KS3 ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

The overall aim at KS3 is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

The course aims to enable students to:

• read easily, fluently and with good understanding
• develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
• acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
• write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
• use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and idea
• become competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

KS4 IGCSE FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH

The syllabus aims to enable students to:

• read a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding, enjoying and appreciating a variety of language
• read critically, and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
• write accurately and effectively, using Standard English appropriately
• work with information and with ideas in language by developing skills of evaluation, analysis, use and inference
• listen to, understand, and use spoken language effectively
• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions

KS4 IGCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE

The syllabus aims to develop learners who:

• 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 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

KS5 A LEVEL LANGUAGE

The aims are to enable students to:

• enjoy the experience of studying English language •develop a critical and informed response to texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, produced for a variety of audiences
• communicate effectively, creatively, accurately and appropriately in their writing
• develop the interdependent skills of reading, analysis and research
• develop an appreciation of concepts and techniques in the study of English language
• build a firm foundation for further study of language and linguistics.

KS5 AS & A LEVEL LITERATURE

The syllabus aims to enable students to:

• enjoy the experience of reading literature  
• develop an appreciation of and an informed personal response to literature in English in a range of texts in different forms, and from different periods and cultures
• communicate effectively, accurately and appropriately in written form
• develop the interdependent skills of reading, analysis and communication
• analyse and evaluate the methods writers use in creating meaning and effects
• encourage wider reading and an understanding of how it may contribute to personal development
• build a firm foundation for further study of literature.

KS3 HISTORY

History at key stage 3 offers students the opportunity to discover a wide range of exciting topics including Medieval Europe, the Russian Revolution, Religious conflict and the World Wars. These topics allow students to build on skills of analysis and argument; essential in the modern world. Students will learn how to challenge and scrutinize primary source material in order to ascertain which information they can trust and which needs to be treated with caution. We aim to deliver a broad, diverse curriculum which brings history alive for our students through a variety of different lessons; one day, students could be analyzing sources to figure out why Louis XVI lost his head, the next, they could be reenacting their very own French Revolution in the playground!

KS4 HISTORY

Students follow the Edexcel iGCSE history course with is graded using the 9 – 1 system, with 9 being slightly higher than the traditional A* and 1 being the lowest grade awarded. Grades 9 – 4 are considered ‘pass’ grades.

This syllabus is an up to date, challenging course which aims to:

• Develop and extend knowledge and understanding of specified key events, periods and societies in history; and of the wide diversity of human experience.
• Engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers.
• Develop the ability to ask relevant questions about the past, to investigate issues critically and to make valid claims by using a range of sources; an essential skill in today’s digital world.
• Develop an understanding of significance and be able to explain why some historical events are more significant than others.
• Organise and communicate in a sophisticated manner, both verbally and in writing.

Topics studied: Germany: development of dictatorship, 1918–45, A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72, Changes in medicine, c1848–c1948, The Vietnam Conflict, 1945–75.

KS5 A LEVEL HISTORY

Again the students follow the Edexcel syllabus; at A Level the grades remain A* –  G.

During this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of four very different topics, offering a broad understanding of history. This course will appeal to students who are interested in world politics, economics and sociology as well.

The Edexcel course is up to date, engaging and relevant to an international audience developing students’ understanding of the nature of historical studies. These qualifications’ approach focuses on depth, breadth and interpretation of event in history. In the first year, students will study Russia in Revolution; 1881-1917 as part of a depth study. Following this students will complete an exciting and very current depth study of South Africa; 1948-2014. In the second year of the course students will have the opportunity to do a breadth study in The British Experience of Warfare; 1803-1945, which will explore how warfare has changed from Napoleon to the Second World War. Our final module is Superpower relations; 1943-1990, which explores the geopolitics of the Cold War. Through this, students will develop:

• Critical thinking skills: develop a critical perspective on an aspect of history.
• Reasoning: construct and evaluate arguments in a piece of extended writing to support a considered judgment about an historical issue or about an interpretation of history.
• Source analysis: explain the meaning behind complex historical sources and evaluate their reliability.

KS3 GEOGRAPHY

Students will be focusing on developing awareness of different aspect of physical, human and environmental geography.  They will practice a variety of geographical skills that will help:

• to develop an interest in the world around them
• to understand the processes that are shaping and changing the world
• to find out about countries, places and people

Topics through Key Stage 3 include:

• Map Skills
• Glaciation
• International Development
• Urbanisation
• Weather and Climate

KS4 IGCSE GEOGRAPHY

Successful Cambridge IGCSE Geography candidates develop lifelong skills, including:

• An understanding of the processes which affect physical and human environments;
• An understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale;
• The ability to use and understand geographical data and information;
• An understanding of how communities around the world are affected and constrained by different environments.

KS5 A LEVEL GEOGRAPHY

Cambridge International AS and A Level Geography is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of Geography.

Successful candidates gain lifelong skills, including:

• An appreciation of the need for understanding, respect and co-operation in conserving the environment and improving the quality of life both at a global scale and within the context of different cultural settings
• An awareness of the usefulness of geographical analysis to understand and solve contemporary human and environmental problems
• A sense of relative location, including an appreciation of the complexity and variety of natural and human environments
• An understanding of the principal processes operating within Physical and Human Geography
• An understanding of the causes and effects of change on the natural and human environments
• An awareness of the nature, value, limitations and importance of different approaches to analysis and explanation in geography
• A concern for accuracy and objectivity in collecting, recording, processing, analysing, interpreting and reporting data in a spatial context
• The ability to handle and evaluate different types and sources of information
• The skills to think logically, and to present an ordered and coherent argument in a variety of ways
• An excellent foundation for studies beyond Cambridge International A Level in Geography, in further or higher education, and for professional courses.

KS3 BUSINESS STUDIES

Business studies is introduced to students in Grade 9.

KS4 IGCSE BUSINESS STUDIES

The Cambridge Syllabus code is 0450.

iGCSE Business Studies offers the chance for students to learn something different, current, challenging and fun. In Grade 10, students learn about the fundamental basis of business; this includes:

• The different sectors of industry
• A comparison between public and private enterprises
• Business structure and organisation
• Communications
• Marketing and devising marketing strategy.

In Grade 11, students continue to explore additional business functions, such as finance, accounting, operations, different methods of production and human resource. The course is underpinned by looking at entrepreneurship and some basic economic analysis.

Course Content

• Business activity
• People in Organisation: business structure, communication and motivation theories
• Marketing
• Operations management
• Finance
• Changing business environment

KS5 A LEVEL BUSINESS STUDIES

The Cambridge International syllabus code for A Level Business Studies is 9709.

AS and A Level Business Studies are accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential knowledge and ability. The Business Studies syllabus enables candidates to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role business plays in the economy. The syllabus covers economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues, and encourages a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. Candidates examine the management of organisations and, in particular, the process of strategic decision-making in the context of a dynamic external environment.

Course Content

• Business and its environment
• People in organisations
• Marketing
• Operations and project management
• Finance and accounting People in business
• Strategic management

KS3 SCIENCE

Learning science helps students to use the scientific method to understand the world around them. It allows them to start to see the amazing possibilities that science offers and teaches them how to ask questions and starts to give them the skills to find out the answers for themselves.

Their science education will provide them with the foundations of science introducing key concepts such as particles, forces, energy and the interdependence of living things. It shows them how to design investigations that give valid results.

In KS3, students in Grades 7 and 8 study a general science syllabus, and in Grade 9, the students study separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses delivered by subject specialists.

KS4 IGCSE BIOLOGY

Biology is a fascinating and ever-changing field of study. It encapsulates the human body, evolution, the natural world, genetic modification and more.

For all we understand there is still so much to discover and it’s not uncommon for long held theories about evolution, genetics or even human migration to be challenged and disproved.

This makes it one of the most exciting industries to work in.

If biology has always been a subject that has interested you but you’ve never been sure where to start, a GCSE biology is ideal.

By studying a GCSE, you will gain a foundation of knowledge in some of the core principles. It will also give you a recognised qualification so if you want to learn more you have that option.

A GCSE biology will give you the option of studying at A Level and – potentially – at degree level beyond that. Moreover, because it’s a nationally recognised qualification it can help improve your job prospects too.

Studying biology offers you a diverse learning experience that will help you to develop keen analytical skills in addition to self-motivation and independent learning.

KS4 IGCSE CHEMISTRY

Chemical scientists concern themselves with the substances of which all matter is composed, how it interacts and how it can form new substances.

It is a diverse and interesting field in which you delve down to look at the very atoms, molecules and ions of all life.

Without chemistry we wouldn’t have the vaccine, insulin, plastic or – perhaps most importantly – caffeine. Chemistry has the potential to not only change the world but change our understanding of it too.

By studying GCSE chemistry, you will gain a foundational knowledge of the key principles of chemistry. Should you wish to further your studies with an A-level, the GCSEwill give you basis upon which to build your knowledge and prepare you for higher education.

Studying GCSE chemistry will not only give you a nationally recognised qualification but give you the opportunity to delve into a diverse area of study.

The course will help you develop sharp analytical skills that you can use both professionally and with any further studies.

KS4 IGCSE PHYSICS

Physics is an exciting field to work in as the constant discoveries mean the landscape is ever-changing. Through the fascinating work physicists do we are able to understand more than ever about the world we live in.

Studying GCSE Physics will give you a comprehensive understanding of the main components of physics. As well as giving you an internationally recognised qualification in a science subject.

With further studies you could find yourself working alongside some of the most promising intellectuals of our time.

As STEM subjects are valued by employers and higher education institutes alike, your studies could lead to some exciting opportunities. Whether that’s continuing to research subatomic particles or becoming an astronaut, physics will help you realise those ambitions.

We’ve all heard of the saying “It’s not rocket science.” Well perhaps, for you, it could be. And it all starts with GCSE Physics.

KS5 A LEVEL BIOLOGY

Biology is a fascinating subject, the study of which will see you learn about the natural world and all the living things within it. Gaining an A-level in this subject opens up a vast range of opportunities for both university degrees and career options, many of which can take you all around the world.

Students choose Biology for a number of reasons — perhaps they have a specific that requires a Biology qualification in mind, or maybe they are simply interested in the human body, or in the natural world around us. Biology covers a broad range of topics and has aspects to interest a wide range of students. Biology is a pre-requisite subject for many degrees in Biological Science and Medical related fields of study

During A level you will find out about topics such as molecules, cells, organisms and their environment, energy transfers, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.

Alongside in depth knowledge of the biological world, biologists also develop skills and understanding of scientific methods, data analysis, observation, correlations and causal relationships.

As with the other sciences, the study of Biology also helps students to build up skills in research, problem solving, organisation and analytical skills. Given the group project work that occurs throughout the course, students also develop good teamwork and communication skills.

KS5 A LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Sometimes referred to as the ‘central science’, Chemistry helps to connect physical sciences, such as Maths and Physics, with applied sciences, such as Biology, Medicine and Engineering. In fact, Chemistry is all around us and an understanding of the subject can help to answer many simple questions about everyday life!

During the course you will study topics such as atomic structure, energetics, kinetics, oxidation, alkanes and alkenes, thermodynamics, polymers and amino acids, proteins and DNA.

As it is a science subject, the process of learning it helps a student to learn how to be objective, analytical, methodical, process and in turn solve problems. You can apply these skills outside academia, and the study of Chemistry can help understand current events including news about petrol, environmental issues, health and product scares and more.

KS5 A LEVEL PHYSICS

With an ongoing shortage of people to fill STEM roles, pursuing subjects such as Physics can lead to excellent employment prospects after university. Even if you don’t go on to become a physicist, learning to think like one will equip you with excellent problem-solving skills in particular.

Physicists look for the hidden laws as to why all matter and energy exists, where it comes from and its behaviour. These laws can then be used to develop new materials and technologies to improve our lives and explore further into everything from the tiniest particles to stars and the universe.

If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between this is the subject for you.

During the course you will look at topics such as measurements and their errors, particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and materials, electricity, thermal physics, fields and their consequences, nuclear physics, astrophysics, medical physics and engineering physics.

Physics trains your brain to think beyond boundaries. The subject combines practical skills with theoretical ideas. Analytical, mathematical and problem – solving skills become highly developed through Physics A-level.

KS3 COMPUTING

High quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to succeed in our increasingly technological world. Computing has strong links with mathematics, science. It provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.

Pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.

Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

KS4 IGCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE

This iGCSE syllabus will develop:

• Computational thinking, that is thinking about what can be computed and how, and includes consideration of the data required
• An understanding of the main principles of solving problems by using computers
• An understanding that every computer system is made up of sub-systems, which in turn consist of further sub-systems
• An understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communications and people
• The skills necessary to apply understanding to solve computer-based problems using a high-level programming language.

KS5 AS and A level Information Technology

In a world where Information Technology (IT) is constantly changing, individuals increasingly need technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data.

The impact of IT on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to communication networks such as the internet grows, so does the need for individuals who understand these new technologies.

This syllabus encourages learners to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them to develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. Learners study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, learners gain an understanding of IT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general. At A Level, learners also study simple programming for the web relevant to their own use of IT.

KS3 MATHS

Mathematics are the stem of all other scientific subjects. Numerical and computational fluency is increasingly important in the digital era. The study of this subject is also a great opportunity for students to get a first approach of logic and to develop rigorous reasoning skills.

Students learn mainly about four areas of mathematics: numbers, geometry, algebra and probabilities & statistics. They will develop a core knowledge of these fields and start building basic tools to understand the world they live in.

KS4 GCSE MATHS FOUNDATION

This GCSE syllabus will reinforce and extend the topics approached in KS3. It covers:

• Further fractions and powers study
• Further work on geometrical measures such as length, area and volume, including trigonometric ratios
• Extended study of linear equations, inequalities and graphs
• An approach of formulae and more complex graphs
• A variety of ways to represent data and to use probabilities and statistics
• An introduction to vectors.

The Edexcel GCSE is graded using the 9 – 1 system, where 9 is the highest grade and 1 the lowest. Grades 9 – 4 are considered  ‘pass’ grades. At Foundation level, the highest grade that it is possible for a student to achieve is a 5.

KS4 GCSE MATHEMATICS HIGHER

This GCSE syllabus covers all the topics listed above under Foundation, in addition, it also covers in-depth:

• Quadratic, cubic and exponential functions
• Trigonometry in all kind of triangles and extended to all types of angles
• The circle theorems
• Interpretation of equations and graphs and the way they transform.

KS5 A Level Mathematics

The KS5 mathematics syllabus covers a range of pure mathematics applied mathematics topics, allowing students to get a feel for the mathematics involved in different fields of engineering.

The pure mathematics syllabus allows students to achieve mastery of the GCSE most advanced algebra topics and take them to an extended study of calculus. Some of these mathematics are applied to the study of motion and forces and to advanced probabilities and statistical enquiries.

KS3 ART AND DESIGN

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.

As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Aims

We follow the UK national curriculum for art and design which aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• Know about great artists, craft -makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Attainment targets

By the end of KS3, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the programme of study

KS4 IGCSE ART AND DESIGN

As part of their studies at iGCSE, students will gain:

• an ability to record from direct observation and personal experience
• an ability to identify and solve problems in visual and/or other forms
• creativity, visual awareness, critical and cultural understanding
• an imaginative, creative and personal response
• confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of achievement in the practice of art and design
• growing independence in the refinement and development of ideas and personal outcomes
• engagement and experimentation with a range of media, materials and techniques, including new media and technologies, where appropriate.
• experience of working in relevant frameworks and exploration of manipulative skills necessary to form, compose and communicate in two and/or three dimensions
• a working vocabulary relevant to the subject and an interest in, and a critical awareness of, other practitioners, environments and cultures
• investigative, analytical, experimental, interpretative, practical, technical and expressive skills which aid effective and independent learning

KS5 A LEVEL ART AND DESIGN

Following the Cambridge International A Level Art programme helps students develop abilities which universities value highly, including:

• a deep understanding of their subjects
• higher-order thinking skills – analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving,
• presenting ordered and coherent arguments
• independent learning and research.

Cambridge International A Level Art & Design provides opportunities for learners to develop their personal practice, enrich their understanding of key concepts and improve their practical skills in a wide range of traditional and contemporary techniques. It allows learners to explore and build on their interests. The syllabus encourages independent expression and the development of a critical, reflective practice.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design encourages learners to be:

confident, experimenting with media and materials in two- and three-dimensional processes, taking risks and improving technical skills to develop a personal artistic style

responsible, taking charge of their own development as practitioners, with an independent approach to the creative process

reflective, recording ideas and critically evaluating their work as they continually review, refine and adapt innovative, combining approaches and techniques and developing the skills to solve problems creatively

engaged, enriching their work by exploring different artists, movements and concepts