The Learn Academy
We have an extensive list of subjects including sciences, math/ further pure math, English literature, Spanish, history, geography, economics, business, creative arts and more
Typical day in the life of a TLA student?
No two weeks at the TLA are the same
The Learn Academy is a centre for students 15 years and over. We have small class sizes of eight students or fewer and our centre is focused our students exceed their potential.
Most mornings at TLA start with a short Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education session. We have adapted the British PSHE curriculum to create a useful and engaging morning routine, where we promote student wellbeing so that our learners can start the day right.
Every day we offer classes in maths, English and science. Students also study Spanish, business, geography, history, and drama. Our students break for lunch in the nearby Turo Parc, where they can enjoy some fresh air and the beautiful scenery. Students also benefit from our after school programme, where they can receive specialised support, or discover new areas of interest, such as coding and debate.
No two weeks at the TLA are the same. This is because we love to balance academics with fun extracurricular opportunities. Our weekly activities, such as cooking, arts and sports, complement and support student studies. Throughout the year, students might try tennis, surfing, paddleboarding, yoga, pilates, ceramics, drawing, pottery and much more.
Grade Level Groups
Grade 10 US
Year 11 UK
Ages 15-16
This is our introductory year. Students will study a variety of different subjects through our educational programme.
Those students who have chosen to take the iGCSE exams will be registered and prepared.
Grade 11 US
Year 12 UK
Ages 16-17
This first year of preparation towards the international A-level qualifications is called the AS-level certificate. The AS-level year constitutes 50% of the final qualification and will be awarded after external examinations in May/June. Grades are 100% exam based, with no coursework.
Grade 12 US
Year 13 UK
Ages 17-19
This is the final year of study towards the A-levels. This year constitutes the final 50% of the qualification. The A-levels will be awarded after external examinations in May/June. Grades are 100% exam based, with no coursework.
University opportunities after TLA
Students use the International A-levels to gain places at leading universities worldwide including the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, and across Europe.
In some countries, such as the US and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen A- level subjects can even count towards university-level credit.
The International A-levels are recognised as being equivalent, grade-for-grade, to the standard qualifications taught as part of the national academic curriculum in the UK. As such, the International A-levels open doorsfor students wishing to apply to any British higher education institution.
This 2020 Pearson Edexcel resource lists all the universities worldwide that accept the International A-levels. Please note that specific entry requirements vary from place to place.
This 2017 Pearson Edexcel University Recognition Guide details the entrance requirements for universities across the world.
IB vs A Level discussion?
The British A-levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) are both world-class qualifications and highly sought-after at top universities across the world. However, there are some important differences.
The A-levels are British qualifications that students gain at the end of school. A-level students (aged 16-18) choose three-four subjects to study in-depth across two years.
The IB Diploma is an international qualification for students aged 16-19. IB students choose from a broad curriculum made up of six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics, and the Arts. Students normally take three standard-level subjects and three subjects at higher-level. In addition, students on the Diploma Programme (DP) must complete three other core components: The Theory of Knowledge course; a 4,000-word extended essay; A personal Creativity, Activity and Service project.
The main advantage of the A-levels is that they equip students with deep understanding and expertise in their chosen subjects and interests. This helps prepare students for university-level study and professional routes in the future. Additionally, studying three-four subjects means that students can really focus on what they are passionate about and interested in. As educators, we find that this really encourages a love of learning and helps students to accelerate their grades in their chosen fields. The IB is well-suited to very independent learners and students who are prepared to study six subjects simultaneously, including a foreign language. In our experience, the IB can create extra stress and pressure during these already challenging two years of study, although we wouldn’t want to discourage any all-rounders from pursuing it!