Understanding the UK & USA Models.
Some courses at Arise Home Education will help prepare your high schooler for UK exams. A perfect example is how we have structured our British History and British Literature courses to provide the set requirements for the iGCSE in English Literature exam. Taking these companion courses provides the necessary instruction for exam preparation.
However, many UK home educating families are not quite sure at the start if they want their students to sit UK exams. That is why we have structured the courses to also meet the requirements of the USA high school diploma and transcript model. Students gain credits for their transcript for each course successfully completed with a passing grade.
The beauty of this approach is that UK home educating families do not need to decide now what has to happen two or more years down the road for their family. It really is the best of both worlds. As your family navigates home education in the UK let us help you prepare your teens for their unique future in a manner that reduces stress, improves the quality of education, and provides a nurturing Christian environment for day-to-day learning.
Keep reading to learn more about how the UK Exam Model and the USA High School Diploma model compare and can be used as proof of education in the UK.
Classic British Literature and Comprehension & The USA Model for British Lit. & History
A class looking at great works of classic British literature, which have helped shape the history of Western Civilisation. This class will give your child a solid understanding of the texts, and how to analysis and write about the text. At the end of the year your child be writing a response to literature essay, on a text of their choice.
Course Taster Session
This is a full high school credit if you are doing the US transcript. But the texts are also set for examination in iGCSE/A level (depending on the board). Therefore, a student taking this class could use it to aid their study for the iGCSE/A level English lit. The skills acquired in the essay writing are also transferable for the UK exam system.
This class will develop skills in discussion, literary analysis, themes, cultural context, characterisation, and an introduction to literary criticism. We will look at how to structure and write essays as a response to literature: both persuasive and comparison.
Not sure which is the best path for you?
The video will explain the differences and similarities between the 2 approaches to learning during the high school years with Arise Home Education. then, review the two approaches and decide on the best method for your family, student, and their goals.
How Academic Models Are Different
iGCSE/A-Level British Literature Course & Exam Prep
Studying the text in the context of either iGCSE or A-level is excellent preparation for the exam. However, this class can be taken by a student for the love of literature. Or as preparation, before undertaking iGCSE/ A-level English Literature.
Year 1* Classic British Literature and Comprehension
Semester 1
- Shakespeare: A Merchant of Venice (set text for iGCSE edexcel and A level Cambridge)
Semester 2
- Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice (set text for iGCSE edexcel and A level Cambridge)
Additionally, a text of their choice from a chosen list of texts.
With an end of year essay written on the text of their choice, using the skills learnt throughout the year.
Required Materials: Oxford School Shakespeare: Merchant of Venice, and Pride and Prejudice (Wordsworth Classics) by Jane Austen
After year 1 there is the option of taking year 2 of the class where we build on the first year and look at Dickens and British poetry. Again the student will study a text of their choice (from a list given), and will write a final essay.
The Contextual History – Year 1 – Tudor & Georgian Era course is a required companion to this course for those studying for the iGCSE Literature exam. Students following the USA High School Diploma & Transcript model will receive 1 Social Studies and 1 Literature & Composition credit for each class successfully completed with a passing grade when taking both courses.
Year 2*
Semester 1
- Dickens: Great Expectations (set text for iGCSE Edexcel and Cambridge)
Semester 2
- British Poetry
- Exam revision and/or either the Ancient British History and/or 20th Century British History. (The final decision will be made in Early 2024.)
*Year 2 for both British Literature & Contextual History is necessary for the complete preparation for the iGCSE Edexcel or A-Level Cambridge exam. Year 2 of these courses is planned for release in 2024 for the 24-25 school year.
US Transcript Model British Lit. & History Course Credit
Brit. Lit I & II – Successful completion (with a passing grade) will receive 2 Literature & Composition credits (0.5 credits per semester) for the US Transcript.
British History I & II – Successful completion (with a passing grade) will receive 2 Social Studies credits (0.5 credits per semester) for the US Transcript.
Brit. Lit I ( 1 Credit)
Semester 1
- Shakespeare: A Merchant of Venice (set text for iGCSE edexcel and A level Cambridge)
Semester 2
- Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice (set text for iGCSE edexcel and A level Cambridge)
Additionally, a text of their choice from a chosen list of texts.
Required Materials: Oxford School Shakespeare: Merchant of Venice, and Pride and Prejudice (Wordsworth Classics) by Jane Austen
Brit Lit II (1 Credit)
Semester 1
- Dickens: Great Expectations
Semester 2
- Selected works of C.S. Lewis
- British Poetry
- SAT Prep (if requested by students).
British History I ( 1 credit)
In this live class, we will explore Tudor England through the life of William Shakespeare and the Georgian Era through the life of Jane Austen. To bring this era of British history into context through hands-on activities, students will create a dinner party/event each semester which includes:
- including a guest list of famous people around the world, they research throughout the semester, including conversation starters & quotes;
- menu, activities, music, and more.
- Each student will present their culminating project in a class presentation.
British History II (1 credit)
Semester 1
In this live class, we will explore Victorian England through the life of Charles Dickens. To bring this era of British history into context through hands-on activities, students will create a dinner party/event each semester which includes:
- a guest list of famous people around the world, they research throughout the semester, including conversation starters & quotes;
- menu, activities, music, and more.
- Each student will present their culminating project in a class presentation.
Semester 2
- 20th Century British History through the life and historical happenings of C.S. Lewis and the Inklings.
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Product on sale
Contextual British History Year 2: Victorian and Modern Era [Live Class]Original price was: £320.00.£180.00Current price is: £180.00. -
Product on sale
British Literature and Composition Year 2-Dickens & Lewis – [Live Class]Original price was: £320.00.£180.00Current price is: £180.00. -
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British Lit & Comp Year 1-Shakespeare & Austen – Live ClassOriginal price was: £320.00.£180.00Current price is: £180.00. -
Product on sale
Contextual British History Year 1 – Tudor & Georgian Era – Live ClassOriginal price was: £320.00.£180.00Current price is: £180.00.
Join The British Literature & Contextual History Classes Today
We look forward to seeing you in these classes looking at great works of classic British literature, which have helped shape the history of Western Civilisation.
Learn More About Using the USA Diploma & Transcript Model in the UK as Proof of Education
Are you looking for an alternative to the British Education System?
Maybe you’re…
- Confused by the U.S. High School Diploma and Transcript Model?
- Stressed Out by The British Exam-based Model?
You’ve heard others talk about the US Model. But, you need to understand more.
Will work with your family situation and home education goals?
Let’s Journey Together.
