Discover how BGA evaluates Learners depending on the curriculum and the difference between them
Does BGA Have Exams?
Short answer: Depends on the curriculum you choose.
British International Curriculum: Within this curriculum, the Learner will sit for two rounds of exams (in addition to mock exams in order to prepare and assess their ability for the formal exam). These two exams are known as International GCSEs and International A Levels, and are offered by Pearson (Edexcel). These exams are recognised internationally, and offer the opportunity to get the necessary qualifications to enter into university.
The American Curriculum: This curriculum functions a little differently, as it is based on graded coursework and testing. The testing is done throughout the course, instead of being a cumulative exam at the end. This also prepares Learners for university if they so desire.
Unique Pathway: Our Unique Pathway programme is for those who are already focused on pursuing higher education, and is purely portfolio-based assessment, so there are no exams.
Despite the differentiation in all of these pathways however, we always reassure the Learners that they can take their schooling at their own pace.
Exams Available to Learners
BGA offers Edexcel curriculum exams through our own accredited exam centres, located in:
- Namibia
- Mozambique
- Portugal
- South Africa
For Learners studying outside these countries, BGA will help to organise testing in external exam centres. Additionally, Pearson offers their own list of specific subjects for each exam season. This list can be found on our exam centres page here.
Requirements for Taking the Exams
The Learners will take their International GCSEs after the equivalent of two years of traditional schooling or 130 hours content studies (due to our asynchronous model, the amount of time may vary). Halfway through, they will take a 50% mock exam. They must pass this exam to continue with the course. After they finish the course they will take a 100% mock which they also must pass in order to sit the formal exam.
Together with the Course Managers, the Learning Coaches (LCs) will determine if your child is prepared to write the exam. You will later be contacted by their LC, so you can give your permission to proceed with the enrollment of your child. The process will be coordinated by our Exam Officer.
The price of the exams are established by the accreditation bodies, and it varies from year to year. If you’d like to check the most recently listed prices for Edexcel, you can find them here.
Special Arrangements for Exams
We want to make sure everyone succeeds here at BGA, so we offer a number of ways to help candidates take exams if they require special arrangements due to temporary (such as a broken arm) or long-term circumstances (such as an illness or specific learning difficulty). If a Learner requires special arrangements, we would ask the parents to contact their child’s Learning Coach.
Please be aware that evidence in the form of a full educational psychological report or equivalent is necessary for the application. If the report is not in English, it will need to be translated officially into English (it does not need to be notarised). Once the application has been made by BGA, the accommodation may be accepted or rejected by the exam board. This is an external process and BGA has no control over the outcome. We will contact the parents if further information is required.
BGA Accreditation Bodies
BGA has several universally-recognised accrediting bodies, depending on the programme.
Edexcel: Edexcel is one of the accrediting bodies for our education curriculum, in addition to subjects offered at both International GCSEs and A Levels, they offer qualifications through Pearson, UK's largest awarding organisation offering academic, vocational and work-based learning qualifications.
ATHE: The Awards for Training and Higher Education (ATHE) is the accrediting body for some curricula depending on your country of residence, but it is also the accrediting body for our Business & Management and Computing courses. ATHE is regulated by The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and is listed on Ofqual's Register of Regulated Qualifications. The qualifications are also aligned with other international frameworks worldwide and listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Wales.
CATHSSETA: Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) is the accrediting body for our Wellness course, and is one of the 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established under the Skills Development Act in 2001.
Opening Doors to the Future
At Brave Generation Academy, we believe in evaluating learners in ways that foster their growth and success. Whether it's through accredited exams or alternative assessment methods, we strive to provide a supportive environment that caters to each Learner's needs.