Key Stage 1
Key Stage 1 is the legal term for the two years of schooling in maintained schools in England and Wales normally knows as Year 1 and Year 2. All the pupils in this stage must follow a programme of education in at least 10 statutory areas set out on the National Curriculum Website.
Our aim is for the children to enjoy their time at school and to develop knowledge, understanding and values I order to reach their full potential in all academic and social areas of school life. The work of each year group is guided by the appropriate level of the English National Curriculum, Key Stage 1, which is by nature broad and balanced.
Key Stage 1 tasks and tests cover:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking and listening
- Maths
- Science
In language an literacy we aim to provide rich ad stimulating environment in which children in interest and pleasure I communicating in English.
In Mathematics and Science we aim to develop a knowledge an understanding of the role of these subjects in everyday life.
Music, Drama and Art are also taught for extended periods, allowing children to immerse themselves fully in a subject before needing to move on.
Annually, work is reviewed annually to ensure our programme of study an timetabling meet the needs and interests of our pupils and school community. Parents are informed of their children performance and of any significant changes.
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 2 is the legal term for the four years of schooling I maintained schools I England and Wales normally knows as Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6. All the children I this stage must follow a programme of education in the same statutory areas set out on the National Curriculum website in at least 11 areas.
Our Key Stage 2 curriculum aims to provide a stimulating, happy, friendly environment; to allow organised, structured, and secure learning; to build self-confidence and increase respect o self, others and the environment; to develop children’s natural curiosity an foster a desire to learn; to provide activities that allow skills to be practised a knowledge to be acquired; to create an celebrate success; for children to be self-reliant and self-disciplined; for children t co-operate an form relationships, laying the foundations for success in adult life.
Key Stage 2 tasks and tests cover:
- English reading
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Maths (including mental arithmetic)
As children progress through Key Stage 2, we ensure that the standards achieved by our year 6 students prepare them for the best possible transfer to our secondary school.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 is the legal term for the three years of schooling I maintained schools in England and Wales normally known as Year 7 and Year 8. All pupils in this Key Stage must follow a programme of education set out by the National Curriculum in at least 15 areas.
Compulsory National Curriculum Subjects are:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- History
- Geography
- French
- Arabic
- Design and Technology
- Art and Design
- Music
- Physical Education
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Social Studies
The education offered in the Secondary School builds on the students’ previous learning and knowledge from KS2. In KS3 lessons are taught by a series of subjects specialists with the class tutor having the important pastoral role of coordinating all aspects of the pupils’ academic and social development. At Belvedere British School our expectation of our students are high – all participate in the learning process and each child’s contribution to the school is valued.
It is our aim to help prepare children for the adult world and make them more independent and self-aware.
Key Stage 4 – GCSE
Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 make up upper school and we are committed to ensuring that all of our students reach their full potential at GCSE level. We work ha to ensure that all students can be supported and guided over the course of three years in order to achieve and eve exceed their targets.
In Year 9, all students will begin their GCSE studies in the core subjects: Maths, English Language, English Literature, Citizenship and at least one Modern Foreign Language. For all other subjects, students will still be taught in their form classes.
Pastoral support and guidance are provided by Form Tutors, the Assistant Heads of Upper School and the Head of Upper School, who work in conjunction with the Inclusion Team and School Counsellor when necessary.
Careers Education is integrated into the PSHCE programme and all students receive individual Careers Meetings with our Careers Advisor.
Homework continues to form an integral aspect of student learning in the Upper School and is set for all subjects in Years 9, 10 and 11. Students are encouraged to take more responsibility for their own learning and organisation at this level
Sixth Form
The Vision for the Sixth Form
To raise the aspirations of our young adults by nurturing a passion for learning, enriching the student experience and securing outcomes which exceed their expectations.
What are A Levels
- AS Levels have been decoupled from A Levels to become freestanding qualifications. This means that AS results will no longer count towards the A Level.
- Students will be assessed in all subjects at A Level at the end of Year 13 on everything they have learned over two years in the Sixth Form.
Subjects Offered at A Levels
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Geography
- History
- French
- Business Studies
- C.T
How Many Subjects can I Study
The vast majority of students in Sixth Form will study 4AS Levels (Year 12) and continue with 3 of those subjects to A2 Level.
Ideally, students should be challenged by the amount of subjects they study, but not overwhelmed.
Entry Requirements
Entry to the Sixth Form is a privilege, and as such there are certain academic requirements which must be met. There must also be a commitment to a certain style of conduct.
To enter the Sixth Form, you need to have achieved 5 IGCSE grades, at grade 4 or above including English and Maths. To study a subject at A level, you should have achieved at least a grade 6 at IGCSE in the chosen subject.
We can explore different options such as looking at other award if you are struggling to make the entry requirements. This can be discussed on an individual basis.
What Subjects Shall I Choose to Study
Students will receive a lot of guidance about what the best options are for them.It is a combination of what you are best at, what you enjoy and what you need to get into specific courses or careers.
Getting it right is important. It will determine future options, hence working together as a school, parents and pupils is essential.