Lower Secondary (Years 7, 8 & 9 / Grades 6, 7 & 8)
Our Lower Secondary curriculum takes the content from the Key Stage 3 English National Curriculum and delivers it using the concept-focused approach of the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC).
The subjects studied include English, mathematics, science, geography, history, visual art, ICT, design technology, P.E., performing arts (dance, drama and music), Spanish and SEAL (social and emotional aspects of learning). While each of these is taught by specialist teachers and most of them are studied as discrete subjects, the IMYC approach provides our students with the opportunity to connect and blend those subjects in a holistic way by linking learning to the Big Idea.
How will my child learn?
Each term, students are provided with a new Big Idea which is introduced through an engaging entry point activity which encourages students to start to assess their understanding of that Idea. Throughout the term, students continue to explore, assess, refine and deepen their understanding through journaling and interaction with the Big Idea in each of their subjects. At the end of the term, students display their understanding of the Big Idea through an exit point project.
How will my child be assessed?
Students are assessed using a Mastery Approach that allows each teacher to skillful plan an appropriately challenging curriculum for each individual student. Gone are the days where students are “taught” content with the hope that some of it is learned; at BISW each learner is set challenging, non-negotiable aspects to learn, based upon their current ability in a subject. In that way, it is possible to extend the learning of ALL students, not just the ablest. At BISW we believe in having a growth mindset; with resilience and hard-work, and with skilled instruction from teachers, there is no limit to what students can achieve.
Further external reading can be found here:
English KS3 National Curriculum
Curriculum