Curriculum Subjects
Secondary Curriculum
The ICS follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales and this forms the basis for our programmes of study. We follow a broad and balanced curriculum, offering a range of subjects throughout your child’s education. Here at ICS we wish to celebrate our internationalism and we aim to incorporate aspects of this into the subjects we teach.
The breakdown of the Key Stages and programmes of study can be found in the Key Stages drop down menu. This section will focus on a breakdown of the individual subject areas; what is taught, different topics within each of the subjects, the forms of assessment, and progression routes for students to take a subject area further.
Subject Areas and Syllabi
For each subject there is a syllabus or a programme of study which describes the subject knowledge, skills and understanding your child is expected to acquire over the course. Subject teachers will plan work and assessments to suit your child’s learning needs. The knowledge and skills will be acquired in a variety of ways and are not necessarily linked to a specific text book.
National Curriculum Levels
In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) students work towards National Curriculum levels. Each subject area has a scale of attainment which is divided into levels. Students in Secondary School usually work within Levels 5–7 (and Level 8 in some subjects). Students develop at different rates but the National Curriculum levels can give you an idea of how your child’s progress compares to what is typical for their age. Some pupils joining Secondary School may begin on a lower level and supplementary work will be given to enable them to develop the necessary skills to access the subject.
International Certificates in Secondary Education (IGCSE/GCSE)
When your child joins Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11) it is expected that he/she will have developed the foundations of particular subjects and skills whilst in Key Stage 3. Students in KS4 are now able to choose to specialise in a broad range of subjects in preparation for examinations set externally by examination boards. ICS works with both Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel. No two students are alike and they will progress at different rates and levels of achievement. The (i)GCSE examination grades reflect this. They range from G up to A*, all of which are classed as pass grades. Students achieving C-A* grades demonstrate the ability to access higher level study.
General Certificate in Education – GCE (AS/A2)
Students accessing AS/A2 courses must have demonstrated the skills and understanding at (i)GCSE level. When your child accesses KS5, he/she will be able to specialise in a narrower range of studies and success at this level will enable them to access university, college, and/or employment. At ICS students will choose up to four subjects to study at AS level (the first year of advanced study). At the end of the year they will sit examinations and success here will enable them to progress to the second year. At this point students can choose to drop one subject. They will still receive a certificate and recognition for the subject up to this point, but they do not take it through to the second year. It is not unusual to drop one subject at this stage as many universities only require three A level subjects to gain entry onto degree courses. Students preparing for university will be able to research individual entry requirements throughout their KS5 education.
ICS Diploma (Internal)
The Diploma is an internal course for Key Stage 5 students who are not suited to, or ready for the GCE advanced programme of study. It is a course designed to enable students to access the curriculum in preparation for college or a work place. The course will offer areas of study in English, Mathematics, ICT, work skills, personal finance awareness, global awareness and personal and social development.