World Class Learning Schools prepare students to meet the growing challenges of a rapidly changing world. Our academic program is based on the:
The combination of these distinctive curricula provides a comprehensive, international course of study that aims to equip every student with the essential skills for lifelong learning and meet individual learning needs. Our schools encourage independence and self-discipline in an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation of diverse opinions and cultures. The curriculum determines the precise content that will be taught and provides attainment targets for student learning, including how that performance will be assessed and reported. Our program gives teachers, students and parents a clear and shared understanding of the skills and knowledge that children will gain at school.
Students in Nursery and Reception classes (ages 3 to 5) follow a curriculum that is tailored to the developing needs of young students, based on the UK government's Early Learning Goals. It covers six distinct areas of learning: personal and social and emotional development, communication, language and literacy, mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical development and creative development. This two-year academic program is designed to lay secure foundations for future learning. It is a curriculum that not only acts as a transition between home and school, but also starts children off with the learning habits necessary to become successful lifelong learners.
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the National Curriculum for England and Wales provide the framework for educating students in Years 1 to 6 (US Kindergarten-Grade 5). The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is a highly-respected, internationally-recognized curriculum used in over 1000 schools in more than 65 countries worldwide. Children in IPC schools are active participants in their education and true citizens of the world: they understand and appreciate other cultures, are encouraged to question and discover, and develop personal skills such as adaptability, thoughtfulness, and respect. They learn how to learn. They problem solve and think critically, looking towards a future in which what we know now will be vastly different from what we will know.
Rather than separating learning into specific subjects, the IPC integrates learning into units based around a central theme. Examples of themes include Rainforest, Getting Around (Transportation), Health and Fitness, and Treasure (Archaeology). Because children find these themes relevant and interesting, they are able to make meaningful connections between what they learn and the world around them. Each unit of study includes rigorous academic work, opportunities for creativity, and outlets for fun.
The National Curriculum for England and Wales forms the basis of study for all students in Years 7 to 9 (US Grades 6-8). Students at this stage have specialist teachers for all subjects, as they begin the transition from primary to high school. The National Curriculum is a comprehensive course of study that includes twelve different subjects: English, mathematics, science, history, geography, modern foreign languages, design technology, information communication technology, art and design, music, citizenship and physical education. Subjects in the National Curriculum are delivered in a circular method so that topics are returned to in a way that allows students to make connections between varied topics. Learning at all ages is differentiated based on the individual needs of children, including ability and background.
Students in Years 10 to 13 (US Grades 9-12) continue to follow the National Curriculum through International General Certificates of Secondary Education (IGCSEs) and finish their high school education with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In Years 10 and 11 (US Grades 9-10), students follow a broad range of 10 two-year courses and are evaluated on coursework and/or exam work at the end of the two years. All students take courses in English language, English literature, mathematics, science and a foreign language, and then choose from a range of options for the remaining four subjects. These rigorous courses require students to independently prepare course-work, monitor their own progress and study subjects in depth. They are excellent preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which students in Years 12 and 13 (US Grades 11-12) follow. this program has an international reputation as a highly rigorous academic course of study that does an excellent job of preparing students for university. Students in these year groups take courses in six academic areas and must complete required service hours, an extended essay, and a course in the Theory of Knowledge.
Further curriculum resources can be found at:Foundation Stage
www.qca.org.uk/qca_7286.aspx
National Curriculum
www.nc.uk.net
International Primary Curriculum
www.internationalprimarycurriculum.com
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
www.ibo.org