The Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) at the British West Indies Collegiate enjoys an outstanding reputation for academic success and for entry into higher education. Feedback from our current and former students and from their parents confirms that the Collegiate offers an excellent level of education and prepares students well for the academic rigours of university life.

Most of our Advanced (A) Level students go onto higher education. School staff give advice on choosing the right college and on the application processes in the UK, Canada and the USA. They will help find information on other destinations too, and assist students in applying for scholarships. The school also provides assistance for the SAT 1 and 2 examinations, and is the only institution in the Turks and Caicos Islands to administer the tests.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of five IGCSE/GCSE/CXC passes at grade C or above is required for entry to all advanced courses. It is expected that candidates will gain a B/2 or higher in those subjects selected for Advanced Level study.

Fees

Details of available scholarships can be provided upon request.  Other costs and fees are specified on the Admission page.

Applications

All potential candidates must complete an application form and attend an interview with the Principal and the Head of Sixth Form. Offers will be given based on the application form, an interview, reports and predicted grades.

The purpose of the interview is to discuss in detail the possible programmes of study a student wishes to pursue and the student’s career plans. It is to inform the student of our tutorial arrangements, registration requirements, monitoring systems and extracurricular programmes. It is important that students have the opportunity to ascertain whether they will be happy in the Sixth Form and whether they are capable of and committed to the demands.

The interview is designed to be friendly and informative, and lasts approximately 30 minutes. At the end of the interview we may make a conditional offer. Final decisions are mostly made by examination results and students are required to fax the school with their examination results as soon as they become available. In addition to the interview, students will have the opportunity to view the campus and its facilities, and meet teachers and students.

Conditions of Offer 

• Minimum of 5 IGCSE/GCSE/CXC of grade C/3 or above

• Passes to include English and Mathematics

• Acceptance of attendance requirements

• Acceptance of a minimum of 15 hours of study at home per week

A Level & AS Level Courses

The School follows the British-based National Curriculum, leading towards the GCE Advanced (A) Levels from CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) or AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance). These are well established, internationally recognised qualifications. A Levels are the most widely used qualification for entry to British universities and are also widely accepted by universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Many students who pass their A Levels with good grades, are eligible for an accelerated programme at North American universities, joining programmes in the second year.

A Levels are two-year courses and AS Levels are taken in the first year of the A Level course. Most students study four AS Levels in the first year and complete three or four A Levels in the second year. Some very capable students may study five AS Levels in the first year and four A Levels in the second year. You can also combine A Level courses with AS Levels; all in all a great deal of flexibility is possible.  Some subjects are assessed only by examination whilst others use coursework and/or practical assessments alongside examinations.

Options available for 2007-2009 

The above options provide students the flexibility to specialise or follow a broad programme of study. For example, a student may take all three Science subjects and Mathematics from Band A, or they could take Business, ICT (Information and Communication Technology), Art and History. English Language is only available at AS Level. You will be given advice at interview about the best course to follow in order to pursue career ambitions. Available options will depend upon sufficient interest. We aim to be as flexible as possible but reserve the right to withdraw or cancel a course; alternatives will be offered.

Other Information

All students are encouraged to show initiative and develop leadership skills. They have opportunities to take on extra responsibilities through election to the Student Council and the Interact Club. It is important to us that students leave the British West Indies Collegiate not only academically competent but also well prepared for the world beyond school. Students are given guidance on career choices and participate in a Work Exposure Programme. This programme gives students the opportunity to visit work places and work along side professionals.

Students are also required to participate in a Reading Programme, spending time with a younger student each week, listening to them read. This encourages a strong identity within the school and provides a mentor for the youngest students, helping them with the transition to secondary school.

In turn, all students of the Sixth Form are allocated an Academic Mentor; a member of staff with responsibility to provide advice and support throughout the two years of your stay.  Mentors and students meet once every week to discuss progress and make recommendations. Your Mentor will normally be responsible for writing the necessary references for university applications.

The school day commences at 8:00 am and ends at 3:40 pm and currently comprises 8 periods of 40 minutes each, with 40 minutes for lunch and a 20 minute break after the first 3 periods. As a sixth form student you will have a reduced timetable but you are required to attend Study Hall from 2:30 – 3:40 pm, Monday to Friday. During this time you are expected to prepare for lessons, complete homework, research universities etc.

As a member of the Sixth Form, you will be a role model to younger students, and must endeavour at all times to present a positive example, in behaviour, dress, and attitude to work. By no account must you consider Study Periods as ‘free’ periods. They are provided to enable you to complete assignments and conduct research; use these periods wisely.

Sixth Form students are accommodated in a purpose built common room, complete with bathrooms and kitchen/lounge area. The spacious air-conditioned common room further houses lockers and computers with Internet access, as well as information about careers and applying for universities. Wireless Internet access can be made available to students with their own laptop computers.

For further information, contact the Principal or Head of Sixth Form.

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