Moving to Secondary School:

A Guide for Year 7 Students
Year 7 is an exciting time for our students as they transition from Primary School to Secondary School. Our Secondary School is organized into several key stages, each with its own unique focus.

Key Stage 3 covers pupils aged 11-14 (Years 7-9) and is designed to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares students for their future studies. During this time, students will have the opportunity to explore a range of subjects, develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and begin to develop their interests and passions.

Key Stage 4 covers pupils aged 14-16 (Years 10 and 11) and is focused on preparing students for their GCSE exams. During this time, students will continue to build on the foundation they established during Key Stage 3, deepening their knowledge and skills in key subject areas.

For students aged 16 to 18 (Years 12 and 13), we offer AS and A levels, which provide a more specialized and in-depth study of specific subject areas. Our goal is to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers or further education.

At each stage of our Secondary School, we are committed to providing a supportive and challenging environment that encourages our students to achieve their full potential. We believe that by working together, we can help our students to develop the skills and qualities they need to succeed in life.

Key Stage 3 and Beyond: A Pathway to Success

At our Secondary School, we are committed to providing our students with a broad and challenging curriculum that helps them to develop their skills and interests. In Key Stage 3, students follow a course that covers a wide range of subjects, designed to stretch and challenge every individual. We use a variety of teaching styles to meet the differing demands of each subject, with an emphasis on problem-solving, teamwork, and independent study.

All students study the following subjects in Key Stage 3: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, History, Geography, French, Spanish (as First/Second Language), PE, Music, ART, and ICT. In addition, students can choose to study an additional foreign language (Chinese, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian) or have additional music lessons.

Towards the end of Year 9, students select the subjects for their IGCSE examination courses for the next two years. This process is based on a wide range of guidance and advice, and is undertaken in close consultation with parents and staff.

Years 10 and 11 form the final two years of compulsory schooling, during which the majority of students will follow IGCSE courses in 8 or 9 subjects. These subjects are selected by the students in close consultation with parents and staff. Students are encouraged to maintain a broad and balanced curriculum by building upon a core of subjects that includes English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Combined Science, Geography, History, Information and Communication Technology, Modern Foreign Language, Business Studies, Sociology, Drama, and Music.

At our school, we place a high value on our students’ physical health as well as their academic development. We aim to provide all students with at least one hour of physical education per week.

In Years 12 and 13, we offer Advanced/AS level courses, which are internationally benchmarked qualifications that provide excellent preparation for university education. These courses are part of the Cambridge Advanced stage, and for further guidance on the Cambridge program, please visit www.cie.org.uk. Our goal is to prepare our students for success in their future studies and careers, and to help them become engaged and responsible citizens of the world.