A group of business leaders, parents and educators came together, out of concern for their children’s education, to offer an alternative to secondary school education. The school recently expanded its offerings to include primary education.

They decided to offer the British Curriculum because of its proven track record and familiarity. In September 2006, the Academy was opened. It is a registered Cambridge International Centre.

The Academy is governed by a Board of Directors. They comprise of a financial director, an educational director, a legal and marketing director.

Some of the Directors are also parents of students presently attending the British Academy. The Board sets the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the school. They work closely with the Principal, Mrs. Judith King Pereira, to guide the culture of The British Academy.

No class is larger than 15 students. This makes it easier to follow along and learn.

The Academy follows the UK National Curriculum.

http://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/overview

The UK National Curriculum offers a range of subjects, and is designed in a spiral manner, with topics being introduced and developed at each year level.

There is the constant building of knowledge on previously learnt material throughout the primary and secondary levels, leading up to the Cambridge O and A Level Examinations. This requires a thematic approach at times, and students are encouraged to make the linkages between year levels in each subject.

Teachers are further encouraged to integrate ICTs in their teaching and to encourage students to utilize the technologies for their learning.

The Curriculum seeks to provide a globalized educational experience; children learn about the History, Geography, Religion and language of other countries.

All of our exams from Form 1-4 follow the guidelines of Cambridge.

For Forms 5 & 6, exams come directly from England and are sent back to be marked in England.

There are 10 subjects that are offered from Key Stage 2 Years 3-6 (Standard 2,3,4,5), 13 subjects from Key Stage 3 Years 7 -9 (Forms 1-3) and a wide range of 18 subjects to choose from at Key Stage 4 Years 10 & 11 & Key Stage 5 Years 12 & 13 (Forms 4-6)

Key Stage 2 Years 3-6             Standards 2,3,4,5

• Science
• Mathematics
• English
• Geography
• History
• Conversational Spanish
• Music
• Physical Education
• Art & Craft
• Digital Literacy

Key Stage 3 Years 7-9          Forms 1-3

• French
• Spanish
• English
• Mathematics
• History
• Literature
• Geography
• Physical Education
• Music
• Art & Design
• Coordinated Sciences (Physics, Chemistry & Biology)
• Information & Communications Technology (ICT)

Key Stage 4 Years 10 &11       Forms 4 & 5

Key Stage 5 Years 12 & 13      Lower 6 & Upper 6

• Mathematics
• English
• English Literature
• French
• Spanish
• Geography
• History
• Art & Design
• Additional Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Business Studies
• Accounts
• Sociology
• Environmental Management
• Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
• Computer Science

Physical Education is a compulsory subject for all students but are not part of the exams

The Intra Mural Programme provides opportunities for students to compete against each other based on the 3 Houses, and competitions are held at lunch time every other Friday during the term. Students compete for the Intra Mural Challenge Cup awarded to the House with the most points at the end of the school year.

There are different activities offered each year, including Scuba Diving, Football, Cricket, Chess, Hiking and Debating. We also have an ICT and Drama Club that were recently formed.

Annual school events include Sports Day, Community Service, Christmas Concert, Divali, Carnival, Intra Mural Games and Adventure Day.

All teaching staff must have a minimum of a first degree in the subject area being taught. They must have 3 – 5 years teaching experience at a secondary school and possess a teaching diploma or PGCE qualifications. Every teacher must also be registered with the Ministry of Education, Trinidad and Tobago.

There are presently 30 teachers at the Academy. Teachers are mainly Trinidadian but have experience in both the local and international settings.

We do have some from the other Caribbean islands, Ghana and England.