Science education in England
For the ages of 16, 17 and 18 (and older for those that remain in education below university-level), students in England do what is sometimes loosely called ‘key stage 5’ or KS5; it has no legal meaning (unlike the other key stages). And unlike KS1–4 in which the levels of complexity of topics learnt at each stage are prescribed within relatively narrow limits, at KS5, the levels of complexity of topics cover a wide range, although the highest level of complexity at KS5 is RQF level 3. Whether or not a student actually studies at this level of complexity in KS5 depends on his/her GCSE results—crucially on what subjects the student obtained passes at RQF level 2 standard (including mathematics and English) as well as the actual grades themselves. In other words, unlike KS1–4, where a specific student studies at one RQF level, at KS5, a specific student may be studying at several RQF levels depending on what s/he obtained at GCSEs. Regardless of the RQF-level mix, a KS5 student can do his/her post-16 study in one of the following:
Classic Learning Test
The Classic Learning Test, or CLT, is a standardized test developed by Classic Learning Initiatives used for college admissions for a number of schools in Canada and the USA. Developed in 2015, introduced to provide an alternative to other standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. As of 2018, the test was used by 140 colleges across the United States and a number of universities in Canada, including Redeemer University in Ontario and Prairie college in Alberta. Scored out of 120 rather than 1600 (SAT) or 36 (ACT), the CLT allows 120 minutes to complete the test. The test does not focus on the Common Core standards that the SAT and ACT are based on, instead focusing on western teachings by notable thinkers in western history. The CLT costs $54 dollars USD and is completed online. As it doesn't follow the common core standards, the CLT provides an alternative to students who are home-schooled or attend other alternate forms of education. As well, CLT10 for grade 9/10 students and CLT8 for grade 8 students are available as preparatory tests.