Articles

Academic Scholarships to study A Levels in the Sixth Form at Alice Smith School

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jan 25, 2017

THE Alice Smith School is offering a limited number of academic scholarships to study for A Levels in the Sixth Form at its Secondary Campus Equine Park in Seri Kembangan. 

The benefits of the “Reach for the Stars” scholarships include a 25% tuition fee reduction in addition to the waiver of the enrolment fee and building fund contribution worth RM25,000.

The aim of these partial scholarships is to make Sixth Form study at the school more accessible to students who have the desire to study in a dynamic and caring community, learning with exceptional teachers and with students from over 45 different nations.

Alice Smith School recently awarded three post SPM Malaysian students with full scholarships enabling them to pursue their A Level studies.

Howling (left) and Schultz (right) pose with the Malaysians who received scholarships to complete their studies at the school--Image via The Star

“We are in awe of your level of self-motivation, determination and outstanding ability to achieve the goals you aspire to. Equally impressive is your sense of self awareness and maturity, shown by your understanding of what this scholarship could mean for you and others,” said Head of School Roger Schultz.  Scholar Lee Zhi Wei, an avid chess player from Chong Hwa Independent High School, KL plans to head to the United Kingdom after completing his A Levels, to further his studies in Maths and Physics.“This award provides the opportunity for the scholars to learn in a dynamic community,” said principal of the Secondary Campus Sarah Howling. 

The school's GCE A Level Results 2016

Last year, Alice Smith School's Year 13 students celebrated another year of exam success with over 125 A*, A and B grades awarded with 99% of the cohort  achieving all A*-E grades in their subjects.Sixteen students achieved all straight A*/A grades, with two students achieving 4A*, one student achieving 3A*1A, one achieving 2A*2As, five achieving 2A*1A, four achieving 1A*2As, and two achieving 3 straight A grades. The school's two scholars’ results are also to be celebrated with 3A*1A and 1A*2As.This year our students will be attending excellent universities worldwide and we are delighted to share that three students have won well deserved places at Cambridge and two students have been accepted to study at Ivy League Universities, Yale and Brown.  

Scholarship Criteria

Scholarships offered will be based on merit, with the following criteria:

• Demonstrated outstanding academic ability.
• Demonstrated outstanding talent in the performing Arts or in Sport.
• Characteristics expected of an Alice Smith School student, not only in terms of their studies, but also in their all round contribution to their school and the wider community.
• Potential to be a worthy ambassador for the Alice Smith School.
• English language ability.

  

Duration of the Scholarship

The maximum length of each scholarship will be two years (the duration for A level studies in the Sixth Form) 

Application Checklist

These are the documents required to apply for the Reach for the Stars Scholarship:

1. Completed application form (hand written).
2. A typed personal statement of no more than 400 words.
3. A copy of your SPM or I/GCSE forecast results and recent school report.
4. A letter of recommendation from your current Principal (or teacher).
5. A letter of recommendation from an adult outside the school environment who knows you through your extra-curricular activities, either sports, music, arts, or community service.
6. A copy of your parents’ most recent Income Tax Return form and a copy of the e-filing document. This is confidential and is only used to determine financial need.

  

How to Apply for Entry

Applications for the Reach for the Stars Scholarships is now open. All applications must be submitted by no later than Monday, 6th March 2017. For enquiries, please contact:Ms Nazira AzizEducation SecretaryThe Alice Smith SchoolNo. 3 Jalan EquineEquine Park, 43300 Seri KembanganSelangor Darul Ehsan, MalaysiaEmail: nazira.ep@alice-smith.edu.my

Important Pointers

1. Please visit the school's website and read through the documentation on the Sixth Form. You must be able to meet the criteria for entry into the Sixth Form.
2. The Alice Smith School Secondary Campus is a day school, located in Equine Park, Seri Kembangan. The campus is easily accessible from the city centre via the MEX (Kuala Lumpur - Putrajaya) Highway.
3. The Reach for the Stars Scholarship is a partial scholarship.
4. Your 400 word personal statement is your opportunity to tell the Alice Smith School why you should become an Alice Smith Scholar.
5. You need to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to a British A-level course and the extracurricular activities offered at Alice Smith. You also need to demonstrate your ability to fit into an international environment and to aim high in your future goals. You also need to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded student, with both academic and other interests. You can include photographs or other electronic media with your personal statement.

 Alice Smith School is one of the first schools in Asia to offer the AQA Baccalaureate in addition to A Levels. It is academic qualification which builds on a student’s core A Level subjects, adding value through wider learning and enrichment activities. 

What is the AQA Baccalaureate?

The AQA Baccalaureate (known as the "AQA Bacc" for short) is a British educational qualification launched in April 2009 by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance or AQA, to be studied in Years 12 and 13. The innovative qualification includes the existing A and AS Levels as part of the assessment, as well as mandatory enrichment activities and an extended project. This is heavily based on the International Baccalaureate Diploma which is also studied from years 12-13 which is studied across the world.

See also: What is the difference between GCSE, IGCSE, A Levels and IB

The AQA Bacc comprises:

• Three A-level subjects (a student's main subject choices)
• Independent learning through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
• Skills development through Enrichment activities: work-related learning, community participation and personal development
• Breadth through one AS level, A-level or Level 3 Core Maths qualification, provided that this differs from a student's main programme of study.

The AQA Bacc can be based on A-levels awarded by any awarding body. Students achieve a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction.The overall AQA Bacc grade indicates:

• Consistency of performance in A-levels and the EPQ
• Achievement in a broadening subject
• The development of valuable skills, aptitudes and personal qualities via work experience, volunteering and personal development activities.