mindful and positive interactions between teachers and peers ensure that students feel comfortable to confide in and share their problems; an initiative for building better mental health.