About KTJ Sixth Form

The Sixth Form at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar is comprised of high achieving students, both academically and in a range of extracurricular pursuits. Being a part of this community offers considerable benefits to students who want to maximise their achievements at Advanced Level (A level), whilst developing themselves beyond the confines of the academic curriculum. Our excellence is proven by the number of students that we are able to place in top universities including Oxford, Cambridge and those in the Ivy League.

We pride ourselves on giving individual support to enable students to succeed, both within the school and beyond, by ensuring they gain entrance to the university best suited to their needs. The curriculum is tailored to each student’s requests as much as possible, with almost every student taking their first choice of subjects. Each student has a mentor who, in conjunction with subject staff and the Sixth Form staff team, will give individualised advice concerning university choices and will work with their students to develop first class applications. Admissions tutors from top universities visit KTJ regularly, allowing students to talk to them and have access to the most recent information. Whilst many of our students are bound for the UK, some students will apply to universities in more than one country including the USA, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and the Netherlands.

There is no doubt that the need for academic success is paramount, however, universities and employers require more than this and they are always impressed by our extensive sports and extra-curricular programme. A major benefit of boarding school is the opportunity afforded to encourage students to succeed beyond the classroom and this is achieved through our many clubs and societies including Interact, People to People International, Leo, FOBISIA Race4Good (all are charity-based societies), SEA Forensics (public speaking), Debate Union, and many more. We also encourage students to develop initiatives of their own that will benefit our local community such as the 4X4X4 running fundraiser and the 24 Hour Race. In addition, the Lower Sixth all take part in an 'Outward Bound’ course where they develop survival, teamwork and leadership skills.

The Sixth Form environment is focused on achieving and celebrating success in all areas and any student who wants to be part of this culture of success is very welcome at KTJ. Each year the school offers scholarships in its desire to attract top students. If we are offering what you are searching for, we look forward to meeting you in the near future and supporting your ambition to succeed.

The Sixth Form Entrance Policy

(To be read in conjunction with existing whole-school entrance policy.)

The Sixth Form at KTJ is a competitive environment, which aims to develop academic skills as well as skills beyond the curriculum. Consequently, students need to enjoy and rise to the academic challenges they will encounter, whilst participating in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Applicants are usually required to have predicted or trial grades of at least 4 A grades and 2 B grades at IGCSE/GCSE/SPM or an equivalent exam, which must include English and Mathematics.

It is a requirement that at least a B grade is achieved in the subjects to be studied at A level, with an A grade providing easier access to the A level curriculum in all subjects. Most subjects are available to students who have not studied them previously with the exception of Mathematics, Music and the Sciences. Some subjects have further requirements, which are listed below:

Mathematics requires an A grade or above at IGCSE/GCSE or SPM. However, for January intake applicants, due to the reduced duration of the course, it is compulsory for the applicants to have Additional Mathematics at IGCSE or SPM with an A grade or higher.

For Further Mathematics, it is compulsory for the applicants who are intending to start in August to have Additional Mathematics at IGCSE or SPM with an A grade or higher. However, for January intake applicants, due to the reduced duration of the course, it is compulsory for the applicants to have Additional Mathematics at IGCSE or SPM with an A* grade. Equivalent exam consideration lies at the discretion of the Head of Mathematics Department.

English Literature, History, Drama, Geography, Music and Economics all require students to have attained a B grade or above in English Language because of the high level of proficiency in writing required. Prior study of the subject content is helpful, but not compulsory.

Music requires students to have at least a Grade 5 certification in an instrument to allow access to the practical component of the curriculum.

Increasingly, an IELTS (English Language) qualification is necessary for university entrance. It is possible for students with an IGCSE or GCSE English Language qualification, that includes an oral component, to be exempted. IELTS lessons and testing will be compulsory for all students who are not exempted.

In addition to submitting an application form, prospective students may be invited for an interview at the Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar campus or via Zoom.

Successful application to Lower Sixth does not guarantee progression into the Upper Sixth unless the required grades are met in internal and external examinations. Whilst it is envisaged that most KTJ students graduating from Form Five will wish to stay on into the Sixth Form, this will usually only be possible if the above conditions are met. All admissions and continuation of study are at the discretion of the Principal.

The A level course provides an excellent foundation for university level work. Students can select up to four A Levels and an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) three A levels and an EPQ or just three A Levels. There is no disadvantage to the latter, and it is dependent on the individual needs of the student. Universities in most countries only require three A levels as an entrance requirement. Four A levels will be advantageous for an application to Hong Kong University.

Student progress is closely monitored to check how they are coping in each subject. The quality of the grades and the choice of subjects are very important to gain entry into student top university choices.

Sometimes the question of which subjects to select is difficult to finalise, not least when students have achieved much success across the board in their IGCSE or SPM course. There are several criteria to consider when choosing subjects. Firstly, one should have a genuine interest in the subject matter, along with a proven ability to do well. Often universities like to see a breadth of subjects at A Level that can demonstrate a variety of skills. The entry requirement by universities also influences the choice of subjects to take. This handbook includes brief outlines of the nature and characteristics of each A level subject. Many degree courses require specific subjects and, if there is any uncertainty, students should consult the Director of the Sixth Form.

We try to allow as wide a choice as possible, although, as in all schools, there are limitations to what can be accommodated in the timetable. A level subjects are delivered in eight lessons per week, usually in four double periods. Therefore, out of a total of 46 lessons per week, students taking four subjects will have a number of self-study periods. An A level course is thus a transitional stage between a more structured IGCSE / SPM course and the much greater freedom of university studies.

A levels using the Cambridge Board are comprised of Advanced Subsidiary exams and A2 exams. Examinations will take place at the end of lower Sixth in May and June, and at the end of Upper Sixth. Some subjects use the Edexcel exam board and will take examinations in October, January and May. Increasingly top universities expect students to attain good exam results in one sitting, and therefore do not encourage resits. So, while these are available, it may make a less competitive application to certain universities.

University entry

The best universities and the most competitive courses expect students to achieve grades at the first sitting i.e. they may not accept resit grades. Universities have direct links to the examination boards and have access to IGCSE and A level exam results.

It is important that university choices are made realistically. Predicted grades by teachers help to determine the top one or two choices. The next two choices should closely match predicted grades and the fifth choice is the ‘insurance’ or 'backup option', i.e. a course requiring lower grades than predicted grades just in case the predicted grades are not achieved. Predicted grades are not negotiable. For most courses, students select five undergraduate university courses. For medical applicants, this is limited to four choices but a fifth choice for a linked degree, such as Biomedical Sciences, is possible. Some courses such as medicine and law require additional admissions tests. Similarly students applying for Oxbridge, medicine and other courses, will have to attend an interview. Student’s University choice and application is fully supported by the Head of Sixth Form and the Sixth Form team. 3