Are you considering your options for high school education? Find out how the British International Curriculum can give you even more opportunities than an Australian public education. 

What's the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)?

It's a ranking that shows how you did in high school compared to other students your age in Australia. It goes from 0.00 to 99.95. The ATAR isn't a grade or score itself, but it tells universities where you stand compared to other students. It helps them decide who gets into their programs.

If you did A Levels and want to know how they match up to the ATAR, each university has its own way of converting them. You can usually find this info in the international entry requirements.

The Disadvantages of the Australian Curriculum

Many Australian students stick to the local curriculum options like HSC, VCE, QCE, SACE, or WACE simply because it's what they know. But if your child is considering international universities, there are some limitations that you may want to consider.

• Limited Scope - Australian courses have a tendency to have a narrow focus in their learning, drilling deep into specific subjects, however that leaves less time for broader learning. This can often mean that students focus more on acing tests than truly understanding the material, especially in subjects like science and math.
• Lack of Global Recognition - While the VCE is recognised in Australia, it doesn't have the global recognition of A Levels, making it harder to enter international universities. 
• A downturn in PISA - The scores for the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), a measuring tool for 15 year olds focusing on key academic subjects, has been on a downslide recently. Many believe that this is because the Australian curriculum isn't as rigorous as other countries'. 
• Limited Choices - Your ATAR score depends on the subjects you pick, and in the harder subjects earn more points. This often pushes students into taking classes they're not interested in, just for a higher score.
   

So, while the local curriculum has its perks, it's not always the best fit for those dreaming of crossing borders for their studies.

A Levels to University Point Scale

In A Levels, grades are given as letters like A, B, C, and so on. Aussie universities welcome A Level grades from international students. For local students, universities turn their top three A Level grades into points, which then get translated into an ATAR score for uni entry. Here's what the grades usually amount to:

Each university may vary, so you should always check with them for the most accurate information. 

The Benefits of Studying the British International Curriculum

Studying A-Levels or IGCSEs through the British International Curriculum in Australia could be the perfect choice for you. Here's why:

Global Accreditation: A Levels and IGCSEs are recognised worldwide, including in Australia, but also in the UK, USA, Canada, and all over Europe. With esteemed universities worldwide accepting A Level qualifications, you'll have access to a wide range of higher education institutions. According to Cambridge, in countries such as the United States and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit.

Flexible Subjects: A Levels offer flexibility in subject selection, allowing you to choose up to six subjects in Year 11 based on your interests. Unlike other programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB), there are no set requirements, giving you the freedom to tailor your studies to your passions. 

Improved ATAR: Unlike the Australian high school system, where students are assessed on multiple subjects for their ATAR score, A Levels focus on the three best grades. This increases your chances of achieving a higher ATAR, essential for admission into top universities and competitive programs.

Fluctuating Exam Model: A Levels and IGCSEs have exam dates throughout the year, so you can sit exams when you're ready. This enables you to take the exam when it's best for you, and gives you more opportunities to resit if needed.

By choosing the British International Curriculum in Australia, you'll embark on a journey of academic excellence and personal growth. Don't miss out on the opportunities it can provide for your future success.