Preparing your Child for the Future

Choosing a school can be difficult. There are so many factors to consider. Facilities, location and price are all important. Many parents also use exam results as a way of judging the quality of education at schools.

The problem is that exam results only tell part of the story. It is undoubtedly important that your child gets the best results he or she is capable of. But with so many students getting the top grades, and even “best in world” certificates in the same subjects, how can your child stand out from the crowd when they apply to university or go on to employment?

A recent survey by McKinsey and Company found that, whilst 72% of educational professionals felt that students were prepared for work, only 42% of employers agreed. http://www.mckinsey.com/industries/social-sector/our-insights/education-to-employment-designing-a-system-that-works

Meanwhile, in a fast changing world, automation is taking over more and more of the jobs that rely on basic skills and knowledge. The children of today will have to demonstrate behaviours that only humans possess to be able to compete in the future skills market.

Empathy, taking initiative, problem solving, report writing and time management will be far more important than the ability to remember facts or carry out repetitive tasks, both in employment and further education.

“The successful scientist of the future will have the breadth and versatility to work across traditional boundaries and engage with other disciplines.”

– Professor Martin Williams, Associate Head (Education), Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, University of Oxford Department of Engineering Science

How student led projects can help
There is a way to foster these transferable skills without distracting students from achieving their best possible grades at International GCSE and A-level. Accredited student led projects involve students choosing a topic that interests them, creating a question around that topic, independently researching to investigate the question and summarising their research findings in a report.

At GCSE level, your child can take an International GCSE Plus endorsement alongside one or more of their OxfordAQA International GCSEs. It’s the only project-based option at GCSE level that’s accredited by an international awarding body and doesn’t require students to drop a traditional subject. Most importantly, International GCSE Plus gives your child the chance to specialise in a topic that really interests them, making it excellent preparation for A-levels, IB extended essay and university.

“It would give students a chance to shine in their chosen subject”

– Matthew Thomas, Senior Admissions Officer, King’s College London.

Post 16, your child can supplement their desired International A-levels with the Independent Project Qualification. This is an A-level standard qualification that can be taken alongside your child’s desired choice of International A-levels.

Last year, 40,000 sixth formers in England took the EPQ, the British version of the IPQ. Research has shown that project based learning can increase grades in traditional A-levels. Research on the EPQ has also shown that students are 29% more likely to get an A*-B in their A-levels if they complete the project qualification.

Demonstrating skills universities want

“British universities promote free independent thinking and don’t want students who just memorise the right answer. They are trying to help the individual develop into someone who will be able to carry on learning through their career.”

– Lord David Willetts, UK Minister for Universities and Science 2010-2014.

The growing popularity of project based qualifications reflects the value top British universities place on them. Some universities are even giving lower offers for students who have taken project based qualifications alongside their A-levels

The benefits of an IPQ don’t stop there: they allow students to stand out. As every project is unique, students’ Personal Statements can contain details of their project, truly personalising applications. They allow admissions tutors to see beyond the grades and understand the skills a student has, and what interests them.

“The Independent Project Qualification provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop the kinds of research and academic skills demanded by the rigours of Higher Education.”

– University of Southampton

Ask about OxfordAQA

More and more British curriculum schools across the world are choosing OxfordAQA qualifications. Ask if your child’s school is offering the very best qualifications that take your child further and get them ready for university and employment.

“The successful scientist of the future will have the breadth and versatility to work across traditional boundaries and engage with other disciplines.”

Who are OxfordAQA?

Oxford International AQA Examinations is a joint venture between AQA, the UK’s largest academic awarding body, and Oxford University Press. The aim is to bring the best of the latest reforms and research guided assessment from the UK and make it more relevant to students across the world. More and more schools are choosing to add OxfordAQA qualifications into their offering alongside other exam boards. These pioneer schools recognise the importance of fair assessment and modern content for students’ development.
www.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/