Secondary School

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 runs from Year 7 to Year 9 and is based on the National Curriculum for England, adapted for our International and Myanmar setting where this adds value. We apply the most appropriate elements and enhance the curriculum to suit the needs of our students.

Teaching and learning are supported by technology. All teachers and classes have access to MacBooks and the Internet that they deploy to enhance the learning experience of our students as required.

Our curriculum aims high, and is delivered by subject specialists who take an evidence informed approach. Whilst powerful knowledge forms the basis of what is taught in lessons, how lessons are delivered at BSY will depend on a multitude of factors:

• the subject itself
• the concept and idea being taught
• the stage of the learning sequence/unit of study
• the current understanding of the students in each lesson

Classroom delivery develops understanding of core knowledge and moves students beyond it. Teachers plan challenging lessons to accommodate students at different levels of performance matching lessons as closely as possible to individual needs.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum is founded on the acquisition of powerful and enduring knowledge and understanding and forms a robust platform for success in Key Stage 4 when students will work towards the internationally renowned (I)GCSE qualifications.

Key Stage 4

In August 2018 our first ever Year 10 cohort began their (I)GCSEs offered by the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel examination boards.

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education whereas (I)GCSE is the International equivalent. Most subject departments at BSY offer the (I)GCSE because their syllabi have a more global perspective that better suits our circumstance. These courses are offered by Cambridge and Edexcel examination boards. The GCSE and (I)GCSE qualifications are recognised as being synonymous. The (I)GCSE programme is academically rigorous and recognised as being amongst the best in the world for this age range of students.

Students generally take between six and ten (I)GCSEs. Our system is designed to provide the right pathway for a range of students. We aim for academic breadth and depth as well as a wide range of additional opportunities.

Our Year 10 students are each provided with a MacBook for the duration of their courses. Many IGCSE courses require students to complete extended research and access online resources; some will also require coursework pieces to be written up and submitted.

Take a look at the curriculum maps below to view the topics covered throughout the year.