Choosing the right educational system is one of the most important decisions for a student’s future and raises many questions for parents: what differentiates international systems, what A Levels mean in practice, and how these choices influence university admission and career orientation.
These topics are at the heart of an open discussion taking place on February 11th – Avenor Talks, where we welcome parents interested in international education.
The article below provides context and concrete examples of how the British curriculum supports students’ academic journeys. Richard Thomason, Head of Secondary School and one of the hosts of the February event, answers several questions about the rigor and long-term opportunities offered by education within the British system.
Join the discussion by completing the event registration form.
The beginning of the year is a very intense period for many of Avenor’s Year 12 students, who are experiencing something truly special: the joy of receiving their first admission offers from some of the world’s top universities. It is an important milestone both for them and for their families, as it brings reassurance, confidence, and the clear feeling that the efforts of recent years are paying off – a confirmation of a path built with patience, consistent hard work, and carefully considered choices.
While for most Year 12 students in Romania the pressure of final exams and university admissions will continue at least until the summer, Avenor students following the British curriculum and the A Levels programme are already entering a different stage. The offers received so far reflect not only excellent academic results, but also universities’ confidence in the rigor and relevance of this educational pathway.
For students in Romania, A Levels represent a major advantage: these qualifications are recognized and directly accepted by universities in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Canada, and Asia, becoming a true international academic passport. We are delighted for our students who have already received offers from the universities they aspire to attend, and we continue to look forward with anticipation to the offers for all of this year’s graduates.
As these offers arrive, the diversity of opportunities available to Avenor students becomes increasingly clear. Although some parents worry that graduating from a British secondary school might limit their children’s options to universities abroad, experience shows us the opposite.
Year after year, the list of universities that welcome our students continues to grow, including both prestigious institutions around the world and universities in Romania. Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), the Romanian-American University, and Tiffin University of Bucharest are just a few of the destinations chosen by our graduates who, through the programme they follow throughout secondary school, have the freedom at graduation to choose the academic path that suits them best.
What the British pathway means at Avenor
At Avenor, the British pathway is more than a set of international examinations. It is a way of gradually building students’ independence, their ability to think critically, and their confidence in making their own academic decisions.
Students begin with a broad curriculum that provides a strong foundation across multiple disciplines, and as they progress, they are encouraged to personalise their educational journey according to their interests, strengths, and future plans. This balance between rigour and flexibility naturally suits the Avenor student profile: curious, engaged young people with a global perspective on education.
IGCSE and A Levels: how they work and why they matter
In the first two years of secondary school (Years 9 and 10), students follow the IGCSE programme. This focuses on a deep understanding of concepts, the development of critical thinking, and the ability to work independently. Students typically study 8 – 9 subjects, and the examinations are externally set and internationally standardised.
In Years 11 and 12, with A Levels, learning becomes much more specialised. Students choose three or four subjects directly aligned with the university fields they wish to pursue. This is a demanding stage that requires discipline, strong organisational skills, and a great deal of independent study, but it prepares students extremely well for the expectations of higher education.
At Avenor, the British curriculum is enriched by the study of the Romanian language, which remains a constant throughout the entire secondary school period, reflecting the school’s strong Romanian roots.
The support behind performance
The achievements of Avenor students are no accident. Throughout secondary school, they benefit from continuous support: regular feedback, individual meetings with teachers, and careful guidance in making academic decisions.
An important role is played by the IGCSE Options Fair and A Levels Options Fair, events dedicated to Year 8 and Year 10 students, where students and parents discuss available options directly with teachers. Subject selection is not left to chance but is the result of a process of reflection and counselling.
The academic pathway is complemented by a solid career guidance and counselling system. The team of counsellors works closely with students starting from the IGCSE period, helping them clarify their interests and build a coherent path for the future. The quality of this programme is also confirmed by recognition from the Career Mark International Award.
More than just a curriculum
The British curriculum remains one of the strongest educational models in the world due to its rigor, coherence, and academic relevance. For Avenor students, however, it means more than a globally recognised qualification: it represents a pathway that prepares them for a constantly changing world, where independence, critical thinking, and deep understanding truly make a difference.
