A Level

Introduction Curriculum and Instruction Grading Policy Criteria Subject Selection Social Sciences Pre University Faculty Results

Introduction:

The Headstart School A’ Level programme admits up to one hundred students each year. The programme is designed to be highly inclusive; however, student intake is limited to maintain the school’s policy of promoting quality education in a growingly competitive environment.

The programme maintains an average student-to-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. This class size ensures each student receives individual attention and support from Faculty members throughout the Academic Year.

Further Academic support is provided through extra classes with the school’s permanent Faculty, counseling sessions at the Guidance Counselor’s office, and the peer tutoring programme.

An extensive after-school co-curricular programme supplements academic life. Students are given the opportunity to participate in public speaking, sports, music, art, and drama to further explore their physical, intellectual and creative potential.

Curriculum & Instructions:

The A’ Level programme at Headstart School follows the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) curriculum. The programme is spread over two Academic Years, and each year has two semesters. The first semester runs from August to December, the second from January to May.

Towards the end of the first and second semester, students take their send-up and mock examinations, respectively. Internal examinations are graded according to CIE examination policies. From May onwards, students sit their final AS and A’ Level examinations.

On average, students select between three and five subjects. Regular class periods last forty five minutes, and are held daily. When students approach their final Examinations, teachers conduct extra classes, and hold office hours throughout the day.

Grading Policy:

Headstart’s challenging internal grading aims to ensure success in the CIE Exams. Individual grades are assigned by instructors and a cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) is also calculated for each student that correlates to a letter grade. Classroom instruction allows for broad inquiry and intellectual growth within each course. Coursework is always focused on strengthening students’ knowledge base in preparation for their Cambridge International Examinations. Academic assessments are conducted on a monthly basis and progress reports are issued to students and parents.

Criteria:

Letter grade and assigned GPA:

  • A* Exceptional – 4.0
  • A Excellent – 4.0
  • B Above Average – 3.5
  • C Average – 3.0
  • D Below Average – 2.5
  • U Fail (60 or below) – 0.0
  • W Withdraw

Subject Selection:

Students can choose any combination of subjects and tailor a course of study suited to their Academic interests. However, subject selection is carefully regulated by the school’s Guidance Counselor to ensure students are taking the requisite subjects. It is advised to take certain subject combinations based on the chosen field of study at Higher Education institutions.

Students can choose from a list of 19 subjects across the following disciplines:

Following subjects are offered:

  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Urdu
  • Economics
  • Accounts
  • Business Studies
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Law
  • Humanities & Languages:

Pre University:

In Pakistan, certain subject combinations are compulsory for pursuing a particular degree at University level or as a pre-requisite for admission into certain programs at international institutions. The Guidance Counselor ensures students are made aware of these requirements prior to selecting their A’ Level subjects.

The A’ Level Faculty members bring with them a wealth of teaching experience and academic knowledge gained from studying in some of the most reputable national and international universities.

Faculty:

Our current faculty includes graduates from King’s College London, New York University, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University, Boston University, and Princeton University, amongst many others.

The A’ Level programme has a permanent Faculty, a set up unique to Headstart School. Within school hours, students can set up appointments with their subject teachers for extra help sessions. This level of access ensures that each student’s individual academic requirements are fully accommodated.

Faculty members are exceptionally well versed with CIE grading standards, curriculum, and syllabi for the subjects they teach. They have an excellent sense of what examiners are looking for in the external assessments and they ensure the success of their students, year after year, through their dedication and experience. Teachers attend training provided by CIE for their subjects and internal teacher evaluations are carried out at the end of each term. The Faculty and Administration regularly take into account any feedback that comes from students, parents, and colleagues in order to help improve the quality of instruction and coursework.