Frequently Asked QuestionsCheck FAQs Areas on the right hand side box

Admission

What is the difference between the British, American and IB systems?

The British education system and various American diploma options (including AP and IB programs) differ significantly in structure, curriculum, and assessment methods. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

British Education System

  • Structure: Typically involves a two-stage system: GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) (Years 9, 10 and 11) , followed by A-levels (Advanced Level) taken at Years 12 and 13.
  • Curriculum: Students usually specialize in 3-4 subjects for A-levels, allowing deeper study in specific areas.
  • Assessment: A-levels are predominantly assessed through final exams, with some subjects including coursework.

American Diploma

  • Structure: High school diploma awarded upon completion credit-based graduation requirements between grades 9-12 (ages 14-18).
  • Curriculum: A broad range of subjects is studied, including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and electives. Students typically take a mix of core and elective courses.
  • Assessment: Assessment is continuous, with grades based on a combination of assignments, tests, and projects throughout the year.

American Diploma with AP Subjects

  • Structure: Similar to the American diploma but includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
  • Curriculum: AP courses are college-level classes in various subjects. Students may earn college credit based on their performance on AP exams.
  • Assessment: In addition to regular assessments, students take AP exams at the end of the course, which are scored on a scale of 1-5. Students receive a school-based course grade and an AP Exam grade.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

  • Structure: A two-year program typically taken in the last two years of high school (ages 16-18).
  • Curriculum: The IB diploma program includes six subjects across different disciplines, along with IB core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
  • Assessment: Assessment includes internal and external evaluations, with exams at the end of the program and a focus on critical thinking and research skills.

Summary of Key Differences

  • Specialization: British A-levels allow for deeper specialization compared to the broader American high school curriculum.
  • Advanced Courses: AP courses offer advanced study opportunities within the American system, while the IB program integrates advanced courses within a holistic approach incorporating the IB core components.
  • Assessment Methodologies: British A-levels focus heavily on final exams, whereas American diplomas (with or without AP) use continuous assessment, and the IB combines various assessment methods, including internal and external assessment.

Each system has its strengths, and the best choice often depends on a student’s individual goals and learning style.

DETAILSLESS DETAILS

How old does my child need to be to enter School?

Your child needs to have turned 3 by October 1st of the year he starts if you are interested in FS1 (British) or Pre S (American) which are both equivalent to nursery classes.

Your child needs to have turned 4 by October 1st of the year he starts if you are interested to join FS2 (British) or Pre K (American).

 

If I do not have the school report, will that affect my acceptance at El Alsson?

No it will not. You need to have it submitted upon acceptance.

What documents do I need to apply?

You need 4 recent passport size photos for your child, an original birth certificate, photocopies of both parents’ ids and if available, the most recent nursery or school report.

Do I have to come to the Open Day or can I come any day to apply?

If you wish to take a tour of the school and attend a presentation about the British and American schools, the Open Day is a must. If not, then yes you can apply online any day with no tour.

 

 

After I fill an online application, what do I do?

One of the members of the registrar department will get in touch with you within a few days to schedule you for an assessment or to request more documents. If no one doesn’t get in touch with you, then kindly email them on registrar@alsson.com with your inquiry and application number.

How do I know the application went through?

If the application went through, you will see a message on the computer screen that the application was successfully submitted along with your application number. Please keep this application number handy for facilitation of further inquiries with our registrar department.

When does the admissions season start?

El Alsson’s admissions season start by November of the academic year before. ie if you want to apply for school for September 2025, you need to apply starting November 2024

We carry Open Days early November to January where prospective parents can come visit the school, take a tour and meet educational leaders.

Please check the Open Days tab under admissions for further details.

 

How many children are in a class?

The maximum allowed is 24. However in FS1, the maximum number in class is 15. and in Preschool it is 20.