BSB Sixth Form Prospectus
BSB Sixth Form Prospectus
BSB Sixth Form Prospectus
PROSPECTUS
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INDEX
Arabic 9 Mathematics 29
Art 11 Physics 31
Biology 13 Music 32
Chemistry 16 Psychology 34
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SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS
The Sixth Form at the British School of Bahrain comprises approximately 180 students who possess a wide range
of academic and extra-curricular interests. We provide a highly personalised curriculum and expert pastoral care,
making the Sixth Form an outstanding study centre for all students, whether they have been at the BSB since
Reception, or they joined our ranks at the start of Year 12.
This prospectus provides information that will help you understand why the BSB Sixth Form is the best choice for
you, and guide you in making some important subject choices for the two years ahead of you. The Sixth Form is a
crucial step in your journey towards university and beyond, and making intelligent, informed decisions is essential.
If you have any questions that cannot be answered by this prospectus, then we will be very happy to answer them
personally.
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THE SIXTH FORM AT THE BSB
CURRICULUM CHOICES:
You will need to choose which courses you wish to study. You can use the information in this booklet; consider your interests and strengths; take
into account the advice of your teachers; and discuss your preferred courses with your family and friends. It is important that, as an individual, you
also carry out independent research into the different pathways available to you through the Sixth Form, university and employment. The choices
you make impact your future, so it is vital that you play the leading role in planning them. The BSB will work closely with you to make sure you
make the right choices, and ensure that your path through Sixth Form opens up the right doors for you afterwards. Please note that many of our
courses require you to reach a certain GCSE grade or equivalent (see below): this is to ensure that you do not enrol on a course and later regret
it, as you find it difficult to cope with the content. Ultimately, the final decision as to whether you can enrol on a course rests with the school, and
our judgment is based on vast experience with hundreds of students. Please also note that there is a minimum number of students require for a
course to run.
Most students choose 4 A-levels or equivalent at the beginning of Year 12, or 3 A-levels plus the Extended Project Qualification (roughly 3.5
A-levels). While we allow students to start with 3 A-levels, it does mean their options are limited if they later struggle with a subject, or want to
change. Some students who start with 4 A-levels, drop one of them at the end of Year 12 and sit examinations for this subject, resulting in the
award of an AS-level certificate (equivalent to half of an A-level). They then continue into Year 13 with three A-levels. Others continue with four
A-levels all the way through their two years in the Sixth Form. While BTEC courses are slightly different, the general rule is the same - students will
take courses equivalent to 3, 3.5 or 4 A-levels and may drop some of the workload at the end of Year 12.
Please note that we cannot offer students the opportunity of starting A-level or BTEC courses in Year 13, and so students and parents must be
careful selecting the right combination of courses, and the right workload. The school communicates any concerns it has to parents on a regular
basis.
In classrooms, you will find that teachers will provide you with less direct instruction and instead facilitate your own exploration of the subjects
and topics at hand. You will find the content more challenging and you must be willing to dedicate additional time to revisiting and revising work
that you have done that week. However, remember that our teachers are always willing and able to provide additional support when you need it:
you are by no means alone!
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THE SIXTH FORMAT THE BSB
PASTORAL CARE
The transition into Sixth Form is more than simply moving up a year group. You are entering a very different environment where the onus is on
you to drive your own learning and success. You will be thinking ahead to university and your future career, while trying to juggle a number of
demanding courses and also continue to involve yourself in extracurricular and social activities. Your tutors will work closely with you on a daily
basis, providing sound advice and helping you to manage your workload and commitments. The Head of Year 12 will step in when additional
help is needed while, if you need it, our School Counsellor is dedicated full-time to your welfare. Finally, our support for students applying to
universities all over the world is comprehensive and has proven highly successful.
As a commitment to BSB’s ethos as an inclusive learning environment, students with specific educational or learning support needs are welcomed
upon meeting the entry requirements to Sixth Form. Specific educational needs vary and are far from uncommon. They are not a reason to not
apply to University and support will continue in the establishment you choose. The discussions you have with our Learning Hub team will inform
your application and the University to which you apply in how you have worked with your specific ‘difficulty’ to achieve and progress academically.
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A-LEVELS AND BTECS
Many UK university accepts students with BTEC Level 3 qualifications, depending on the course they wish to take, and the qualification is also
recognised by a growing number of international higher education institutions. The BSB has had extraordinary success helping BTEC-pathway
students gain access to excellent degree courses at universities such as the Universities of Essex and Kent in the UK, Bahrain Polytechnic, and the
University of Manitoba in Canada.
Please remember that one key distinction between A-Levels and BTECs are the Sixth Form entry requirements; if you do not make the grade
required for a particular A-Level course, you may still be able to take an alternative BTEC course.
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A FINAL WORD
APPLYING TO UNIVERSITIES:
Admission to UK universities relies on predicted A-Level or BTEC grades, as well as a detailed personal statement and a reference from the school.
GCSE grades are also taken into account. Universities set minimum grade requirements for each of their courses, and you can normally find these
requirements on the institution’s website with little difficulty. Please note that GCSEs in English and Mathematics (or equivalent) are also required
for entry to a UK university.
If you are applying to American colleges, you are advised to study for and sit the SAT, offered throughout each year by the College Board. They
are taken externally at a recognised centre; the school can provide details of such centres in Bahrain. An increasing number of US universities
accept candidates on the strength of their A-Level alone; some even offer credits for high A-Level passes. American universities typically require a
number of application ‘essays’, and the BSB will help you with these.
European universities outside of the UK, and Canadian universities, have also proven popular destinations for BSB students. They all have
different entry requirements and procedures; the school is aware of most of them and can provide a great deal of advice and assistance. They
almost all recognise A-Level, while the recognition of BTEC (particularly Extended) is growing.
WORK EXPERIENCE
We encourage our students to do work experience during the school holidays between GCSE and Year 12 or between Years 12 and 13. This
is especially important for those who are planning a medical degree. However, all universities like to see reference to work experience in the
personal essay or statement even if the student has changed career path. We often use information from employers to add to the reference we
write for the university. Work experience can also give the student a good insight into the work involved.
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A FINAL WORD
Once the school has created suitable option blocks, you will be asked to make a decision about the blend of subjects you wish to take. Students
will need to make initial subject choices by February 20th, with options finalised by the end of March. After this, subject choices will be limited by
space in the classes. Please note that we will not be able to satisfy everyone with the option blocks, and remember that (as previously mentioned)
subjects that do not make the minimum number of students may not run. We will inform you if we feel that one or more of the subjects you have
chosen may not run in August.
Finally, once we reach August, you, your family and teachers will see how you did in your GCSE examinations. We will consider if you made the
minimum grade required for Sixth Form entry and your subject choices, and either confirm or alter your subjects in consultation with you and
your parents. At this time, the school will make a final decision as to whether a subject is going to run, based on the number of students that have
opted for the course.
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Arabic
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: YAA01
Entry requirements: B or above in iGCSE Arabic (1st language) /A or above in iGCSE 2nd Language
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Arabic
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is modular. Students will sit 1 module in Year 12 and they can continue their studies in Y13 by taking the full A-level.
COMPONENT 1 2
Paper 1:
Paper 2:
Component name Understanding and written
Research and writing
response
Weighting % 40 30
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Art
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9FA0
Entry requirements: 6 or above at GCSE. If a student is new to the school they will be expected to hand
in a portfolio of work to the Head of department.
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Art
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is linear, meaning that all examinations will take place at the end of Year 13.
COMPONENT 1 2
Weighting % 60 40
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Biology
Exam board: International A level - Edexcel
Syllabus code: YBI11
Entry requirements: 7 in IGCSE Biology & 7 in IGCSE Mathematics.
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Biology
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is modular. Students will sit three modules each in Years 12 and 13.
COMPONENT 1 2 3 4 5 6
Unit 5:
Unit 2: Unit 4:
Unit 1: Respiration,
Cells, Unit 3: Energy, Unit 6:
Component Molecules, Diet, Internal
Development, Practical Skills in Environment, Practical Skills in
name Transport and Environment,
Biodiversity and Biology I Microbiology and Biology II
Health Coordination and
Conservation Immunity
Gene Technology
Weighting % 20 20 10 20 20 10
Duration of
1h30m 1h30m 1h20m 1h45m 1h45m 1h20m
exam
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Business
Exam board: Cambridge
Syllabus code: 9609
Entry requirements: 7 or above in GCSE English and Math. GCSE business is desired.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is modular. Students will sit two exams in Year 12 and one exam in Year 13.
COMPONENT 1 2 3
Paper 1:
Paper 2: Paper 3:
Component name Short answer and
Data Response Case Study
essay
Weighting % 20 30 50
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Chemistry
Exam board: International A level - Edexcel
Syllabus code: YCH11
Entry requirements: 7 in IGCSE chemistry & 7 in IGCSE Mathematics.
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Chemistry
WHAT WILL STUDENTS LEARN?
Students will learn the major topics in chemistry, including molar calculations, structure and bonding, energetics, rates, equilibria, Group
chemistry, transition metals and a range of organic chemistry; as well as associated experimental skills.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is modular. Students will sit three exams each in Years 12 and 13
COMPONENT 1 2 3 4 5 6
Unit 1:
Unit 2: Unit 4: Unit 5:
Structure,
Energetics, Unit 3: Rates, Equilibria Transition Unit 6:
Component Bonding and
Group Chemistry, Practical and Further Metals and Practical Skills in
name Introduction
Halogenoalkanes Skills in Chemistry Organic Organic Nitrogen Chemistry II
to Organic
and Alcohols Chemistry Chemistry
Chemistry
Weighting % 20 20 10 20 20 10
Duration of
1h30m 1h30m 1h20m 1h45m 1h45m 1h20m
exam
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Computer Science
Exam board: Cambridge
Syllabus code: 9608
Entry requirements: 7 or above in GCSE Computer Science (or equivalent) and Mathematics.
6 or above in English and Science.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
- The course is linear, meaning that all examinations will take place at the end of Year 13.
- There is no longer an option to sit an AS exam meaning that students must complete the 2-year course to obtain a qualification.
COMPONENT 1 2 3 4
Paper 2:
Paper 4:
Paper 1: Fundamental Problem- Paper 3:
Component name Further Problem-solving
Theory Fundamentals solving and Programming Advanced Theory
and Programming Skills
Skills
Assessment method Written examination Written examination Written examination Written examination
Weighting % 25 25 25 25
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Drama & Theatre
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9DR0
Entry requirements: 6 or above in (I)GCSE English Language or equivalent;
preferably 6 or above in GCSE Drama or equivalent.
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Drama & Theatre
WHAT WILL STUDENTS LEARN?
Students will learn how to perform/design for a text-based performance; perform/design for a devised performance; explore the work of two
practitioners; and produce a portfolio to detail the creation and development of ideas for a performance and analyse and evaluate their process.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
Linear end of year exam - coursework completed during the two years and essay submission.
COMPONENT 1 2 3
1) A group performance/design
realisation of one key extract
from a performance text.2)
A monologue or duologue
Assessment method Coursework Written examination
performance/design realisa-
tion from one key extract from
a different performance text.
Marked by visiting examiner
Weighting % 40 20 20
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Economics
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9EB0
Entry requirements: 7 or above in GCSE English and Maths. Must have studied GCSE economics and attained at least a B.
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Economics
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
- The course is linear, meaning that all examinations will take place at the end of Year 13.
- There is no longer an option to sit an AS exam meaning that students must complete the 2-year course to obtain a qualification.
COMPONENT 1 2 3
Paper 3:
Paper 1: Paper 2:
Component name The economic environment and
Markets and how they work Competing in the global economy
business
Weighting % 35 35 30
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English Literature e
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9ET0
Entry requirements: 7/ A or above in (I)GCSE English Language and English Literature
(ideally both subjects, but a 7/A in English Literature will be considered).
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
This is a linear course. A level examinations will be at the end of Year 13.
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAREER PATHS
English Literature is an excellent qualification to gain. Its academic rigour is well-known (e.g. the UK’s group of top 20 universities - the Russell
Group - has designated it as one of their preferred ‘facilitating subjects’). A good grade in this subject is therefore helpful for any degree in: Arts,
Humanities, Languages, Law etc. We even sometimes see scientists taking this subject along with the likes of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and
Mathematics. English graduates themselves go on to a wide range of highly-skilled careers where their analysis, precise thought and highly-
developed communication skills are much sought-after.
COMPONENT 1 2 3 4
Weighting % 30 30 30 20
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French f
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9FR0
Entry requirements: 7 or above in GCSE French or equivalent.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
2 year linear course with exams in the final year. Students must complete their speaking assessment in April and all other assessments in May/
June in any single year. All assessments are externally marked.
COMPONENT 1 2 3
Paper 2:
Paper 1: Paper 3:
Component name Written response to works and
Listening, reading and translation Speaking
translation
Weighting % 40 30 30
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Further Mathematics
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9FM0
Entry requirements: 8 or above in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent.
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Further Mathematics
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is linear, meaning that all examinations will take place at the end of Year 13. However, students only wishing to do the AS do have the
opportunity to sit the AS exam externally.
COMPONENT 1 2 3 4
Weighting % 25 25 25 25
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Geography
Exam board: Cambridge
Syllabus code: 9696
Entry requirements: B or above in GCSE Geography or equivalent.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The couse is modular with AS taken by all in year 12 with the option to continue in Year 13 with A2, based on a C grade being met in AS
COMPONENT 1 2 3
Weighting % 25 25 50
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History
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9HI0
Entry requirements: 7 or above in GCSE History or equivalent. Not recommended for ESL students
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is linear, meaning that all examinations will take place at the end of Year 13.
COMPONENT 1 2 3 4
Unit 3:
Unit 1: Unit 2: Unit 4:
Option 35.1 Britain
Component name Russia 1917 - 1991 Option 2E.1 Mao’s China Coursework The Russian
Losing and Gaining an
from Lenin to Yeltsin 1949 - 1976 Revolution, 1917
Empire 1763 - 1914
Weighting % 30 20 30 20
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Mathematics
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9MA0
Entry requirements: 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent.
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Mathematics
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is linear, meaning that students sit three papers in Year 13 which each weigh 33.3%: Pure mathematics 1, Pure mathematics 2 and
Statistics and Mechanics. Students can sit the AS at the end of the year if they do not wish to do the A2 course, but if they continue with the A2
course, the AS exam result does not contribute to the final A2.
COMPONENT 1 2 3 4 5 6
Weighting % 16 16 16 16 16 16
Duration of 2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
1h30m 1h30m 1h30m 1h30m 1h30m 1h30m
exam
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Music
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9MU0
Entry requirements: Grade 6 standard required on your chosen instrument. This includes voice.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is linear, meaning that all components will take place at the end of Year 13.
COMPONENT 1 2 3
Externally moderated
Assessment method Performance Written examination
coursework
Weighting % 30 30 40
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Physics
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: YPH11
Entry requirements: Grade 6 standard required on your chosen instrument. This includes voice.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is modular. Students will sit three modules each in Years 12 and 13.
COMPONENT 1 2 3 4 5 6
Unit 5:
Unit 4:
Unit 1: Unit 2: Unit 3: Thermody- Unit 6:
Component Further
Mechanics Waves Practical Skills in namics, Radiation, Practical Skills in
name Mechanics Fields
and Materials and Electricity Physics 1 Oscillations and Physics II
and Particles
Cosmology
Weighting % 20 20 10 30 30 10
Duration of
1h30m 1h30m 1h20m 1h30m 1h30m 1h20m
exam
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Physical Education
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9PE0
Entry requirements: 7 or above in GCSE PE or Biology, keen interest in Sport
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
Students complete the AS Level exam in year 1 (2 papers) and then the A2 (2 papers) exam in year 2. Exams will be at the end of both Year 12 and
Year 13. There are two coursework units to be completed during the course and moderated at the end; practical performance and performance
analysis
COMPONENT 1 2 3 4
Psychological and
Scientific Principles
Sociological Principles Practical Performance
Component name of Physical Education Performance Analysis
in Physical Education (9PE03)
(9PE01)
(9PE02
Weighting % 40 30 15 15
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Psychology
Exam board: AQA
Syllabus code: 7182
Entry requirements: 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics, and English.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
The course is linear, meaning that all examinations will take place at the end of Year 13.
COMPONENT 1 2 3
Introductory topics in
Component name Psychology in Context Issues & Options in Psychology
Psychology
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Spanish s
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: 9SP0
Entry requirements: 7 or above in GCSE Spanish or equivalent.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
2 year linear course with exams in the final year. Students must complete their speaking assessment in April and all other assessments in May/
June in any single year. All assessments are externally marked.
COMPONENT 1 2 3
Paper 1: Paper 2:
Paper 3:
Component name Listening, reading Written response to works and
Speaking
and translation translation
Weighting % 40 30 30
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BTEC Business
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma 500/6747/3 (1200 TQT) | BTEC level 3 National Extended Diploma
Entry requirements: Five A*-Cs, including Maths and English / Extended Diploma will be considered after
a 6 week trial period
Students do not have the option of completing the entire diploma (12 units) in one year. Those that
leave to higher education at the end of year 12 (6 units) will have the equivalent of one A level.
Students doing the extended diploma must remain in school until the end of year 13.
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BTEC Business
YEAR 12 YEAR 13
Unit 1 The Business Environment Unit 18 Managing a Business Event
Unit 2 Business Resources Unit 27 Health and Safety
Unit 3 Marketing Unit 33 The Impact of ICT on Business
Unit 4 Business Communication Unit 36 Starting a Small Business
Unit 5 Business Accounting Unit 37 Business Ethics
Unit 13 Recruitment and Selection Unit 38 Business & the Economy
Students opting for the BTEC extended diploma programme will complete an additional six units over a two year period.
YEAR 12 YEAR 13
Unit 9 Creative Product Promotion Unit 16 Human Resources Management in Business
Unit 10 Market Research in Business Unit 19 Developing Teams in Business
12 Internet Marketing in Business Unit 29 Understanding Retailing
The extended diploma is equivalent to three A levels, this will give students the opportunity to study courses such as business management and
international business in a number of top UK universities including, Nottingham Trent, Lancaster, Loughborough, Surrey.
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BTEC Information Technology
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: BTEC Level 3 Diploma 500/9150/5 (1200 TQT)
Entry requirements: Grade 5 in GCSE Computer Science or Merit or higher in CiDA (or equivalent).
Also Grade 5 or higher in English and Maths.
Students will learn differrent skills and concepts in each unit outlined below:
YEAR 12
Unit 1: Communication and Employability Skills for IT - Developing communication skills using IT facilities;
Unit 2: Computer Systems - Understanding about hardware and software and carrying out routine maintenance;
Unit 28: Website Production - The principles behind how to design an effective website for a business need;
Unit 30: Digital Graphics - Introduction to the basic production considerations involved when creating an image;
Unit 17 Project Planning;
Unit 38: Interactive Media Authoring;
YEAR 13
Unit 3: Information Systems
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BTEC Sport
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: BTEC Level 3 Diploma 500/6751/5 (1200 TQT)
Entry requirements: Grade 5 in GCSE Computer Science or Merit or higher in CiDA (or equivalent).
Also Grade 5 or higher in English and Maths.
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BTEC Sport
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Extended Project Qualification
Exam board: Edexcel
Syllabus code: ZPJ30
Entry requirements: At least a 5 in English GCSE (Not ESL)
COURSE OUTLINE
The Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project allows learners to study a topic area which extends their learning in their area of study. Learners select one
of the four units, which may be completed over one or two years. They should select a project topic which expands their learning in their field of
study, in a related area, or that is relevant to their own personal interests. Each of the four units offers a different type of project: a dissertation,
an investigation/field study, a performance or an artefact. Learners will be assessed on their ability to plan, manage, complete and review their
project. It can be completed over one or two years, and is assessed by a tutor-assessor from within the centre and externally moderated by
Edexcel.
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University destinations 2018 & 2019
Destination Course
America Cornell University Computer science
America NYU Drama
Australia Griffith university Criminology with Psychology
Australia Melbourne Aus Engineering
Australia University Of Melbourne Computer Science/IT
Bahrain Arab Open University English Literature
Bahrain Royal University for Women Interior Design
Bahrain RCSI Medicine
Canada Ottawa Sport management
Canada Concordia Law
Canada Bishop’s Law
Canada Brock Politics and business
Canada University of British Columbia Accounting and Finance
Canada Simon Fraser Construction management
Canada Waterlooo Computer Science
Canada Calgary York Engineering and Technology with foundation
Holland Utrecht University College Pharmacy
Holland NHL Stenden Uni of applied sciences Electrical Engineering
Holland Erasmus Business and Economics
Holland Erasmus Psychology
Holland Erasmus Liberal Arts and Sciences
Ireland University College Dublin Business and aviation
Italy Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Geography
Italy Roma University of Fine Arts Sport and Exercise Science
Italy Humanitas, Milan Computer Science
Italy Politecnico di Milano Architecture
Jordan GermanJordanian University Engineering
Malaysia Taylor’s University Business
Pakistan Inst of Business Administration Business
Pakistan Agha Khan Medical School Medicine
Pakistan American University of Sharjah Multimedia Design
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University destinations 2018 & 2019
Destination Course
UK Brighton Business
UK UWE Plymouth Biomedical sciences
UK Sussex Business
UK Sussex Business
UK Surrey Finance and Accounting
UK Southampton Marketing
UK Kingston Mathematics
UK Bristol Education
UK Bournemouth International Tourism and Hospitality
UK University College London Architecture
UK Imperial Medical biosciences with management
UK Glasgow Finance and maths
UK Sussex International Business
UK Dundee History and Economics
UK Manchester Met Accounting and Finance
UK Nottingham Trent Unconditional Business Management and Entrepreneurship
UK Sussex Law with business and management
UK Southampton Fashion Marketing with Management
UK Reading Entrepreneurship and Management
UK University Arts London: Central St Martins Architecture
UK Bath Computer Science
UK Reading Pharmaceutical Sciences
UK Central Lancashire Digital design
UK Durham Economics
UK Lancaster Design
UK University of East Anglia Marketing and management
UK Sheffield Aerospace engineering
UK Durham Foundation Year in Business
UK Brighton Business management
UK Keele Psychology and Buisness
UK Nottingham Trent Business Management with Human Resources
UK Hereford Psychology BSc
UK Sheffield Architecture integrated foundation
UK Sussex Social Sciences with foundation year
UK Brighton Business and marketing
UK Brighton Business and marketing
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British School of Bahrain www.britishschoolbahrain.com
Thebsbh admissions@thebsbh.com
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SIXTH FORM
PROSPECTUS
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