What is the A-level curriculum? Who recognizes it? What courses will be offered?
The A-level is typically a two-year, late-secondary academic course of study that qualifies
students for entry into top universities across the continent and around the globe. In fact, the
Cambridge International A-level is the world’s most popular international examination for 16-18
year olds. You can find more information at
www.cie.org.uk
African Leadership Academy will offer A-Level courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry,
physics, several languages, and some social science subjects. Our exact A-level offerings will be
determined by student and faculty interest. Students may also complete some A-Level courses as “
independent study” under the guidance of an ALA faculty member. All students will write exams for
at least three A-level subjects.
What is the language of instruction?
Instruction at the Academy is in English. Students with low levels of English proficiency will
attend a special English language camp prior to enrolling at the school and will continue in
intensive English courses throughout their first year.
What is the academic calendar? When are holidays?
The academic calendar runs from the beginning of September to late June or early July. ALA will
have a 3-4 week holiday break in December.
What extracurricular programs, clubs, activities, and sports are offered? What facilities are available for these programs and for art, science, music, and drama?
The beauty of a new school with an entrepreneurial environment is that students have the power
to shape what the school will look like and what programs will be offered. Our clubs, sports, and
other activities will be determined by student and faculty interest. If enough students are excited
about a particular club, sport, or activity, we will do all that we can to empower them to make it
happen – whether it be finding facilities, funding, or faculty support. Our state-of-the art
campus has facilities that are
flexible enough to accommodate a broad range of programming.
What is the boarding environment at ALA?
Students will stay in dormitories divided by gender. Most rooms are doubles (two students per
room) with a partial partition for privacy in the middle of the room. All students will take meals
will be taken in the student dining hall, which will have a variety of nutritious options and
culturally-appropriate foods. Students will follow rules similar to those at any established
boarding school, with a curfew and behavioral guidelines. To learn more about boarding at ALA,
click here.
Will students be able to practice their religious beliefs or cultural customs on campus?
Yes. African Leadership Academy values diversity and encourages all students to practice any
religious beliefs or cultural customs that are important to them. Spaces on campus will be made
available for prayer and cultural activities. Students may choose to attend a local church, mosque
or synagogue and will be escorted to services by a member of the ALA staff.
Will students have the opportunity to go home during breaks? Will trips home be funded? What kind of programming will ALA have on campus for students who do not go home during breaks in the calendar?
We know that it can be difficult for students to be away from home for such a long period of
time, and we are sensitive to the fact that students will want to return home on breaks if
possible. Travel costs for the long (July-August) break will be factored into
financial award
calculations. We are working to identify individual sponsors who can cover transport for the
December break for students receiving financial assistance. During shorter breaks (usually 3-5
days), many students will choose to remain on campus. ALA staff will be present on campus during
these breaks to supervise and organize on-campus programming.
How close is the campus to Johannesburg? Is the campus safe? Will students be allowed off campus and if so, in what context?
The campus is located in Honeydew, which is about a 45 minute drive from the city of
Johannesburg. The campus is self-contained with security fencing at all boundaries and a 24-hour
security staff. Students will not be allowed to leave campus except under the supervision of ALA
staff members.
Will students have health insurance? Will there be a nurse on campus?
Every student who attends ALA will have basic health insurance. ALA will have a school nurse and
an on-campus sick bay.
Are there minimum requirements for academic performance?
We don’t have a set cut-off for academic performance, but we expect that all accepted students
will come from the top 5-10% of their current class at school.
How will I know if my application has been received?
We will send you a message via email or SMS to let you know that your application has been
received. If you don’t receive a message within 1 week of submission by email or fax, or within 3
weeks of submission by postal mail, please
contact us.
How will you ensure that students can get visas to study in South Africa?
We will work with key officials in the South African government to streamline and expedite the
visa application process for enrolled students.
Is ALA registered and accountable to the South African Ministry of Education?
We will be registered as an independent school in South Africa, and we are subject to the same
governmental regulations as any other independent school in South Africa. We do not, however,
follow the same regulations or curriculum of government secondary schools in South Africa.
