Every year, we organise an online meeting for families interested in our Sixth Form College. As well as A-levels, Phoenix College Málaga also offers the possibility of accessing ‘Selectividad’ or EBAU (as it is presently called), and therefore Spanish Universities. Studying with us at Phoenix therefore allows access to universities around the world. Our format that allows students to have more freedom – and responsibility for their own education, all beneath our watchful, guiding eye.
These and other issues are discussed in the promotional video that we published on YouTube. We hope you find it (and this article) helpful to appreciate all that Phoenix College has to offer.
What makes Phoenix College special?
Mr. Riley, Co-Director and Professor of Political Science and Geography and History, tells us: “First, we follow the British system. We teach A-levels. We ask our students, among other things, to develop their critical thinking. All classes are taught in English. The level of English of our students is, therefore, high (although it is true that many have improved with our help). We expect a lot from them, but we also want them to have fun, relax & study in their free periods.”
Sofia, a Phoenix student, comments: “Compared to other institutes, this one has more of a ‘sense of welcome’. Teachers help you a lot.” Another student, Ana, continues: “What I like most about Phoenix is that it’s a very small school (5 or 6 students per class), and everyone knows each other. It’s almost as if we were having private tuition with the teachers. They always know how to help you. It’s a very comfortable and welcoming school to attend.”
What is the academic year like?
Marta, another of the students, says: “Here in Phoenix the teachers are very organized. We even have time to go over everything at the end of the course, which helps us be better prepared. They also help us learn to organize our school work so that we manage to fit everything in.”
Sofia: “There’s a lot of flexibility. They are strict when necessary, but we also have fun when the time is right.”
Mr. Clifford, Mathematics teacher: “As our classes are so small (max. 12 students), it is very easy to communicate and maintain good relationships in school. The academic year is relaxed. We have the time to dedicate to each of the students.”
What is the schedule like?
Mr. Mitchell, Co-Director and Science Teacher: “The schedule depends on each student, according to the subjects they have chosen. They also have flexibility in arrival time, in their breaks, and at mealtime. There are many options in the centre of Malaga. This is always important, but in times of pandemic, even more so.”
Justo, Phoenix student: “Phoenix College is very versatile. For example, there are days that, in my schedule, I only have 2 classes, others I have 5. However, on those days that I only have two hours of class, I am expected to work at the designated times for me to do my homework or study. Thus, after the school day is over, you have much more time to do other things, such as doing internships in companies or doing sports. It gives you time for everything in during the school day, you are not obliged to study in the evenings.”
How do these A-levels work?
Justo continues: “If you want to go to study at an English university, they only ask you for 3 A-levels subjects. For example, if you want to go to Oxford, you will be asked to enter Mathematics, an A* grade (9 or 10 of 10) in Mathematics, and two other A’s (from 8 to 8.9 out of 10) in other subjects. If you want to go to an American university, they will all ask you for three subjects. So it is not uncommon to do only three, because that is number that are required in most places.”
A levels and Selectividad or EBAU
Santiago, Phoenix student: “I have realized that there is not a lot of difference between A-levels and ‘Bachillerato’. In the end, the same curriculum is covered, but the English system is more based on the application of what you have learned, while the Spanish system is more theoretical.”
Mr. Riley: “In short, the International A-levels are modular. They are external exams in January, which we then send them to Edexcel (A-level evaluation board). They are evaluated independently, and students receive their grades in March. Then there will be another round of exams in the summer. After two years, the students end up obtaining an average grade from all those exams (which they can repeat to try and improve them), which will allow them to access universities in the United Kingdom, in Spain, and Internationally”.
Rocio, a Phoenix student: “There are two options. You can do A-levels, which can also be validated as equivalent to ‘Selectividad’ or you can do both A-levels and the Spanish system, adding subjects in Spanish.”
Ah! And, of course, you can also watch the full video:
Would you like a little more information? Then do not hesitate in contacting us.