Year 12 & 13 Curriculum
The UK A-Level System: A Quick Guide - Year 12 & 13
Navigating a new school system can be challenging. As the only school in Rome that provides the full British ‘Gold Standard’ A-Level programme we understand the need to outline the philosophy behind this decision and the benefits it brings to our students.
What are A-Levels
A-Levels (short for Advanced Levels) are the gold-standard British qualifications for students aged 16 to 18. These qualifications provide credentials to enter university undergraduate programmes of study across the globe.
Why Choose A-Levels
- Specialization: Students can focus 100% on their strengths on 3 or 4 subjects.
- Greater Depth: By studying fewer subjects, students reach a first-year university level before they even graduate. This makes transition to university courses much more straightforward.
- Academic mastery: Specialisation means students focus on academic mastery in their chosen subjects. There is no ‘busy work’ completing core and standard level tasks that will not be beneficial to future study or employment.
- Academic Freedom: There are no mandatory subjects. Students choose what they love and have aptitude for, from Physics and Maths to Art and History. Students play to their strengths.
- Modular Exams: International A-Levels allow students to take exams in stages with a focus on the application of skills over retention of knowledge.
Entry to Italian Universities
- Full Recognition: A-Levels are officially equivalent to the Diploma di Maturità (requires a minimum of 3 A-Levels).
- Grade Conversion: British letter grades (A* to E) are converted into the Italian 100-point scale.
- The Top Tier: An A*A*A* result is a perfect 100/100. An AAA result typically converts to 92/100.
- Competitive Edge: A-Level students are often better prepared for specific entrance tests like the IMAT (Medicine) or Bocconi exams due to their deep subject knowledge.
Details of how the ‘A’ levels, the gold standard for university entrance, can be found in our Sixth Form booklet and the dedicated A Level and Higher Education Guidance.
Helping students find their future
We bring all the available information into one single, impartial, user-friendly platform that helps students to make the best choices, and submit the strongest applications.
We also empower teachers and counselors to manage the progression process effectively.