Purpose of Counselling at ACS
First and foremost, counselling is for everyone in the school.
Counselling programmes are designed to help all students develop
total educational, social, career and personal strengths and to
become responsible and productive citizens. The counselor helps
create and organise these programmes, as well as provide appropriate
interventions and guidance teaching. Focusing on need, interests
and issues related to the various stages of student growth, programmes
are created. There is a commitment to individual uniqueness and
the maximum development of human potential. The counselling programme
is an integral part of the school's educational programme.
Graduation requirements
Courses that meet five periods per week for one year earn one
credit.
20 credits are required, including:
- 4 in English
- 6 in Mathematics and Sciences, with a minimum of 2 in each
area
- 6 in Modern Languages and Social Studies, with a minimum of
3 in Social Studies and 2 in the same Language
- 1 in Fine Arts
- 2 in Physical Education
- 2 in Electives
ACS also awards an "Honors Diploma" to students meeting
additional requirements.
26 credits are required, including:
- 4 in English
- 6 in Mathematics and Sciences, with a minimum of 2 in each
area
- 6 in Modern Languages and Social Studies, with a minimum of
3 in Social Studies and 2 in the same Language
- 1 in Fine Arts
To be counted, a subject grade must be at least a "C".
There must be no "D's" or "F's" on the transcript.
Students must have achieved an overall cumulative unweighed
grade point average of 3.00. A minimum of four credits must
be from AP or IB courses, at least two of the latter should
be at Higher Level.
- 2 in Physical Education
- 7 in Electives
Course offerings
ACS offers an American College Preparatory Programme as well
as the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate
(IB) programmes for more capable students in the upper grades.
These programmes may lead to the IB Diploma or AP International
Diploma.
IBS = International Baccalaureate Standard Level courses
BH = International Baccalaureate Higher Level courses
AP = Advanced Placement
English
English 9, 10, 11 12, AP English Language, AP English Literature,
IBS and IBH English A1, IBS and IBH English B, English as an
Additional Language (EAL), EAL Transition,
Mathematics
Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trig., Precalculus, AP Statistics,
AP Calculus, IBS Mathematics Studies, IBS Mathematical Methods,
IBH Mathematics
Computer Science
Computer Graphics, IBS Computer Science
Sciences
Integrated Laboratory Science (Grade 9), Biology, Chemistry,
Physics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, IBS Environmental Systems,
IBS and IBH Biology, IBS and IBH Chemistry, IBS and IBH Physics
Social Studies
Global Studies (Grade 9), Modern World History, Business Studies,
Psychology, Classical Civilizations, International Relations,
AP Economics, AP Psychology, AP Comparative Government, AP U.S.
History, IBS Information Technology, IBS and IBH Economics,
IBS and IBH (European) History, IBS and IBH Psychology
Modern Languages
French 1-4, AP French, German 1-4, Spanish 1-4, Japanese 9
and 10, Dutch 9 and 10, IB Spanish ab initio. Other languages
(depending on demand) currently include IBS and IBH German B,
French B, Spanish B, Dutch A1 and Japanese A1. Additional IB
languages may be taught externally
Other
Art, Foundation course in Fine Arts (Grade 9), Band, Choir,
AP Studio Art and IBS and IBH Art/Design and IBS and IBH Music
Course listing subject to modification
For further information on the curriculum, consult the ACS Curriculum
Guide located elsewhere on this web site or email:dwynne-jones@acs-england.co.uk
or gdavis@acs-england.co.uk
For further information on the AP program, please refer to the
curriculum section on this web site or www.collegeboard.org
For further information on the IB programme, please refer to the
curriculum section on this web site or www.ibo.org
Frequently asked
questions
1. What is the difference between the AP and IB programmes?
AP's are based on the curriculum of U.S. first-year college-level
courses. Students are examined externally in May to assess whether
they have reached the standard of first-year college level in
the subject. They are one-year courses. College credit/advanced
placement may be possible at university level; however, high school
credit is earned for each course.
The IB programme was designed specifically for the final two
years of secondary school and intended originally for students
living in countries where there was no school system based on
their own national curriculum. It is specifically designed to
foster an awareness of internationalism and to give academic breadth
and depth. Students may take individual certificate courses or
the full Diploma, which requires 6 courses plus three additional
elements: an Extended Essay, a course in the Theory of Knowledge,
and extra-curricular activities including community service. Most
IB courses last two years. They include internal assessments,
as well as, the external examinations held in May.
2. Can students enrol in both AP & IB courses?
Yes, students may take courses from both curriculums depending
on their interests and educational background. This may lead to
the awarding of AP and/or IB Certificates, in addition to the
High School Diploma.
3. What do universities prefer, AP or IB courses?
Both the AP and IB are widely recognised as means of demonstrating
strong preparation for demanding college and university programmes.
Both programmes are highly respected and both AP and IB graduates
have been accepted at leading institutions in various countries.
Course selection should be based on educational background, student
interest, career goals, and matriculation requirements. Contact
individual universities for complete details. The following web
sites are highly recommended: for IB policies of U.S. institutions:www.ibo.org;
for information on U.K. institutions. www.ucas.ac.uk;
for AP information, www.collegeboard.org
Further information
For further information, contact: Academic Dean, David Wynne-Jones
or Gary Davis
Brief guide to college
applications
FRESHMAN YEAR
Attend College Fairs
Visit College library
Meet college representatives
Consider career interests
Plan to visit colleges
Access electronic college search facilities in high school library
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Attend College Fairs
Visit College Library
Meet Admissions Representatives
Consider career interests
Plan to visit colleges
Access electronic college search facilities in high school library
Attend college information evenings
JUNIOR YEAR - First Semester
Attend college information evenings
Work with advisers to prepare for the PSAT in October
Strive toward high academic achievement
Visit the ACS College Library
Attend College Fairs
Meet with College Admissions Representatives
Analyze career interests
Make general plans as to the type of campus and locations that
interest you
Make an appointment for you and your parents to meet with our
college counselor
JUNIOR YEAR -Second Semester
Analyze your PSAT results and prepare for the SAT-I
Register for the SAT-II and TOEFL (if required)
Make an appointments to meet with your college counselor
Attend College Information Meetings
Strive toward high academic achievement
Attend College Fairs
Meet College Admissions Representatives
Make a long College list and reduce it by April or May
Write to Colleges on your list and make plans to visit
Ask Colleges to send you application forms and materials
Keep your college counselor informed of your plans and progress
SENIOR YEAR - First Semester
Register to take admissions tests (as appropriate)
Request teacher references (if required)
Write college essays (if required)
Meet with College Admissions Representatives
Meet with your college counselor on a regular basis
Submit completed applications to the Academic Dean or UK University
Advisor in accordance with admissions calendar
Maintain high academic achievement
SENIOR YEAR - Second Semester
Ensure that all applications are complete
Provide follow-up (if requested)
Prepare for interviews (if required)
Liaise closely with your college counselor as the replies begin
Send a deposit to hold your college place
Inform those colleges that you will not be attending
Maintain high academic achievement
U.K. Applications Brief Overview
University degree courses traditionally focus on a single subject
and they last three years. Therefore, entry requirements can
be more demanding than just the U.S. High School Diploma. For
instance, the IB Diploma, IB certificates, AP examinations or
one year at a U.S. college or university are typically expected
of applicants.
In recent years, however, the situation has become much more
complex and flexible in the wake of the expansion of higher
education. As a result it is possible to combine subjects (e.g.
German/Management).
Additionally, there are many more four-year courses. Some of
these include: a Foundation Year for students without the necessary
prerequisites professional work experience ("sandwich" courses) language study or work experience abroad.
Entry, though competitive, is more flexible and there are alternatives
to the more typical degree courses, such as the two-year Higher
National Diploma (many of which are vocational in nature).
Another consideration is the possibility of taking a GAP Year
between High School and University. Usually of a character-building
nature, the GAP Year often includes community service/work experience
overseas. Students contemplating a GAP year are very strongly
advised to complete university applications following the UCAS
procedures mentioned above, prior to High School graduation.
Application Procedures
With very few exceptions, students must apply to college or
university through the Universities and Colleges Admissions
Service (UCAS). Students generally apply for specific courses
in a specific department or faculty, rather than to an institution.
They can apply for only 6 courses; thus the choice of courses
is extremely important and must be discussed with the High School's
UCAS advisor.
Of great importance also is the level of competitiveness for
each course. In general, the more popular the course, the higher
the entry requirements tend to be. Thus students must assess
their strengths in order to select courses appropriately.
Students apply to UCAS through the IB Coordinator's office
which deals with all aspects of the application process.
Applications may be made any time after September 1. For Medicine,
Oxford or Cambridge candidates, the deadline is October 15.
For others, the deadline is early December. Students need to
complete their applications well before these deadlines, however,
in order to give ACS time to process them.
Students are advised to attend Open Days, Fairs or other events
to acquaint themselves fully with campuses in which they might
be interested.
For further details, including a search programme, the following
site is highly recommended: www.ucas.ac.uk
Frequently asked
questions
1. What standardised examinations are required for
admission to U.S. colleges and universities?
The SAT-I or ACT is almost always required. The TOEFL (Test
of English as a Foreign Language) is required of students whose
native language is not English.
2. Are these examinations available at ACS?
Students take the PSAT in October of grade 11 (optional for
grade 10) in order to prepare for the SAT-I. For the PSAT, some
preparation and mock sessions are given during classes. Study
materials are also available. ACS handles the registration and
pays PSAT fees for grade 11.
Students in Grade 11 are encouraged to register for the SAT-I
for the May session. They just complete an individual form,
available from the Academic Dean, but the school collects these
forms and registers the students.
The SAT-II is offered on the same dates as the SAT-I, but it
cannot be taken on the same day. Students need to find out whether
any of their universities require the SAT-II and, if so, arrange
registration and payment through the Academic Dean. The ACT
is also offered at ACS; students can get help with registration
from the Academic Dean.
The TOEFL is offered only off-campus and on computer, and students
can book a place for the centre of their choice at any time.
Registration Documents are available for the Academic Dean.
3. How important are the SAT's and ACT's?
Colleges and Universities place great emphasis on a demanding
academic programme, grades, the teacher and school recommendations,
as well as extra-curricular qualities, such as leadership and
service. These criteria and their weighting vary greatly from
school to school and therefore external testing is the only
element which all applicants have in common.
Students should try to do the best they can and some may wish
to seek additional tutoring, practice or courses in order to
try to improve their scores. Those with English as a second
Language should be sure to take the TOEFL, as that will be considered
in combination with the Verbal score on the SAT-I.
U.S. colleges and universities report the range of SAT-I and
ACT scores obtained by accepted students. They usually publish
the range of the mid 50% of the scores (omitting the top 25%
as well as the bottom 25%). This information can be very useful
in compiling a list of campuses to consider.
Finally students are urged not to worry or to become stressed
if their scores do not meet their expectations, as other considerations
are very important in the college admissions process as well.
There are many fine institutions from which to choose; regular
communication with your high school advisor is essential.
4. Do colleges in the U.S. recognise the International
Baccalaureate programme?
The IB was developed to establish an internationally acceptable
university entrance qualification for the student populations
in international schools. In the U.S. and Canada, IB Diplomas
and Certificates (Higher Level) are recognised, and universities
confer credit or advanced placement of up to one year for them.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
IB Co-ordinator & UK College Counsellor – David Wynne-Jones
email:dwynne-jones@acs-england.co.uk
Academic Dean & US College Counsellor – Gary Davis
email: gdavis@acs-england.co.uk
