Help! A-Level Canadian equivalency?

I'm only 15, but I'm very set on my future .. I would really like to get into an equine college in the UK (preferably England) when I graduate high school. I've found a few courses I'm very interested in taking, but the requirements were :

" 120 UCAS points made up from A levels, preferably one in a Science based subject, or relevant Level 3 vocational qualification. All applicants should also have a GCSE grade C or above in English, Maths and Science."

I have no idea what the equivalent of this requirements would be in Canada, and I'd really appreciate any help I can get!

 

The UK GCSE is usually finished at age 16, which roughly corresponds to that of North America's typical Grade 11 student. That's "O" levels. "A" levels are a 2-year process after that, to prepare students for higher ed.

In Ontario, land of Dalton McGuinty, where you and I both live, there used to be a Grade 13. One achieved a high school diploma at the end of Grade 12, but there was a 5th year - Grade 13 (and another diploma) needed for University Entrance. That was abolished by the Mike Harris government around 2003 - 43 years after I got mine. :smile:

So - you will earn a Grade 12 diploma. Here in Canada, decent marks at that level suffice for College or University entrance. As a British equivalency, (I'm guessing) it's probably somewhere between a GCSE and a full slate of A levels.

I think, providing you earn decent marks here, any college in your chosen specialty would be more interested in your demonstrated enthusiasm and knowledge in equine studies, than relatively unimportant differences in the secondary school systems.

What I suggest is this:

(1) Make sure your high school program has max. credits in the subjects required by the British colleges you like.

(2) Contact colleges in the UK offering your specialty. Ask directly what they would require for entry, given that you are studying in Canada. Show enthusiasm and I think you may be pleasantly surprised.

Johann

 

BTW - Whisk96,

Sometimes, Ontario's education system will get people surprisingly good results in the UK. I read a recent account of a young man who left school after finishing Grade 12. A very few years and a couple of dead-end jobs later, he enrolled in a 2-year General Arts and Sciences program in an Ontario Community College.

Earning that Community College diploma had its rewards. With the CC award as his highest educational qualification, the young man (25 or so) is now in England, working on a degree in Philosophy at Oxford University. It doesn't get much better than that! :smile:

Johann

 

Look at the various UK Universities websites, you will find the entry requirement for international students. The University of Oxford accepts all Canadian Provincial Secondary School qualifications. A typical example would be the OSSD from Ontario where we would be looking for a minimum of 85%. Here the link: International Qualifications - University of Oxford

 

Thanks, Dr. Vadro! Your assistance led me to think that perhaps UK colleges offering equine studies posted similar info - and it looks like at least some of them do. At Hartpury College (the first one I tried) they have a page for International Requirements. They list many countries and all Canadian Provinces. Here's what they had to say for Ontario:

Ontario - Secondary School Diploma, with 60% or above in six Grade 12 subjects at University Level to include a Biological Science (if studying a science based degree).

Their page is here: Canada - Hartpury College

Very possibly, with a little surfing-time, whisk96 could find the info for his/her preferred college on its site. If not, I'm sure the staff would respond to an enquiry from a well-motivated young person anticipating study at that college.

Thanks again! I'm originally from Middlesex, by the way - the County, not the Uni. (Left in 1952) :smile:

Johann

 

It might also help to have one or more CLEP science tests on your application
CLEP Exams | CLEP
There are a few test centers in Canada and more test centers in nearby USA locations.

Some connection or experience with horses should also aid your application.

For information in the USA CSPU has animal science degrees and the campus raises Arabian horses.
Caring for Horses is a 24/7 Job | PolyCentric | Cal Poly Pomona

Best wishes for your success.

 

Didn't know they accepted CLEP in UK, Ian. Do they? Whisk96 said he wants to attend a UK school - preferably England.
Umm --looks like a few do. Sparse, though. Here's a link http://clep.collegeboard.org/search/colleges

My take - if an Ontario SSD will get someone into Oxford -as it will - whisk96 should be able to get into a UK equine college with one.

Johann

 

BTW - I'm NOT knocking CLEP. (Never!) However, the poster is not attending an American HS, and the college he hopes to attend is in the UK. Were he anticipating studies in the US (such as the Cal Poly program you mentioned) I'd think differently.

Johann

 

Thank you all VERY much! I appreciate the help!
I'm currently getting 85% or higher in all of my classes, so hopefully that will count towards something! I look forward to college/university