PRIMARY CURRICULUM
This is the first stage of primary education and covers ages 5-7. Compulsory subjects taught at this stage include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Art and Design, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Music, Physical Education (PE) and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).
This is the later stage of primary education and covers ages 7-10. It includes an in-depth subject-oriented approach as pupils are being prepared to move onto secondary education. Subjects at this stage include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Art and Design, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Music, Physical Education (PE) and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).
Year 6 at Key Stage 2 is the British equivalent to the local Standard 5 and caters for students normally operating at age 11, although in some cases students may be slightly older or younger.
During this final year of their elementary education students will study the compulsory subjects, Mathematics, English and Science. They will also be taught Information and Communications Technology (ICT), History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education (PE), Spanish and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).
At the end of year 6, students are given the SAT’s (Standard Assessment Tasks) in order to determine a standardized grade level for each student, based on the British National Curriculum. In addition, the Year 6 programme transitions students from Primary to Secondary Levels, recognising the value of both academic progress and maturity readiness.
SECONDARY CURRICULUM
Years 7-9 at Key Stage 3 is the British equivalent to Forms 1-3. During these years students continue studying the same subjects as they did during year six along with French. Progression from years 7 through 9 will be based on student achievement and readiness.
The Curriculum at this level provides the foundation elements necessary for Key Stage 4, and gives students the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge and skill set for all subjects. Independent, as well as group work, support the development of knowledge application and analytical thinking. At the end of Key Stage 3 – Form 3, students select subjects for IGCSE -Form 4-5, and are encouraged to include a Science and Foreign Language, as well as a practical type subject such as Art and Design, ICT or PE.
During years 10 and 11 students will choose a wide range of subjects leading to their IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). During this period a degree of specialisation develops, yet many prefer to keep their options open and combine a variety of subjects in the Arts and Sciences.
A-levels are level 3 qualifications, which are studied in two halves, AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A2. The AS is a qualification in its own right but the A2 is not. To obtain a full A-level, both AS and A2 have to be successfully completed.
A-levels take place over two years. In the first year students will be asked to choose three or four subjects at AS level from those listed in the British Academy ‘s booklet. In the second year they will follow two or three of those subjects at A2 level. Students may also take additional courses such as GCSEs or enhancement courses. Example: Law students wishing to specialise at University in European Law may wish to take Spanish GCSE.
AS / A2 level courses are offered in about 12 subject areas. At the end of the course, the relevant examination boards grade entrants from A to E. All five grades from A to E are recognised as passes, with grade A being the highest level of pass.
For entrance to a university degree course a minimum of two A level passes at E or above is usually required. In practice, however, three A levels are often needed. Two AS levels are generally accepted as the equivalent of one A level. For many courses the pass grades need to be high. For example, entry to courses in Medicine and Veterinary Science often requires passes at grade A in three subjects as well as very good passes at GCSE level. For many careers a minimum of two good Advanced level passes is required.