Grade 11 is the most crucial juncture for a student, as they begin to make decisions about their future course of study and institute. With a plethora of schools to choose from, anxious parents and students leave no stone unturned to scout for the best international schools in Mumbai. Many a time, the perplexity in arriving at a final decision seems overwhelming with myriad queries that abound.Let us break down some of the most commonly asked queries about the grade 11 admissions forinternational schools:
1. What is the difference between the A Levels and IBDP?
The AS & A Level is an advanced-level two-year course offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, UK. (https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/)
The IBDP is a two-year comprehensive, robust, and invigorating programme offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization, Geneva. (https://www.ibo.org/)
2. Which curriculum is best suited for the applicant – A Levels or IBDP?
While choosing the curriculum, it is advisable to bear in mind the aptitude of the applicant, study pattern, academic performance, and future career aspirations. While a few of the students prefer the in-depth focused approach of the A Levels structure, the others would liketo explore the breadth of choices that the IBDP offers.
Aditya Birla World Academy is a premier international school in Mumbai that offers both curricula. The school organizes an extensive Orientation session for prospective students and parents seeking admission into grade 11. The parents and students are thus assisted in making an informed decision about both courses.
3. What subjects does the school offer for A Levels & IBDP?
Cambridge offers a choice of over 55 subjects, and schools can offer them in almost any combination.
The IBDP comprises of six subject groups in addition to Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), which are compulsory components.
Schools choose the subjects offered by Cambridge and IBO as per their requirement. The subjects offered by different schools would therefore vary. Students must research the subjects offered by the schools in keeping with their choice of study.
The Aditya Birla World Academy offers the following subjects:
A Levels https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/academics-high-school-a-level
IBDP https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/academics-high-school-ibdp
4. How many subjects can be chosen for the A Levels & IBDP?
For the A Levels, students typically study 4 subjects over the course of two years.
Through the IBDP, students study six subjects chosen from six subject groups, and complete an Extended Essay (EE), follow a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and participate in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
5. Is IBDP tougher than the A Levels?
IBDP and A Levels are equally intensive courses. However, IBDP is generally perceived to be more challenging than the A Levels, as the student is required to study 6 subjects, complete the TOK, EE, & CAS, in comparison to studying 4 subjects for the A Levels.
6. Is the A Level & IBDP recognized in India?
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the organization that awards equivalence to foreign degrees in India has recognized the IBDP qualification since 1983 for entry to all universities in India.
Similarly, the AIU has also granted equivalence to the A Levels, thus ensuring a smooth progression for Cambridge students who choose to study at universities in India.
7. How easy is the transition for a student from SSC/ICSE/CBSE to an international board?
The teaching pedagogy in international schools is student-centric and focuses on activity & project-based learning. A limited student cohort helps foster better student-teacher relationship, and a personalized learning methodology. Students are much comfortable in approaching their teachers, thereby quickly acclimatizing to a new learning environment.
8. What is the application deadline?
Every school follows a different application cycle. It would be advisable to get in touch with the school much in advance to avoid missing the deadline.
Admissions for grade 11 (2023) A Levels & IBDP at the Aditya Birla World Academy are scheduled to begin in mid-July 2022.
9. What is the eligibility criterion for admission?
Schools, in general, look at the past academic performance, extra-curricular activities, achievements, etc. They could also conduct an entrance assessment to gauge the student’s aptitude for a subject. An interview round could also be a part of the admission process if the school deems it required.
10. What are the documents required for admission?
Document submission for admissions generally includes academic reports, achievement certificates, learning disability reports (if any), identity proofs, photographs etc.
11. What is the fee structure for grade 11?
Fees at an international school are generally expensive in comparison to schools with the Indian board. It would be advisable to be aware of the fee structure to make an informed decision about the choice of school.
12. Does the school offer scholarships for applicants?
A few schools may also offer merit / need-based scholarships for applicants. The Aditya Birla World Academy offers merit-based scholarships to its internal and external students seeking admission into grade 11.
Details of the Merit Scholarship Programme are available here:
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/admissions-scholarship-programme
13. What are the grade 12 Cambridge / IB results of the school?
It would be advisable to be aware of the results of the school. It could reflect on the academic record of the school and help one make an informed decision.
The Aditya Birla World Academy Results:
A Levels - https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/academics-high-school-a-level
IBDP - https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/academics-high-school-ibdp
14. Does the school have career counseling facilities?
The Career Counselling department plays a vital role in securing the future learning of its students through ‘best-fitted’ courses and institutes. A well-informed and experienced Guidance Counsellor advises the student about appropriate courses, institutes, scholarship assistance, application guidance, admission deadlines, arranging university visits, etc. University Placements at Aditya Birla World Academy
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/admissions-online-admissions
The Career Guidance Counselling at Aditya Birla World Academy begins as early as grade 8, where the Counsellors advise students on the subject selection for IGCSE, and chart a direction for the student.
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/academics-career-placements
