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English Language
Students in Year Ten study English as a compulsory subject. Students may study either English as a First Language or English as a Second Language. This choice is made by the student and their parents in consultation with the teachers at the school. It is recommended that students who are not fluent in English follow the Second Language course choice.
Pupils study 4 hours of English on a weekly basis throughout the year.
The aims of the English First Language Syllabus are to:
• enable students to communicate accurately, appropriately and effectively in speech and writing;
• enable students to understand and respond appropriately to what they hear, read and experience;
• encourage students to enjoy and appreciate variety of language;
• complement students’ other areas of study by developing skills of a general
application (e.g analysis, synthesis and drawing of inferences);
• promote students’ personal development and an understanding of themselves and
others.
The aims of the English Second Language Syllabus are to:
• develop the pupil’s ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical
communication
• form a sound base for the skills required for further study or employment using English as the medium
• develop an awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills
• promote pupil’s personal development.
The course aims are taught through a variety of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing activities.
English Literature
Students who follow the English First Language course also study English Literature. This is taught in combination with the Language course as complementary study.
The aims of the English Literature syllabus are to:
• enjoy the experience of reading Literature;
• understand and respond to Literary texts in different forms and from different periods and cultures;
• communicate an informed personal response appropriately and effectively;
• appreciate the different ways in which writers achieve their effects;
• experience Literature's contribution to aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth;
• explore the contribution of Literature to an understanding of areas of human concern.
The course aims are taught through the study of prose, poetry and drama texts. Pupils read and respond to set works.
All Year Ten courses lead to the IGCSE examination. This takes place in the second year of study.
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At Key Stage 4 pupils receive 4 mathematics lessons per week following the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus. This syllabus is a logical extension from the national numeracy strategy taught at Key Stage 3 and aims to raise all pupil attainment so that each individual obtains a pass at IGCSE level in year 11. Broadly the syllabus aims to equip students who are not pursuing mathematics further with the mathematical skills such as numeracy, statistical analysis and problem solving strategies in order for them to be competent in any future situation. This is tested at IGCSE core level. For those students who aim to study mathematics further, the syllabus aims to provide all the above skills mentioned as well as providing deeper insight into the nature of mathematics. Concepts such as logic and mathematical proof are also developed and students are expected to adopt a more rigorous approach in topics such as algebra. These aims are tested at IGCSE extended level. As in Key Stage 3 more able students have the opportunity to sit these exams early and then to follow an ‘A’ level mathematics programme.
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This course provides a worthwhile educational experience for all students, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level.
The course’s syllabus offers a combination of theoretical and practical studies with an emphasis on human biology. During the biology course many of the practical sessions will be in the form of problem-solving. Students will be presented with a theory from the work they have covered and they will then be able to design and carry out experiments to test it.
This course enables students to develop scientific abilities and skills relevant to the study of biology in relation to the four main areas of the syllabus content. These are: characteristics and classification of living organisms, organisation and maintenance of the organism, development of the organism and continuity of life, and relationships of organisms with one another and with their environment.
The course aims to stimulate an interest in, and a concern for, the environment. It will also prepare students to become confident citizens in a technological world, and provide them with a greater awareness of scientific matters.
The IGCSE Biology course forms an excellent basis for students who wish to continue their biological studies to a more advanced level.
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Chemistry affects our understanding of all that happens around us. Many topics covered in this course will affect the students' daily lives, giving them a greater understanding and awareness of the world around them.
The Chemistry syllabus offers a combination of theoretical and practical studies leading to an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry. Students will be able to develop their scientific abilities and skills relevant to the study of chemistry. These will be useful for them in their everyday life and, if desired, will form a basis for more advanced study. Students will gain an awareness of the study and practice of science and will understand that scientific applications may have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the individual, the community and the environment.
This course also introduces the student to the role of chemistry in the oil, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industry. It enables the students to understand that chemistry and its associated sciences can open the door to many careers.
The IGCSE Chemistry course forms an excellent foundation for those students who wish to continue studying chemistry at a higher level.
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At Key Stage 4 pupils who have chosen to study physics receive 3 lessons per week following the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus. The programme is designed to build on the science learnt at Key Stage 3 and develop a fuller understanding of the concepts already taught and extended and challenging these concepts. Pupils receive the curriculum through a variety of sources including practicals and problem based work as well as the more normal teacher led lessons. Pupils are expected to use and apply skills learnt in other situations so as to build an overview of physics and how it relates together. The course is tested at the end of year 11 by examination with the level of entry designed to meet the ability of the student.
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ICT is a compulsory subject at Key Stage 4 working towards the IGCSE in Information Technology. It is taught for 3 hours a week.
The course aims to develop each student’s skills base in a range of software applications and widen their knowledge and understanding of the role of ICT in the world today.
Students will be able to:
•experience a range of software applications
•develop their information technology skills in order to enhance their work in a variety of subject areas;
•develop an understanding of how information technology systems work;
•consider the impact of new technologies on methods of working in the outside world and on social, economic, ethical and moral issues;
•grow in their awareness of the ways in which Information Technology is used in practical and work-related situations.
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IGCSE History (University of Cambridge International Examinations) is a two-year course in 20th century World History for students in Year 10 and Year 11.
The History syllabus offers students the opportunity of studying some of the main developments in international relations since 1919. These include investigating the peace treaties of 1919, the League of Nations, the Cold War, the USA and the spread of Communism, and the USSR’s control over Eastern Europe from 1948-1989, as well as looking in greater depth at Germany from 1918 to 1945. However, the emphasis within the syllabus is as much on the development of historical skills and use of historical evidence (such as the study of political cartoons) as on the acquisition of knowledge. The syllabus aims to stimulate students' interest in and enthusiasm about the past.
The course has been designed to allow students to gain an historical perspective on some of the main issues facing the contemporary world.
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This two-year course prepares the students for the Cambridge IGCSE in Geography. The syllabus develops the students’ understanding of issues surrounding Physical, Human and Environmental Geography. They are taught how to interpret a wide variety of graphs and figures, including choropleth diagrams, and to understand the uses and limitations of each method of presenting data. They learn about the structure of the Earth and the forces that continue to shape it, the human factors involved in population distribution, migration, employment and the exploitation of resources, and the environmental influences human have on the Earth.
The IGCSE examination at the end of the course has no coursework element and is demanding in terms of subject-specific facts and skills. It requires logical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge and skills to scenarios and case studies.
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Pupils have the opportunity to learn Dutch/French and German/Spanish. The course is topic based, including areas such as: Myself, School, Hobbies, My Family, House and Home, Food, Health and Fitness.
Topics are taught through the four areas of language learning, namely; listening, speaking, reading and writing, and pupils get a chance to develop and practise each of these skills in class. Pupils listen to CDs and use a variety of ICT resources to enhance their listening skills. Speaking is encouraged through games, role-plays and songs. Pupils read different kinds of texts. They complete writing tasks according to their level.
Pupils study each of their chosen foreign languages for two hours a week. At the end of Year Eight, they may change their options. They study their chosen languages until Year Eleven in preparation for an IGCSE through the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board.
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In KS4, music is an optional subject leading to an I.G.C.S.E. qualification at the end of year 11. The pupils have three lessons per week.
I.G.C.S.E. music is, by the nature of the course, very much a specialist subject. Whilst the pupils continue to investigate and gain knowledge about the styles, traditions and history of music throughout the world, there is a more formal emphasis on performance and composition.
It can be difficult for a pupil who does not already play an instrument to a reasonable level to gain high marks in the area of performance, and a firm grounding in harmony coupled with a flair for melody is needed for composition. However, the smaller class size allows for a more individual approach, which can assist in pulling together pupils of very different levels of ability and previous knowledge.
For group performance experience, those following IGCSE music also attend the school band and have the same extra-curricular opportunities as the rest of the Upper school. |
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In Key Stage 4, the Physical Education programme aims to enable students to realise their full potential in a variety of physical activities, and stimulate a lasting interest in physical exercise and sport.
Students continue to build upon progress made in Years 7, 8 and 9.The range of activities is similar to Key Stage 3, but with topics studied in greater depth. Students are more involved in the planning and leading of activities. There is also more of a focus upon the importance of physical exercise and sport as a leisure time pursuit. Students are encouraged to identify and develop their own particular sporting interests, with a view to continuing participation after leaving school.
The PE department aims to develop the relevant skills, knowledge and understanding students require for career pathways in sport and recreation. Students have the opportunity to study for the Sports Leaders UK Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership, and PE is offered as an option at IGCSE level.
Clubs and inter-house sports take place at lunchtimes and after school. Activities include Football, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball, Rugby and Cricket.
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Art, Design and Technology |
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Art and Design is a form of communication and a means of expressing ideas and feelings visually. It helps to develop creative thought, to view things from different perspectives and helps to give a better understanding of other cultures.
Art and Design can complement many other subjects in the school. In Art and Design students are encouraged to develop investigative, interpretive and analytical capabilities, and to draw on their critical skills and aesthetic understanding.
At Key Stage 4 the Art and Design program follows the University of Cambridge IGCSE syllabus. The course encourages development in conceptual thinking, powers of observation, analytical ability and practical attitudes and builds on individual strengths of students in certain areas. The coursework that is carried out during the two years has a weighting of 50%. It is supported by a portfolio that is submitted for assessment. The other 50% is made up through a ten-hour practical examination, during which students are able to demonstrate their acquired skills.
The school has a purpose built Art and Design studio in which students are able to work with a large variety of media, including paint, ceramics, glass, printmaking, sculpture, batik, textiles and mixed media.
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