Key Stage 5: Years 12-13 (The Sixth Form)
A Levels: The World’s ‘Gold Standard’ of Education at Byron College.
2023 Byron College A-Level Exam Success.
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Congratulations to all our Year 13 students who have achieved impressive grades and are now moving ahead with their university studies! An impressive 51% of all the A Levels taken were awarded an A*-A grade when the UK average is only 26%.
All students were placed in universities of their option in the UK and around the world. Highlights include Imperial College London, University of Manchester, UCL (University College London), Durham University, University of St Andrews, University of Amsterdam, Eindhoven University of technology, University of Calgary and University of California.
Scholarships:
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Demetrios Economou is well on his way to achieving his goal to become an astronaut. He begins an MEng in Aeronautical Engineering, at the age of 17, at Imperial College, London in September 2023, on a full scholarship awarded by the Masason Foundation. This organization supports youth with high aspirations and exceptional talents to develop their skills and to contribute to the future of humankind. In addition to being a talented Scientist and Mathematician, Demetrios is multilingual, speaking fluent English, Greek, Japanese and Chinese, and an exceptional cellist. He served as Deputy Head boy at Byron College (2022-23) and played an active role in all areas of school life as a student leader. As an accomplished public speaker, he also embraced Model United Nations, most notably as a delegate at Byron College’s annual participation in Oxford MUN. In his own words, as published on the Masason Foundation Generation 6 scholarship awards:
The future of mankind lies in the hands of our generation, the Mars Generation. I wish to use my skills not only as a STEM major, but also as someone with an interest in global history and politics, as well as my multinational, multicultural, multilingual background to become a bridge between JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), and NASA. As an astronaut I hope to prevent future conflicts that will expand to or occur in space by encouraging a global focus on technological advancement, providing humanity with a new era of peace and prosperity, accelerating the development of humanity into an interplanetary type 1 civilization. "If there ever was such a thing as an absolute moral imperative, it would be to explore the cosmos and embrace all within it.” Per aspera ad astra. |
Outstanding Pearson Learner Award:
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Huge congratulations to our recent graduate, Saleh Abdul Qadir, who has just received an Outstanding Pearson Learner Award - for achieving the Highest Mark in the *World* for his Chemistry A Level! This is an exceptional achievement and we are extremely proud of Saleh who has just started his studies in Dental Surgery at the Jordan University of Science and Technology - a role model for all Byron students. |
University Destinations
A level qualifications are the traditional, proven route to tertiary education worldwide and inspire a love of learning through enquiry, independent thinking and creative exploration.
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The two year AS/A level programme is a natural progression from the broad and academically rich curriculum of the IGCSE programme at Byron College. However, the Sixth Form at Byron College is also accessible for students transferring from other educational systems if their English language skills are at, or above, the B2 level on the Common European Framework (Cambridge First Certificate level).
At A level, depth is emphasised over breadth. This specialization aids the smooth transition to university because, not only do our students have the time to study subjects in much greater depth but, both the polymath and the specialists, thrive following a course of study that allows them to fully participate in school life as leaders and role models, as well as in a wealth of extra curriculum activities that are essential for character development and life skills.
By choosing A levels as their path to university students have the freedom to select their subjects of study according to their passions, interests and strengths. They benefit from taking the responsibility for their choices, from the fifteen subjects that are offered at this level at Byron College, and are empowered to exceed their targets by a significant margin.
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In Year 12, students usually choose four Advanced Subsidiary (AS Level) subjects. Depending on subject choice, tuition periods are either five or six hours a week. In addition, the most able and ambitious students are offered the opportunity to work on the Extended Project Qualification. Non- native speakers will also be offered tuition for the Cambridge IELTS exam, an additional entry requirement for many UK universities.
Completing my Extended Project Qualification in Year 12 was an invaluable experience as it provided a huge learning curve that gave me direct insight into the demands of English Literature at university level. In fact, the writing and researching skills I developed through this project apply directly to my essays now.
During Year 12 admissions officers from many UK, European and other universities present their courses to Byron College students, either in person or online.
In Year 13, students specialize further usually continuing three of their AS choices to A Level and applications are made to the universities of their choice.
During the Sixth form admissions officers from many UK, European and other universities present their courses to our students either through in person presentations or online. We offer continued guidance and advice in support of all university applications, including for Oxbridge.
The best testimonials for any school come from the students themselves:
Life in the Sixth Form was probably the most stressful yet best years of Byron for me. Growing up in Byron and looking up to some of the sixth formers while I was in Year 1 to finally being in their shoes myself, and inspiring others, was a very proud moment for me. Building a much closer relationship with teachers was also something I really appreciated about being in sixth form. We were able to get so close to our teachers to the point where we would see them as friends rather than a teachers; adults we could trust and share anything with. University is a new chapter of our lives, but it can never really replace Byron. I miss Byron a lot, and I even still wear my Byron hoodie to university sometimes. No matter how many more people I meet or new friends I make, it will definitely never feel the same as it was and still is with Byron.
Taking A-Levels was extremely beneficial for me as the first year of university is essentially just going over A2 material, which I am already familiar with, making this transition period from school to university a much smoother process, and I would like to thank Byron and all my lovely teachers for that!
Swad , University of Calgary (Computer Science)
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Byron provided me with great extracurricular opportunities that benefited me outside academia, particularly during Sixth From... which also granted us students a sense of responsibility and leadership. |
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For those Greek nationals wishing to be awarded the Greek Apolitirion by the Greek Ministry of Education, they will need to have gained a minimum of five GCSEs at the end of Year 11 and two A Levels at the end of Year 13.
The students sit examinations with the following examination boards:
Suggestions for Reading |
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Years 12 - 13 |
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2022-2023 AS/A2 EXAM SUBJECTS OFFERED
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COMPULSORY NON EXAM SUBJECTS
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A Level Options Booklet
6th Form Handbook
Books & Equipment lists