The secondary department is the start of a new key stage for your child. Between the beginning of Year 7 and the end of Year 11, they will progress through Key Stages 3 and 4. Let’s take a look at what is involved in each Key Stage [KS]:
KS3 covers Years 7, 8 and 9: the first three years of secondary schooling. At Innova [like all the leading British schools in Kuwait] we study a modified version of the England and Wales National Curriculum. It is modified in the sense that we combine it with the requirements laid down by the Ministry of Education in Kuwait to include the teaching of Arabic, Islamic and Kuwait Social Studies. Children in KS3 can expect to study the following compulsory subjects:
• English
• Maths
• Combined Science [, Chemistry and Physics]
• Humanities [History and Geography]
• Modern foreign language [French]
• Robotics
• PE
• Computing / ICT
• Arabic
• Art
• Biology
• Islamic
In the National Curriculum the British government does not specify how many hours per week should be devoted to each subject, but there is guidance from the Qualifications and Curriculum Agency (QCA). However, at Innova while we broadly reflect what QCA suggests, the provide the following in KS3 weekly:
• English, Maths and Combined Science: Four hours per subject per week
• Arabic: Four hours per week [Ministry requirement]
• AFL: Two hours per week [Ministry requirement]
• Islamic: Two hours [Ministry requirement]
• IFL: one hour and 20 minutes [Ministry requirement]
• Modern Foreign language [French]: one hour and 20 minutes
• PE: one hour and 20 minutes
• Humanities [History and Geography] : one hour and 20 minutes
• Computing and art and design: one hour and 20 minutes
• Robotics: 40 minutes
• Social Studies: [Year 7 only] : 40 minutes
Children are taught in mixed ability groups as they progress through KS3. KS3 pupils will usually be expected to do an hour of homework every evening. There are no formal national exams for children in KS3, but they will be assessed on a regular basis through a range of different methods including tests, coursework and teacher observation.
KS4 comprises Years 10 and 11, where students are working towards Cambridge or Edexcel IGCSEs in the following subjects:
• English
• Maths
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Computing Studies
• Business Studies
• Arabic [First or Second Language]
• Students may also sit Government Arabic Exams
Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses are designed on the assumption that students have approximately 130 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course (normally two years). Guided learning hours include direct teaching and any other supervised or directed study time. They do not include private study by the candidate. However, this figure is for guidance only, and the number of hours required may vary according to local curricular practice and the students’ prior experience of the subject.
IGCSE Cambridge Curriculum Overview [Year 10 and 11]
Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers a variety of routes for learners with a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English. It begins with a foundation of core subjects; it is then easy to add breadth and cross-curricular perspectives encouraging learners to engage with a variety of subjects, and make connections between them.
For learners, Cambridge IGCSE helps improve performance by developing skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving. It is the perfect springboard to advanced study.
There are many subjects available at Cambridge IGCSE Level, which develop understanding and skills in:
• Subject content and knowledge
• Applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations
• Intellectual enquiry
• Flexibility and responsiveness to change
• Working and communicating in English
• Influencing outcomes
• Cultural awareness
