British vs American Education

British Secondary Schooling

Overall

Quality tertiary-directed education

General Certificate of Education – 2 – 3 years.

A Level – 2 years

Six ‘O’ levels and 3 ‘A’ levels required (min) to complete secondary education

Directed course of study with limited subjects required for graduation

Assessment

Final assessment is determined solely by exam performance on Cambridge external exam in each subject

40% pass mark

Tertiary Options

Recognized internationally

Equivalency in Pakistan

American Secondary Schooling

Overall

Quality tertiary-directed education

Minimum levels of credits required for graduation – set by school. Usually four years, starting Grade 9

Holistic course of study with exposure to a wide range of skills and subjects

Assessment

Assessment is continuous – measured by grade point average (GPA)

60% pass mark

Advanced placement (AP) is university level study offered in a variety of subjects. Each subject is assessed through an external exam, facilitated by the College Board.

Tertiary Options

Recognized internationally

Equivalency in Pakistan

Changing Systems

Changing from one system to the other can be quite difficult for a student. Usually, changing programs will require the student to repeat a year, especially when changing from O-levels to American High school. This is largely due to the difference in assessment, though different teaching styles can also cause difficulties for students adjusting.

A request for change in program must be submitted in writing to the Principal, and in consultation with the HS Coordinator. A request for a change in