A levels and the IAD
A levels form the academic foundation of the IAD. These two-year qualifications, typically taken by students aged 16-18, are recognised and respected worldwide for their depth, challenge, and academic rigour. Often described as the “gold standard” of secondary education, A levels open doors to top worldwide universities and prestigious global career opportunities.
A levels available at HiF
Students typically choose three (sometimes four) A levels, which are assessed by a series of examinations. At HiF, the A levels on offer include:
Mathematics
Includes number concepts such as integers, fractions, percentages, and operations, alongside algebraic techniques for simplifying expressions and solving equations. The curriculum emphasises problem-solving skills, preparing students for further studies in mathematics and related fields.
Physical Education
Physical Education covers theoretical and practical aspects of sports science and health. The curriculum covers topics like anatomy, biomechanics, psychology, and socio-cultural influences in sport. Students engage in practical assessments that focus on improving performance and understanding sports theory, preparing them for careers in education, coaching, and sports management.
Psychology
This A level provides opportunities to explore key concepts and debates that underpin the subject of psychology and to develop the skills of interpretation, application, analysis, and evaluation while studying a range of stimulating topics and real-world issues. Students are encouraged to think like psychologists and can explore the following topics: clinical psychology, consumer psychology, health psychology, and organisational psychology.
Chemistry
Develops a set of transferable skills, including handling data, practical problem-solving, and applying scientific methods. Learners develop relevant attitudes, such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative, and inventiveness. The key concepts taught at A Level are atoms and forces, experiments and evidence, patterns in chemical behaviour and reactions, and chemical bonds and energy changes.
Business Management
This course allows students to experience the diverse and dynamic world within which businesses exist. With a focus on decision-making, students will gain the knowledge to understand how businesses operate in real contexts, analyse alternative courses of action, and develop the ability to make justified recommendations.
Biology
Students develop a set of transferable skills, including data handling, practical problem-solving, and the application of the scientific method. Learners develop relevant attitudes, such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative, and inventiveness. Topics include cells as units of life, biochemical processes, DNA, the molecule of heredity, natural selection, and organisms in their environment.
Geography
This course will teach students to explore and understand the world around them, examining how human and physical processes interact to shape the environments we live in. From Local landscapes to global systems, students will investigate how geography connects people, places, and the planet, developing a deeper appreciation of the links between society, the economy, and the natural world.
Digital Media & Design
A course that encourages independent creative expression and the development of a critical, reflective practice, and visual language skills as a tool for communication. The course provides learners with opportunities to deepen their understanding of creative uses of technology and to improve their skills across a wide range of contemporary techniques. The content is grouped into three broad areas of study: Digital photography, moving image and games design, and mobile and multimedia applications.
IAD AT HIF
Extended Project Qualification
Alongside their A levels, students complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) — a two-year independent research project designed to develop the skills most valued by universities and employers alike. Through the EPQ, students gain experience in research, project management, critical thinking, and time management — all essential for success at university and beyond.
Each student selects a topic they’re passionate about and explores it in depth, producing either a 5,000-word report or a creative/practical project (such as artwork, a product, or a composition), followed by a 10–15 minute presentation.
The EPQ is highly respected by universities and can contribute up to 28 UCAS points — equivalent to half an A Level — giving students an academic and personal edge in their applications.
University & Career Counselling
HiF’s university and careers counselling programme supports every student in identifying their strengths, interests, and aspirations.
Through personalised guidance, workshops, and one-on-one sessions, students explore a wide range of university options and career pathways worldwide. From course selection and application support to interview preparation and transition planning, HiF’s experienced counsellors ensure that each student is well-prepared and confident as they take their next step beyond school.
Languages for International Futures
HiF students leave us prepared for the futures they choose – and it’s our job to get them to the start line, as they enter university.
For students planning to study in the UK, Australia or the United States, we ensure they have the required level of English to gain entry and to thrive. Similarly, we teach German at the C2 level to students who want to study in Switzerland.
Start your IAD journey
Join our Online Information Session to meet HiF faculty, hear from current students, and discover how the IAD can transform your child’s learning journey