What is the A level programme?
John Mackenzie High School offers the internationally recognised and respected Advanced Level programme of study which is externally examined by the Cambridge International examination board which is based in the UK. This is the same examination board under which we offer the IGCSE programme.
It is an advanced academic course and it is only suitable for students who have attained academic excellence in the IGCSE/BGCSE (or equivalent) examinations. Students who have not attained top grades in their chosen subjects at IGCSE level (or equivalent) will not be permitted to pursue the subjects at A level as they will be unable to cope with the material taught and will be left with feelings of frustration. It is better for students gifted in areas other than academics to find courses in alternative centres of learning such as a technical college. It is important to accept that each individual is unique and that Botswana’s tertiary education system is evolving very quickly. Young people can still pursue excellent careers if they choose to be trained in more practical or technical fields.
The A level programme is a two year course. In the first year students study four and, in exceptional circumstances, 5 subjects which are externally examined at the end of the year by the Cambridge International examination board and awarded AS (Advanced Subsidiary) level certificates in January. Subjects are graded from A to E. Attainment of the AS certificate enables entry onto many university courses, including all South African universities.
On successful completion of the AS level courses students may continue to the second year called A2 where they usually study three subjects. It is important to note that no student will be permitted to continue to A2 if he or she has not received a grade at AS level. At the end of the second year students sit external papers that will complete their A level. Their attainment as AS level is combined with their A2 performance in order to determine their final grades (A*- E).
Students may be permitted to re-sit their AS level papers under special circumstances. However, sitting all A level papers (Form 6) at once is not recommended as the student is likely to feel overwhelmed, the syllabus may have changed and no additional tuition will be available to revise the AS papers.
Why A level?
It is recommended that academically inclined students who have attained excellent IGCSE results and who wish to enter university should study the two year A level programme. It is excellent preparation for university study and is recognised throughout the world. The A level curriculum is a worthwhile choice whether the intention is to study outside Botswana or to continue with higher education within the country as students have a higher chance of succeeding in courses at the University of Botswana (UB) or the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). Every year past A level students return to John Mackenzie School to thank their teachers as they feel that the first year of university life was less daunting due to the academic preparation of A levels.
On completion of IGCSEs students are usually too young to deal with the complications of the adult world of university life. Studying A levels at school is therefore a perfect solution to allow teenagers to mature academically in a more protected environment. Completing the two year course usually enables students to immediately start their degree courses rather than have to do a foundation or bridging course.
In many cases students who have completed the full A level programme have been awarded credits at American and Canadian universities that have enabled them to complete their degree courses several months earlier than their peers.