|
|
|
|
|
| Secondary | ||||
| Key
Stage One
|
ISM Secondary Curriculum The Secondary Curriculum covers Years 7 to 13. This is divided into three ‘cycles’ or stages, called Key Stages in the English National Curriculum. Years 7 to 9 make up Key Stage 3, with end of Key Stage tests in English, Maths and Science, taken at the end of Year 9. In Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) pupils study a number of compulsory and optional subjects, preparing for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations taken at the end of Year 11. Pupils then choose a number of options in Year 12, taking the Advanced Subsidiary Courses (AS) of Cambridge International Examinations. In Year 13 pupils normally continue studying the higher level A2 syllabus of the same subjects studied and passed at AS level. As is explained below, Spanish studies are also part of our provision at ISM, thus helping our students to be fully prepared for entrance to Spanish universities, in addition to their preparation for British universities through UCAS. Subjects in Years 7, 8 and 9 (Key Stage 3) Maths, English, Science, History, Geography, Spanish, French, Art, Computers, Music, PE and Games, Religion or Citizenship. Pupils take the English National Curriculum’s Standard Assessment Tests at the end of Year 9 in Mathematics, English and Science. Many Year 7 pupils also take the Cambridge English as a Second Language PET examination and Year 9 pupils the First Certificate English examination. In the last four years the French department have introduced the Alliance Francaise CAF tests, achieving some outstanding results. As pupils at ISM start French in Year 5, a high level of French can be reached, pupils having the possibility of being proficient in three languages, English, Spanish, French. German is offered after school. Subjects in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) Pupils are prepared for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) offered by Cambridge International Examinations in a number of subjects shown below. Compulsory subjects : Maths, Co-ordinated Sciences (double award), English (as a First Language English taken in Year 10), and English Literature and Spanish Literature, Spanish as a First Language (also in Year 10), and Foreign Language French (taken by some students in Year 10). Physical Education and Sports. Optional Subjects. Pupils choose three: History or Computer Studies; Art or Economics; Geography or French. Religion or Citizenship (or Ethics in Year 13) is taken one lesson per week. Pupils are entered for the Core (maximum C grade) or Extended (all grades) examination in some IGCSE subjects at the discretion of their subject teachers. Some subjects do not have the two levels. Spanish pupils need to obtain a minimum of four IGCSE passes (C or higher) to validate Year 11 (4º de E.S.O) and one more for Y12 validation. At least two passes must be in Spanish, Sciences, English or Mathematics. Minimum requirements for entry into Year 12 are five IGCSE passes, which do not include Spanish. Most pupils take between seven and eleven subjects. The school aims for the highest academic standards, but does not discriminate by ability, aiming to help all pupils reach their maximum level of achievement. Other IGCSEs offered by Cambridge such as Chinese, Portuguese, German, Italian or Arabic can also be taken on an individual basis. Tuition for these is arranged privately. German has been introduced as an extra curricular activity and some pupils prepare for the IGCSE in German Language. Studies in Years 12 and 13 The Advanced Level studies are equivalent to the Spanish 1º and 2º Bachillerato, and take place in the last two years of school. For this reason subject choices, made at the end of Year 11, after the IGCSE exams, and at the beginning of Year 12, are very important, determining to a great extent the pattern of further education and career options which will become available to pupils. Subject choices are made bearing in mind views of parents, teachers and the pupil concerned, and IGCSE results are an important guideline. Teachers responsible for Further Education and Careers guide pupils throughout the year to discover strengths and weaknesses, and personal characteristics, and possible further education and career paths.
|
|
||
