Higher Education
GCE AS and A Level examinations require intense and in-depth study. By the time students take their A Levels at the end of Year 13, they should have cultivated sound work habits and learned to study independently. We hope that students will enjoy their final years at The Heritage Private School, will be fully involved in the life of the School, and will achieve excellent results so that they can approach adult life equipped with both qualifications and confidence.
Whilst our main aim for Year 12 and Year 13 students is to enable them to fulfil their academic potential and gain entry to the university of their choice, extracurricular activities are also essential, as these enhance other life skills and make a favourable addition to applications for higher education courses and jobs. It is through fulfilling their academic potential, whilst at the same time participating in extracurricular activities, that students develop those vital qualities of self-motivation, self-awareness, self-discipline and self-confidence that will be the lifelong key to their success.
Students in Year 12 and Year 13 have more responsibilities, but they also enjoy some privileges. The Heritage Private School treats its Year 12 and Year 13 students as young adults, so that their transition to university and the world at large will be as smooth as possible.
Each year, there are always students of The Heritage Private School amongst those who receive Cambridge or Edexcel High Achiever Awards for the highest examination marks in Cyprus and/or internationally. Year 13 students graduate from the School not only with their external examination certificates and other evidence of achievements, but they are also issued with a formal Leaving Certificate (Apolytirion).
Whatever their level of academic achievement, during Years 12 and 13 students make important decisions about their future. The Careers and Life Skills programme, which all Year 12 and Year 13 students are expected to attend, aims to widen and deepen the understanding of possibilities, so that every student can make positive and well-informed choices. The programme is supported by external speakers and presentations. In addition, sessions are arranged on career and higher education options, completing application forms, writing personal statements and succeeding in auditions and interviews.
Higher Education and Careers guidance therefore forms an essential aspect of school life in Year 12 and Year 13. Students have wide access to essential careers and university-related information, are given presentations from visiting higher education establishments and careers representatives. Individual and personalised advice and guidance is always available from teachers, and the Headteacher personally discusses education and career choices with every Year 13 student.
Typically all of the Year 13 leavers do go on to study at a UK university or elsewhere. Many students apply to UK universities through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) system, and are guided, advised and supported through every stage of their applications by the School’s Higher Education Adviser, the Form Tutor and the Headteacher. In order to assist parents and guardians in helping their child through the higher education decision-making and application process the UCAS website has a bespoke section, including a downloadable ‘UCAS Parent Guide’, dedicated to helping you to understand the system and what is required: http://www.ucas.com/parents
For students who wish to apply to other colleges and universities either in addition to or instead of UK establishments, the School offers the same level of support and assistance, regardless of where students are applying in the world to continue their studies.
Community Service and Voluntary Work Placement opportunities are open to Year 11 students in the summer weeks following their IGCSE examinations, and also to Year 12 and Year 13 students. All are greatly encouraged to participate in Community Service or a Voluntary Work Placement, and students who wish to gain such experience are helped through the rigorous selection process involved in securing relevant, quality placements.
After graduation from Year 13, some students may have to postpone their higher education studies, typically those who are first required to complete their compulsory military service. As a result, these students may have not been able to take advantage of the high level of support that the School offers in guiding the Year 13 students through the university application process. The School would like to assure Heritage School graduates that they can still rely on the full help and support of the School after military service or postponement of higher education for any other reason. All current students and graduates are therefore warmly encouraged to seek the advice and assistance of the School when they are ready to make their university or job decisions and applications.
All Alumni are warmly encouraged to keep the School informed of their lives and successes after they leave: we are always delighted to hear from and receive visits from past students.
