Topic: School / Industry News
A quick guide for high school students exploring curriculum options
Choosing a senior school/high school curriculum isn’t an easy task. Most parents will be familiar with the system they experienced, but you may not realize just how many options there are, especially within our range of schools in Switzerland. Each system has its advantages and different styles, and finding the best option for your ‘rapidly approaching adulthood’ child gives them the best chance of a successful and enjoyable time. Read on for our 3 minute recap between the top 4 options:
Swiss Matura
The gymnasium Matura (obtained by only 20% of Swiss students), offers a thorough education across a broad variety of subjects. Aside from those students wishing to study medicine, this curriculum provides sufficient entry into a Swiss university, irrespective of their subject choice. Swiss universities also reserve places for Matura students. The process to apply to non-Swiss universities will vary according to country but an equivalency should be readily available. Be sure to check this with your school’s guidance counselor to ensure all requirements will be met.
Structure:
The Matura consists of 10/11 basic subjects, 1 major subject, 1 additional subject and a Matura paper. Subjects include languages, mathematics and natural sciences, human and social sciences and the Arts.
Marking:
The Matura is graded from 1 to 6, with 6 being the best. In order to pass and obtain entry to a Swiss university, students need to obtain an average of 4 across all subjects.
Explore our range of schools offering the Swiss Matura.
International Baccalaureate (Diploma Programme)
Did you know that the IB system was developed in Geneva in the 1960s? Every high school authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate is known as an IB World School. The IB is a rounded, rigorous programme, with a substantial workload which requires commitment, organization, and initiative. For high school students, there are two pathways to choose from: the Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Career Programme (IBCP):
IBDP Structure:
Students must take 6 subjects, including 1 subject each from the following categories: studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies (humanities and social studies), experimental sciences and mathematics. For the 6th subject, this must either be in the arts or an approved second subject from one of the above categories. 3 or 4 of these subjects must be studied to Higher Level with the remainder studied at Standard Level. Students must also fulfil 3 core requirements: an extended essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) which requires 3-4 hours a week over 2 years.
IBDP Marking:
Points are awarded from 1 to 7, with 7 being best. Up to three additional points are awarded depending on the grades achieved in the extended essay and theory of knowledge, so the maximum possible point total in the IBDP is 45. In order to receive an IB diploma, candidates must receive a minimum of 24 points or an average of four out of a possible seven points for six subjects. Candidates must also receive a minimum of 12 points from their Higher Level subjects and a minimum of 9 points from their Standard Level subjects.
The IBCP is the newer programme, developed to encourage practical, real-world application for students who already have clear career goals. We recently interviewed Jon Halligan from Montreux International School about the benefits of the Career Programme and how it contrasts to other options.
Find out more about schools in Switzerland offering the IBDP.
A-levels
Traditionally taught in the UK, A-levels have undergone changes in structure and grading in recent years. There are around 80 subjects to choose from, with no particular combinations required, although availability and scheduling will depend on the school.
Structure:
A-levels are studied at AS level (year 1) and A-level (year 2). While not all schools will offer AS levels, for those that do, students traditionally choose 4 subjects for the first year, before stopping 1 subject after sitting AS levels. 3 subjects are kept for second year. An AS level counts for 40% of a full A-level, which may be useful added weight for university applications.
Marking:
Grades are awarded from A* down to E, with a set number of points allocated to each grade (UCAS points). Previously, AS level grades contributed to the final A-level grades. However AS and A-levels have now been “uncoupled”, which means that, for the most part, A-level grades now solely depend on A-level exam performance. This does, however, only apply to English A-levels, so it’s important to check with your chosen school in Switzerland if this system applies with them.
Discover our list of recommended schools offering A-Level studies.
High School Diploma (with SAT/AP)
In order to use a US High School Diploma for university applications, students are required to either sit the SATs or undertake Advanced Placement (AP) classes. AP classes offer college-level curricula to high school students. If a student is applying to a US university, AP classes can count towards college credit. If they’re applying to a non-US university, a specific set of AP classes may be required, depending on the undergraduate subject.
Structure:
AP classes are taken as regular classes with students sitting an exam at the end.
SATs are a 3 hour exam (with a bonus 50 minutes for the essay) and are offered 5 times a year outside of the US. The exam is made up of 4 sections: reading test (multiple choice), writing and language test, mathematics (multiple choice), and an optional SAT Essay.
Marking:
AP classes are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. Total scores on the multiple-choice section are now based on the number of questions answered correctly. Points are no longer deducted for incorrect answers and, as was the case before, no points are awarded for unanswered questions. However, scoring requirements have also been increased.
The SATs are scored out of 1600. The Evidence based reading counts for 800 points, while the writing and mathematics section combined makes up the other 800. The essay is scored between 2 and 8 points.
Explore schools in Switzerland offering a High School Diploma.
