Alumni - Thames British

At Thames British School, having completed the IGCSE (Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education), our students continue their last two years of High School (Years 12-13 ), where they prepare for university by taking either the IBDP or Cambridge International A Levels, two of the world’s most highly respected pre-university programmes. As well as providing an intensive transitory phase between high school level education and the demands of independent learning at university, both of these courses are a ticket to the world’s most prestigious universities.
The IBDP and A Levels are internationally respected qualifications that will allow your child to flourish academically, and both have advocates in educational and political spheres. At Thames, students have the wonderful opportunity to choose the programme that aligns best with their interests and strengths!

IBDP/A Levels at a glance

IGCSE - Years 10 - Year 11

International General Certificate of Secondary Education

Our students choose whether to take the:

IB DP - Years 12 - Year 13

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

A- LEVEL - Years 12 - Year 13

Cambridge International Advanced Level

Broad Curriculum: Students take six subjects, encouraging them to explore connections between disciplines. Three subjects are taken at a higher level and three at a standard level.

Specialisation: Students focus on three or four subjects.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): An exhibition and essay that encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.

Flexibility: Students can choose subjects that align closely with their desired university course.

Extended Essay: Involves independent research, which is great preparation for university-level work

Familiar Structure: Many students find the exam-based assessment system straightforward.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Students pursue creative activities, engage in sports or other types of physical activities, and spend time doing community service.

Widely Accepted: Highly regarded by many universities worldwide, particularly in the UK.

International Recognition: Well-regarded by universities worldwide, especially for its rigour.

Take a look at our blog post to learn more about these programmes and gain an understanding of which is right for your child.

Career consulting

Empowering Student Futures with the Gatsby Benchmarks at Thames British School

At Thames British School, our career counseling programme is guided by the Gatsby Benchmarks, an internationally recognised framework for delivering high-quality career education. These benchmarks ensure that our students are well-prepared for their future academic and professional journeys.

The Gatsby Benchmarks in Action at Thames British School:

Benchmark I

A Stable Careers Programme

Our structured career counseling programme is embedded into the school’s curriculum, providing all students with consistent, high-quality support throughout their educational journey.

Benchmark II

Learning from Career and Labour Market Information

Students have access to accurate and up-to-date information about careers and labor markets, helping them understand the wide range of opportunities available in a global economy.

Benchmark III

Addressing the Needs of Each Student

We deliver tailored guidance that reflects the individual needs, aspirations, and abilities of each student. This personalised approach ensures that every student receives the support they need to achieve their goals.

Benchmark IV

Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers

By collaborating with teachers, we integrate career-focused discussions into subjects like business, psychology, and STEM, demonstrating the practical applications of academic learning in various industries.

Benchmark V

Encounters with Employers and Employees

Our students benefit from interactions with industry professionals through guest speaker sessions, university visits, and career fairs. These experiences help students gain valuable insights into different career paths and build their professional networks.

Benchmark VI

Experiences of Workplaces

While workplace experience is not currently a formal part of our program, we ensure students engage in meaningful discussions and simulations that reflect workplace expectations. This approach helps prepare them for future work-based learning and internships.

Benchmark VII

Encounters with Further and Higher Education

We regularly host university fairs, presentations, and workshops, providing students with opportunities to engage directly with representatives from higher education institutions worldwide. This helps them make well-informed decisions about their next steps.

Benchmark VIII

Personal Guidance

Individualised support remains the cornerstone of our programme. Each student benefits from one-on-one career counseling sessions tailored to their unique interests, strengths, and ambitions.

Our career counseling programme empowers students to make informed choices about their futures and supports them in achieving their academic and professional aspirations. By fully embracing the Gatsby Benchmarks, we ensure that every student at Thames British School is equipped to succeed in an ever-changing world.