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Curriculum
The Secondary School Curriculum delivered at HeadStart is based on the National Curriculum in England. This curriculum offers quality, complexity, diversity and an internationally renowned standard of high attainment. Each subject is taught by highly qualified and experienced subject specialists who are not only experts in their chosen fields but are also knowledgeable and skilled educators and are able to reflect and adapt to the differing needs of each developing individual under our care. The UK national curriculum is organised into blocks called ‘key stages’ (KS) as follows:
| Key Stage | Classes | Typical Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | Comprises of Preschool, Early Years and Reception | Between the age of 2-5 years old |
| Key Stage 1 | Comprises of Year 1 and 2 | Between the age of 5-7 years old |
| Key Stage 2 | Comprises of Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 | Between the age of 7 to 11 years old |
| Key Stage 3 | Comprises of Years 7, 8 and 9 | Between the age of 11 and 14 years old |
| Key Stage 4 | Comprises of Years 10 and 11 | Between the age of 14 and 16 years old |
| Sixth Form | Comprises of Years 12 and 13 | Between the age of 17 and 18 years old |
Lower Secondary Programme
The curriculum is just one element in the education of every child. There is time and space in the school day and in each week, term and year to range beyond the curriculum specifications. The curriculum provides an outline of core knowledge around which teachers can develop exciting and stimulating lessons to promote the development of pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills as part of the wider school curriculum.
- The subjects offered and taught throughout Key Stage 3 are:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Computing
- Design Technology
- PE (Physical Education)
- Art
- Music
- First Language Thai/Mandarin/Russian
- Foreign Language Thai/Mandarin/French
- English as an Additional Language (EAL)
- PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education)
- Active Learning
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
The Secondary school curriculum at HeadStart International School is anchored by the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), an external examination programme designed for 14 to 16 year olds (Years 10 & 11) and based upon the National Curriculum of England.
The IGCSE at HeadStart provides a broad programme of study in areas such as languages, social studies, science, mathematics and vocational subjects. In each subject, there is a balance between practical and theoretical knowledge but the emphasis in almost all subjects is skills related to that subject. The curriculum is designed so that students can use examples related to their own experiences and residence. The nature of the programme is such that students of different abilities can follow it. Furthermore, it is designed for students whose first language may not be English.
Students sit examinations at the end of the IGCSE course, usually in Year 11. These examinations are marked by experienced external examiners appointed by CIE (Cambridge International Examinations). IGCSE is recognised internationally and it is evidence of ability to academics and employers throughout the world. The programme prepares students for further academic courses which would be followed in years 12 and 13 at school. CIE is a division of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate which in turn is part of the University of Cambridge. UCLES has developed and promoted qualifications at a variety of levels for at least 150 years.
The subjects taught and offered throughout Key Stage 4 up to IGCSE are:
- English
- Maths
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award)
- History
- Geography
- Computer Science
- ICT (Information and Communication Technologies)
- Design & Technology
- Business Studies
- Travel & Tourism
- PE (Physical Education)
- Art & Design
- Music
- First Language Thai
- Foreign Language Mandarin
- Foreign Language French
As a fully licensed and accredited Cambridge centre any Cambridge IGCSE examinations can be sat here at HeadStart including subjects that are not offered as part of our curriculum.
