Pathways After Secondary School

If you have completed your secondary school education and are wondering what to do next, there are many paths from which to choose. A popular option would be to continue with one of the many pre-university programmes available which would lead to a university education and employment after that. However, if you are uncertain about which university course or career to pursue, you may want to consider a gap year to figure out where your true interests lie.

This article is divided into two sections. The first section introduces the various academic options open to you, while the second section suggests meaningful and productive ways to spend your gap year.

A. Academic Options

• A Level
  A UK-based qualification, the A Level is a 100% exam-oriented programme accepted by most universities worldwide and locally. Taken over the course of one and a half years, students typically select three to four subjects. The minimum entry requirement is five credits (including English) in SPM, IGCSE or the equivalent. The programme is split between two stages – Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level) and Advanced 2 Level (A2 Level). Exams are held in June and November.
  With fewer subjects, the knowledge acquired is more thorough compared to the other programmes. As certain university degree programmes have specific entry requirements including prior study in certain subjects, it is advisable to choose your A Level subjects with the university course in mind. 
   
• SACE International and AUSMAT
  The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE International) and Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) are both Australian-based qualifications. The SACE International is administered by the South Australian government, while AUSMAT is administered by the Western Australian government. These programmes are ideal for students intending to study in Australia and New Zealand, and they are also widely accepted by other countries. Over the course of ten to eleven months, students study at least five subjects. The maximum allowed is six.
  As with the A Level, the minimum entry requirement…

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