The RBIS High School Diploma is an accredited 2-year course of study for students of all abilities who successfully qualify and wish to further their education in Years 12 and 13 (British educational system) to obtain entry to University in Thailand or overseas.

Students entering the RBIS High School Diploma (HSD) pathway will have successfully completed an IGCSE programme of studies (Year 11 from a British Curriculum School) or alternative international equivalent (Grade 10 from an American School).

The High School Diploma (HSD) pathway is educationally challenging, both academically and personally, as it extends students in all areas of their development in the final two years of their school education.

This pathway complements the traditional structure offered by RBIS International School A level courses.

RBIS International School is a private co-educational day school serving the needs of the city-based and international communities of Bangkok.

RBIS shares a clear focus on providing the best of educational experiences, with high standards and expectations for all students within the community as they take their place as well-rounded and life-long learners.

In an all-through schooling, from Early Years through to Pre-University A Levels Exams and BTEC Awards, the RBIS academic programme is based on the English National Curriculum. This is a world-recognised educational model modified and enhanced to consider local requirements within the Kingdom of Thailand and fully accredited by the Educational Development Trust (formerly CfBT) and Sor Mor Sor.

Students entering the RBIS High School Diploma (HSD) pathway will have successfully completed an IGCSE programme of studies (Year 11 from a British Curriculum School) or alternative international equivalent (Grade 10 from an American School).

At the age of enrolment in the HSD pathway, a student must be 16+ years of age and must have completed Mathayom 4 or equivalent.

The RBIS High School Diploma is an accredited 2-year course of study for students of all abilities who successfully qualify and wish to further their education in Years 12 and 13 (British educational system) to obtain entry to University in Thailand or overseas.

The HSD pathway is educationally challenging, both academically and personally, as it extends students in all areas of their development in the final two years of their school education. This HSD pathway complements the traditional structure offered by RBIS A level courses.

Graduates successfully awarded an RBIS International School High School Diploma will have completed assessments in Core Subjects, including Thai language and culture and English language studies through structures such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). HSD graduates will have also completed studies in a minimum of 3 elective areas and elements of the Community, Activity and Leadership programme.

Within the RBIS High School Diploma pathway, our aim is to meet the personal, social, emotional and intellectual needs of every student. Support may be provided through a number of strategies including the Tutor Group System, the House System, the Peer Support programme and work with the Student Council ‘voice’ for students.

As part of the international Round Square organisation RBIS provides a number of opportunities for students to explore their own potential and to understand themselves and the wider community.

In providing students with the very best education to enable them to gain admission to the next stage of their education and learning, each HSD student is monitored and assessed in the characteristics of critical thinking, problem-solving, the use of technology and communication.

Graduates successfully awarded an RBIS High School Diploma must have fulfilled all of the following criteria: -

1. Attendance at the RBIS High School Diploma programme for two years in Years 12 and 13 with an attendance record of at least 85%.
2. Studies in at least 5 subjects from the compulsory and elective elements.
3. Achievement of a minimum grade of point 5 (on a 9-point scale) for each subject taken.
4. Completion of the Community, Activity and Leadership component.
5. Display of the personal qualities expected to be possessed by an RBIS student.

The RBIS High School (HSD) Diploma may be awarded at the following levels: -

1. Distinction GPA 3.50 – 4.00          80% +
2. Merit GPA 3.00 – 3.49                    70% - 79%
3. Pass GPA 2.00 – 2.99                      50% - 69% ****

Introducing the RBIS Sixth Form

At RBIS we believe that our Sixth Form is the steppingstone to every student’s future.

The Sixth Form provides students with the knowledge, support and skills to realise their aspirations post 18 and beyond.

Our mission is to deliver the maximum academic outcome for each student according to their individual ability.

RBIS Sixth Form offers a comprehensive range of A Levels and BTEC courses, ensuring that each student can access the higher education or onward career of their choice. Whilst academic success is a key focus our co-curricular programme underpins this. So serious study is combined with extensive opportunities for enrichment.

Obtaining excellent qualifications is fundamental to Sixth Form life, but this is balanced with the aim of developing essential personal qualities through involvement in Round Square activities such as international conferences and environmental work as well as ECAs and charitable work.

Students who leave our Sixth Form are enthusiastic, well-grounded and versatile young men and women who are excellently equipped to take their place in, and contribute to, society.

This information text can only give a flavour of what the Sixth Form at RBIS can offer.

We hope you will find the information useful and that it answers many of your questions.

However, do not hesitate to contact us should you need more information.

Sixth Form is . . . academically challenging

Finding the right course for you

Many students join the Sixth Form because they want to study a specific course.

Some have heard about the choices but aren’t quite sure what’s right for them.

If you are not sure what to study yet, don’t worry. We can help you find the right Sixth Form programme by discussing what you want to achieve, not just right after Sixth Form but into adulthood. We can also help if you want to study a broad set of subjects that will keep your options open for the future.

At this stage of your life and learning, the three most important things are to:

Choose subjects that you enjoy

Choose subjects in which you have the greatest ability

Choose subjects that support one another

Many people, often including parents, will be more familiar with A Levels, so may be concerned that BTECs could limit your options or stop you going to university. This could not be further from the truth. If you have a clear idea of the future career you would like – whether or not you intend to go to university first – BTECs can often provide a more focused way to achieve this. For international university applications, BTECs and A Levels contribute equal points.

Recognising that both types of course can be used for international university applications the main differences to consider are:

A Levels                                                                          

• Academic focus
• Broad approach to theory
• Develops broader subject knowledge and analytical skills
• Assessment is largely by written exam at the end of the 2-year course
• Coursework is worth, on average, only 20% of your final grade
• Usually leads to wider future employment options
• Often leads to more traditional subjects at university
• Still the most widely recognised Level 3 qualification

BTECs

• Vocational focus
• Focused theory/academic modules
• Develops focused subject knowledge and practical skills
• Some BTEC courses have written exams
• Assessment is based on coursework and projects over two years
• Usually leads to better employment options within a chosen field
• Often leads to vocational and industry-specific courses at university
• Now very well recognised by both universities and employers
  
  

A Level Courses

Advanced level (A Level) qualifications are typically studied over a two-year period after the successful completion of IGCSEs. 

They are the most common pre-university qualification taken by students in England.

A Levels bring many benefits and students usually select three subjects to study which particularly interest them and are relevant to their career plans.

Courses available at RBIS range from traditional subjects such as English Literature, Mathematics and the Sciences, to more modern subjects such as Digital Media and Photography.

Students choose subjects following advice from their teachers, considering their future career plans, and what they enjoy learning. It is important to consider what a student will need to enter university courses in their desired country on their desired course.

We have a varied choice in subjects at RBIS which allows students to either stream their learning into the RBIS Science stream, Humanities stream, Business stream or Arts and communication stream. However, the subject choices have been arranged so that there is flexibility for students to have a balanced diet of subject, choosing subjects from the different streams.

Career paths after A Levels often include applying to university or other higher education courses but can also lead directly into employment.

BTEC Courses

BTEC qualifications offer the equivalent academic weighting of traditional A Levels

They are highly regarded by international universities & employers alike.

BTEC qualifications are designed to be more work-related and are particularly suited to those students with a clear view of their future career.

Our Level 3 International BTECs offering is constantly reviewed to offer students a dynamic and relevant education to suit the changing world we live in.

Sixth Form is . . . focused on the future

University & Careers Guidance and Advice which focuses on individual support

The RBIS CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance) is designed to prepare students for life in the modern global workforce by providing the knowledge, understanding, confidence and skills that they need to make informed choices and plans for their future learning and career.

Good preparation and valuable advice will help to ensure that our students can make a good choice for their future and move forward with confidence. The aim is to prepare RBIS students for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of adult life and to provide a transition between the world of school and the world of university or employment.

Our support process runs throughout your time in Sixth Form, not just in the final few months. Students receive specialist advice as they research and finalise their higher education or career choices. Our aim is to ensure that everyone can leave RBIS heading in the direction that best suits them and makes the most of their individual talents.

RBIS students go on to a variety of different places after the Sixth Form. These include universities overseas in the UK and Europe, North America and Australasia, as well as international and Thai programmes in top Thai universities.

Sixth Form is an enriching experience offering increased independence, greater flexibility, and opportunity for involvement in a wide range of activities

Sixth Form students enjoy increased independence and responsibility for managing their time. There is greater flexibility in the structure of their day, and outside of study commitments there is the opportunity for involvement in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities.

The small size of our Sixth Form makes settling in easier and means that pupils can get to know one another quickly. Opportunities for Sixth Form students to take an active role in the leadership of the School are therefore greater at RBIS and lasting friendships are forged.

Away from the confines of the examination system RBIS is delighted to have Global Membership of the Round Square Organisation - an international network of 200 like-minded schools in 50 countries that connect and collaborate to offer world-class programmes and experiences that develop global competence, character and confidence in our students. Round Square schools share a commitment to character education and experiential learning built around six themes – International Understanding, Democracy, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, Leadership and Service.

Sixth Form students take a lead role in community-service projects and engagement around the city of Bangkok and the outlying provinces of Thailand. Projects include ecological restoration and school rebuilding and renewal in the province of Phitsanulok. Community service projects give our Sixth Form students an ideal opportunity to show leadership, engagement, creativity and depth.

Sixth Form . . . the Next Steps

How to apply

As a preparation towards university study A levels are a little bit more academically selective than IGCSE courses.

A Levels require independent learning, wider reading, note taking, research and in some cases practical skills. Motivation is therefore a key factor and students are expected to take personal responsibility for their learning. They should expect to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week per subject on homework.

Students entering the RBIS Sixth Form work with the guidance of the Head of Sixth Form and the Examinations Officers to ensure that they have successfully demonstrated appropriate strengths and characteristics of learning in their IGCSE courses; and that the narrower focus of subjects selected at A level are suitable for university or future career choices that they are likely to make.

Entry Requirements: To join the Sixth Form we usually require five IGCSE passes at level 4 or above. These must include Mathematics and English Language. Level 4 is equivalent to grade C in international GCSE courses.

RBIS offers a number of scholarships for Sixth Form students.  In keeping with the founding vision of RBIS as a school open to all, we are committed to educational accessibility, need-based financial aid and diversity in the Sixth Form. The school's current policy is that aid is provided only to families who factually demonstrate that they do not have the financial resources to afford Sixth Form tuition. RBIS Merit Scholarships may be awarded for selected outstanding applicants. (Please talk to the RBIS Admissions Officers for further information regarding Scholarships at RBIS)

Please click this link for information regarding Scholarships at RBIS https://RBIS.ac.th/scholarships/

A comprehensive admission process is in place for Sixth Form candidates. The process includes testing, student interview, parent discussions, recommendations and a thorough review of a candidate's academic track record. We seek to enroll not only promising young men and women but also seek to identify families who understand and support the RBIS distinct mission.

Please click this link for further Admissions information https://RBIS.ac.th/application-information/

Year 9 Pre-IGCSE programme

An RBIS Middle School education (Years 6-8) gives our students key academic advantages as they prepare for Senior School examination programmes.

As students enter the Senior School our exciting Year 9 ‘pre-IGCSE’ academic programme provides preparation for future success in international IGCSE and A level examinations.

The key study skills and advanced curriculum coverage of Year 9 allows RBIS students to build on our pattern of consistent examination success which has seen results with 100% A* to C grades including mathematics and English: with 43% of RBIS students achieving the top grades of A* and A, and 65% of A* through to B.

At the even higher level of pre-University Advanced A level examinations RBIS students achieved 100% success with grades A* to C with 44% achieving the top grades of A* and A.

Working with our subject specialist staff in the core areas of English, mathematics and the Sciences, each student is provided with appropriate challenge and extension, and with additional support and nurture when required. Every student receives more direct contact time with their teachers.

As an example, depending on aptitude and ability, Year 9 students have early access to the IGCSE Extended mathematics curriculum with students working towards the challenging Higher IGCSE curriculum and examination. Where necessary other students will be nurtured in their Year 9 mathematics curriculum and constantly monitored for effort, progress and achievement.  Those who show developing aptitude and ability in studies will have an opportunity to move into the challenging environment of Higher-level examinations.

Students in Year 9 receive specialist support in their examination choices, with a breadth of opportunities to directly specialize in the Sciences, Business and I.T. and the Creative Arts.

The Year 9 Pre-IGCSE programme is one contributing factor to the consistent examination success of RBIS students at both IGCSE and A level examination levels.

IGCSE courses and examinations

An RBIS Senior School education (Years 9-13) is the launch platform for higher and professional studies. The Year 10 and 11 IGCSEs, based on the British curriculum (GCSE) but adapted for a more internationally focused student-body, are among the most widely accepted qualification across the globe for eligibility for higher, advanced and professional education and degrees.

Why is the IGCSE programme good for students?

• The IGCSE is accessible to those of almost all levels of ability. The questions are often differentiated in terms of levels of difficulty to meet the needs of both the most able student as well as those who find academics challenging.
• The wide array of subjects available for IGCSE enables students to work on many different topics to better understand their strengths and interests. This makes choosing the direction of higher studies easier.
• Students find some subjects difficult and frustrating and other easy and enjoyable. The wide range of IGCSE subjects means that it is easier for students to find the subjects they enjoy and are good at.
• IGCSE offers studying subjects are core (basic) or extensive (advanced) levels so students may obtain a more comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of subjects they are particularly interested in and devote less time and effort to other subjects.
• Being able to focus, to a large extent, on subjects they enjoy and are good at translates into good examination results and increased opportunities for higher studies.
• IGCSE gives importance to learning languages and cultural studies which equips students to be able to cope with regional demands wherever they may be located.
• The importance given to languages and cultural studies also helps to create more well-rounded students who are able to create a positive impression when being interviewed for admission to colleges.
• IGCSE focuses on strengthening students' understanding of what is being studied and their analytical skills and problem-solving skills. This enhances their ability to learn on their own, even outside the formal school environment. This is an important strength when the time comes to leave home for higher studies or to work.
• Cambridge IGCSE assessment takes place at the end of the course and can include written, oral, coursework and practical assessment. This broadens opportunities for students whose first language is not English allowing more time to learn over the course of the programme before demonstrating their learning at the end.
• The IGCSE is certainly a good option if you know your child has strengths in assimilating knowledge and demonstrating this knowledge in exam conditions.

The most well-known IGCSE Examination Boards are Cambridge International Education and Pearson/Edexcel. 

The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum combines an exam-based approach with a focus on research, problem-solving and inquiry-based learning. It offers a variety of routes for learners with a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English.

The Cambridge approach supports schools to develop learners who are:

• confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others
• responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
• reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
• innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
• engaged intellectually and socially, and ready to make a difference in the world.

Starting from a foundation of core subjects, it is easy to add breadth and cross-curricular perspectives. Encouraging learners to engage with a variety of subjects, and make connections between them, is fundamental to this IGCSE approach.

It develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• subject content
• applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations
• intellectual enquiry
• flexibility and responsiveness to change
• working and communicating in English
• influencing outcomes
• cultural awareness.

IGCSEs at RBIS International School

RBIS provides a broad range of CIE Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE subjects for you to choose from including mathematics, English, Sciences, Humanities and Languages, and the Creative Arts.

Many students at IGCSE Level have not yet formed a clear career path, so taking a good mix of subjects will enable students to keep their options open as they approach their A level or BTEC choices.

Considering your IGCSE choices . . .

There are many factors to take into account when considering your IGCSE choices.

On the whole, your best choices will be the subjects that you enjoy most and in which you think you are most likely to be successful. However, there are some subjects that are either essential, or at least very important, for some careers. If you have plans at this stage to follow a particular career, you must find out what subjects are needed so that you do not choose an inappropriate combination for your future studies.

It can help to do a quick overview of factors that you should and should not take into account before making your final decision:

Factors that should not influence your decision:

• Don’t be influenced by what subjects your friends choose.
• Do not let your personal likes/dislikes of teachers affect your choice of subject
• You think it will be easy
• You have been told it involves less work
• You want to do something new for the sake of it

Factors that should influence your decision:

• Your level of interest in the subject Does a subject really interest you. Why? You need to be interested in the subject matter and enjoy the skills involved in it. For example, does it involve extended writing? Is it a more practical subject?
• Your ability in the subject What are your strengths and weaknesses? Look at your latest school report and be clear about the subjects in which you have been most successful so far and why this is. What skills come more easily to you?
• Talk with your subject teachers, the Year 9 Year Tutor, the Exams Officer and Careers Guidance Team, present IGCSE pupils.
• Talk to your parents – discuss your choices and your possible career aspirations.
• Read the IGCSE syllabus of the subject you are interested in. Your teachers will be able to show you the syllabus and examples of past papers.
• Consult the Cambridge International Exams and Pearson websites. These give information about the subjects available and the structure of the exams.
• Try to achieve a sensible mix of IGCSE subjects.

IGCSEs at RBIS

All students at RBIS study core subjects in English, Mathematics, Science: Biology and ICT, and are then able to choose from a selection of academic and creative subjects.

Some students will take specific pathway focused on the Sciences, Humanities or Creative Arts. Others will seek to to take a balance between Languages (Thai, Mandarin Chinese), the Sciences (Chemistry and Physics) Humanities/Social Sciences (History, Geography, Business Studies) and creative subjects of a higher practical content (Fine Art or Photography).

You are not advised to take two subjects of a higher practical content owing to the considerable time required for producing coursework outside allocated curriculum time.

To ensure students’ health and wellbeing pupils also engage in Physical education, PSHE and a careers focus, along with being active members in our House system and competitions. 

In order to arrive at the right choice of IGCSE subjects you must balance three important factors:

• Your academic strengths and weaknesses.
• Your personal abilities and aptitudes.
• The implications of your choices on your possible A level or BTEC, degree and career choices.

How many IGCSEs are needed to apply to university?

The primary use of the IGCSE grades are for students to gain entry into sixth form courses that will help shape their entry into university and employment.

Be Aware: Most universities require pupils to have a minimum of 5 IGCSE passes including mathematics and English Language. So, to enrol on most sixth form courses, students are required to achieve 5 IGCSEs at grades C and above; often needing to include English and mathematics. We call this the Golden 5, as this is the golden number of IGCSEs that students need to achieve to move on to their next educational step in Thailand or abroad.

Why IGCSEs at RBIS?

These qualifications are globally standardised and so offer students lifelong qualifications that will gain them access to higher educational courses in Sixth form and then university.

IGCSEs are globally recognised by top universities as entry qualifications for courses and they are a benchmark for schools to enrol students on the correct sixth form courses.

RBIS boast some of the best IGCSE exam results for non-selective schools in Bangkok.

100% of students taking the expected minimum 5 IGCSE successful including core English and mathematics.

One of the biggest selling points for both our IGCSE and A level students is that unlike other international schools, we are a smaller community school which focuses on holistic approaches to education.

Our smaller class sizes mean that every student gets time with the teacher, and with a teacher student ratio of 1:7, it’s no wonder our students achieve so well.

Life at the RBIS International School school is unlike any other in Bangkok; the students genuinely enjoy coming to school and are excited to learn at RBIS. We are a close-knit community where everyone knows and supports one another. This environment means that all of our students can be academically challenged on a daily basis, but they still feel confident to be active participants in the classroom without the fear of failure that students experience in bigger schools. Our students know that education at RBIS is about being independent, pro-active learners who aren’t afraid to ‘try and try again’.