4th and 5th Form Studies Guide - Aiglon College

Choosing the Optional SubjectsStudents are introduced to the process of making informed and appropriate choices for GCSE choices in theWinter term of the 3rd Form. Students are expected to choose a balance of subjects for the following twoyears up to IGCSE level and decisions are made with appropriate guidance from their parents, teachers, tutorsand the Heads of 3rd and 4th Forms. Students receive extensive guidance on options for IGCSE, given thatthis is often the first time they have had to choose subjects in their curriculum. Indeed, it can be seen as animportant part of any child’s education, as life outside school in later years will require informed andconsidered decision-making.A series of introductions to the optional subjects takes place in the Winter term at Aiglon, during which studentssee presentations by Heads of Departments. These presentations are particularly important if a student isconsidering talking a subject not taken before, since there are new subjects introduced in the 4th Form whichdo not appear in the 3rd Form.It is sensible to use the following criteria for choices:• choose subjects in which the student has ability;• choose subjects which the student enjoys and finds interesting;• choose subjects that may be desirable or essential when making choices for the IB and university.Every effort will be made to accommodate students' wishes when making these choices. However, in the eventof a subject becoming over-or under-subscribed, it may become necessary for an individual to be invited tochoose an alternative subject. Heads of Departments and teachers may also raise the issue of suitability andwe will discuss this with students and endeavour to contact parents in the event of unresolved difficulties.Learning Support in the crucial years to IGCSEAll students who are in the 4th and 5th Forms are fully integrated into the normal school programme. For thosewho need a lighter programme to include extra Learning Support, it is possible to take only 5 elective subjectsat IGCSE plus the normal Compulsory subjects, to cater for their needs.Some students who need a minimal amount of learning support can complete a full academic programmewith all 6 elective subjects. Their need for extra time is catered for in the internal and external exams asnecessary.It may be necessary that after all the school internal mechanisms have been gone through, that a full educationalpsychological assessment may be required to further identify any possible specific learning difficulty (SPLD).Should this be the case, parents will be contacted in order to seek permission. The assessment report will beundertaken by a qualified educational psychologist and the results/ recommendations will be placed on the internallearning support register to guide the everyday needs of the individuals. If further intervention is required, parentswill be consulted regarding this provision. As a result of the educational assessment it may be possible to apply forspecial “Access Arrangements” which would be appropriate for external examinations.We always aim to meet the needs of students in our care through regular monitoring and careful consultationbetween the Learning Support Department, teachers and Houseparents. However, if, in the opinion of the HeadMaster, the school cannot provide adequately for a student's needs (academic or pastoral) a transfer to analternative (perhaps more specialised) school may be required. In such cases, Aiglon will do all it can to identify asuitable alternative school and assist with the transfer process.College and Careers CounsellingAll students in the 5th Form attend a weekly study skills class throughout the year focusing on topics relatedto university choices and career paths. General information is presented for admission and applicationprocedures at various university options in the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerlandand other locations throughout Europe and the world. In addition, all students take a PSAT exam as practicefor the SAT, a commonly requested US admission test, and several questionnaires are completed forpersonality and career assessment. Finally, options for summer enrichment activities or programs arediscussed and encouraged. This course helps to prepare students for their 6th Form IB course selections anduniversity choices. Parents and students may request a meeting with the Director of College and CareerCounselling at any time during the year.Aiglon 4th and 5th Form Studies Guide 2013-14 4