Advancing to a higher level

by CHONG ZI LIANG AND MALIN GURUNG

FROM ISSUE # 161 (May 2009) | IN THIS ISSUE
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Clearing the SLC examinations is no doubt one of the milestones in a Nepali teenager's life, but after the results are in and the euphoria of having done well has died down, it is time to think of the next step in life. Most students pursuing further studies will choose to take +2, but why not consider the Advanced Levels?

A two-year course of study that culminates in an examination conducted by Cambridge, the A Levels is an internationally recognised certificate. As such, students who have plans to study overseas in
the USA, Europe or Australia have an easier time applying with an
A Levels certificate.

But it is a common misconception that A Level students can only go overseas after graduating. Many choose to study in Nepal and have been admitted to prestigious local colleges like the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk.

Moreover, the A Levels gives you a chance to compete against students taking the same exam from all over the world. In this aspect, Nepalis have more than held their own, producing world toppers in different subjects every year.

There are currently 25 institutions offering A Levels, with three of them located outside Kathmandu Valley. Each school offers about 13 subjects to choose from, including science (physics, biology, and chemistry), commerce (business studies, accounting, economics) and arts (English literature, psychology, and sociology). Here are some of the schools within the Valley.

Malpi Institute

Established in 2000, Malpi Institute started offering both O and A Levels but decided to concentrate on A Levels two years later. Located at Gairidhara, the school admits 100 students each year. Fees per month are Rs 8,000 for science students and Rs 7,500 for arts students. In 2007, Pratham Raj Joshi of Malpi Institute topped the world in the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level in the subject of Computing.

Trinity International College

A relatively new player in the education field, Trinity International College will see its first batch of students sit for the A Levels this year. The college also provides +2 and undergraduate courses. As a new school, it has only about 50 students in the A Levels. Students pay Rs 7,600 for science and Rs 7,000 for arts per month. This two-year-old school is located in Dilibazar.

Rato Bangala School

Situated in Patan Dhoka, Rato Bangala provides education from Grade 1 to 10 in addition to A Levels. A total of about 800 students are in the school, with 100 of them studying for the A Levels. Although its fees of Rs 17,000 and Rs 16,000 for science and arts students respectively are substantially higher than other schools, lunch is provided on every school day. The school consistently produces both world and Nepal toppers in various subjects. For the 2008 A Level results, Shristi Panday topped Nepal in one AS and three A Levels subjects.

Saipal Academy

Offering a wide range of education from Grade 4 to 10, +2, A Levels and even a children's playgroup for pre-schoolers, Saipal Academy currently has about 40 students enrolled in its A Levels course. Students pay Rs 7,500 monthly and every science subject cost an additional Rs 4,000 per year. Rishav Karna was the world topper for General Paper and was first in Nepal for computing last year.

 Orient College

About 80 A Levels students are in this college with another 420 students enrolled in +2. Established in 2003, it is located at Maharajgunj, just a stone's throw away from the American embassy. Last year's examinations saw Parkash Bhetwal topping Nepal in business studies. The fees are
Rs 7,000 monthly and students who take subjects involving laboratory or computing work, pay Rs 6,000 more annually.

Established in 2001, AJ Wild Institute of Advanced Studies gets its name from Andrew Jonathan Wild, a British teacher and coordinator at Budhanilkantha School. AJ Wild specialises specifically in Cambridge A level and the school is located on its own premises in Maharajgunj, providing students with the advantage of space. The school aims to provide world-class education, while still keeping the price comparatively low. The well-equipped laboratory and library are the highlights of the institution.

KIRAN PANDAY

Although Ace Institute was established in 1999, it only started offering A Levels in 2008. Its pioneer batch of 28 A Levels students will be sitting for the examinations this year. Undergraduates and +2 students make up the rest of the 1400 students at Ace Institute. A Levels students pay Rs 8,000 per month.

Chelsea International Academy

Chelsea's second batch of A Level students took the examinations last year and among them, Abhimanyu Chetri topped the world in General Paper. Set up in 2006, the school has students from Grade 1 to 8 and will be adding Grade 9 and 10 this year. Despite being a new school, it has 270 students currently enrolled in its A Level programme. It charges Rs 7,000 per month with an additional Rs 7,000 per year for every science subject.

Kathmandu Acadamy

Kathmandu Academy is the first private sector institution providing A levels study in Nepal. The low student to teacher ratio translates into good study environment and effective learning ambience. Located in the city's centre Naxal, Kathmandu Academy is situated strategically, creating a perfect mixture of fun and study. Moreover, the academy's building provides all the necessary facilities including a fully equipped laboratory, resource centre with internet and a roomy cafeteria. Kathmandu Academy's individual approach to students is the high point of the institution.

Kathmandu Valley School

ALL IMAGES KIRAN PANDAY

The high student pass ratio of Kathmandu Valley is the result of the dedicated faculty and effective teaching method. Located at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu Valley School is one of the pioneers regarding A Levels in Nepal. The institute provides a wide range of extra curricular activities and the sprawling premises creates a soothing ambience. The school provides good personal and educational counselling to students and the sports facilities at the premises assist in the overall development of the student.