Secondary School
Curriculum Philosophy
At the British School of Monaco we develop strong British social, moral, cultural, intellectual, emotional and spiritual values, within a framework of physical and mental health.
In addition, within the small, nurturing community of our Secondary School, exploring and developing students’ understanding and experience of leadership and service to others and to the wider community are underlying themes as we continue to focus on our motto, « Sapientia in Humilitate » (Wisdom in Humility).
At the British School of Monaco, students receive a stimulating and enriching educational experience that drives ambition and a genuine thirst for learning. We place our students and our vision for the curriculum at the heart of everything we do. This ensures that we are best placed to develop confident, adaptable and risk-taking students who are prepared for the next stages of their learning in a fast-changing world.
Our outstanding teaching combines cross-curricular, well-planned and resourced lessons with broader enrichment opportunities to extend and consolidate understanding of the curriculum. Through this we ensure that students’ depth of understanding across the curriculum is achieved and that their learning comes to life.
Our curriculum has been designed to stimulate, challenge and support all students.The curriculum is supported by a range of academic extension and enrichment activities, through experiences, talks, visits, and debates, creating a co-curriculum that recognises that qualifications alone do not produce a well-balanced, educated person.
Within the ‘hidden curriculum’ are two critical factors: an understanding of how children learn, and a commitment to supporting students to be reflective learners with a deep awareness of themselves.
What Your Child will Learn
Cambridge Curriculum
The Secondary School follows the universally renowned Cambridge Curriculum, which we adapt to meet local characteristics and our students’ needs. His allows for a proper combination of breadth and specialisation.
English
Our English curriculum encourages a life-long enthusiasm for reading, writing and spoken communication. Students will develop English skills for different purposes and audiences. Students will develop skills and understanding in four areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening. They will learn how to communicate effectively and respond to a range of information, media and literary texts to:
- Become confident communicators, able to apply all four skills effectively in everyday situations;
- See themselves as readers, engaging with a range of texts for information and for pleasure, including texts from different times and cultures;
- See themselves as writers, using the written word clearly and creatively for a range of different audiences and purposes.
Maths
Our Mathematics curriculum helps students to think analytically, have better reasoning abilities and encourages life-long enthusiasm for analytical and rational thinking. Students will develop a holistic understanding of the subject, focussing on principles, patterns, systems, functions and relationships. They will become mathematically competent and fluent in computation, which they can apply to everyday situations.
‘Thinking and working mathematically’ is a unique feature of our curriculum that encourages learners to talk with others, challenge ideas and to provide evidence that validates conjectures and solutions. When learners are thinking and working mathematically, they actively seek to make sense of ideas and build connections between different facts, procedures and concepts. This supports higher order thinking that helps them to view the world in a mathematical way.
Science
Our Science curriculum helps students to develop a life-long curiosity about the natural world and enables them to seek scientific explanations to the phenomena around them. Students will learn to think scientifically and develop practical skills alongside knowledge and understanding, which is vital for explaining the world around us. Improving learners’ awareness of science in the world around them helps to connect themselves to the subject and provides them with the knowledge and skills they require to excel at science in later stages of education and to make informed choices, including considering sustainability issues and meeting the challenges facing our environment.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 (often shortened to KS3) is the first three years of Secondary School in british schools, covering Years 7, 8, and 9, when pupils are typically aged 11 to 14.
WHAT HAPPENS IN KEY STAGE 3?
Students follow a broad and balanced curriculum of core subjects of English, Maths, and Science, plus others like History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages, Art, Music, Computing, Physical education and PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education). The focus is on building broad knowledge and skills so that students are ready to start their IGCSE (Key Stage 4) courses in Year 10.
WHY KEY STAGE 3 MATTERS?
KS3 acts as a bridge from Primary School (Key Stages 1-2) to examlevel work and helps teachers and students to decide which IGCSE options will be suitable.
IGCSE
Contemplating the IGCSE programme in Year 10 is an exciting time as IGCSEs present the first opportunity in their school lives for students to take control of a significant part of their academic learning.
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is a British International qualification. Students study towards this in over 3000 schools in more than 160 countries and IGCSEs are recognised around the world by employers and universities as evidence of academic ability.
IGCSEs are an important educational milestone for your child as they move towards A Levels in Year 12 and begin to consider their future pathway to university and their careers. Therefore, our curriculum is designed to provide all students at this stage with a breadth of study that enables them to pursue every pathway in the future, even if for many that pathway is not yet decided. To meet this aim, students in Years 10 and 11 undertake IGCSEs in a variety of subjects, some of which are optional and some of which are compulsory.
The IGCSE years are a time of progression, development and a stepping stone to further study, but it is vital to remember that these courses are also wonderful in their own right, and present an excellent opportunity
SUBJECTS
Most students will study for 9 IGCSEs. Six of these are in the Core, all of which most students will complete. These include:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Science (Double Award)
- Modern Foreign Language
In addition, students can select 3 further subjects from the following:
- Art & Design
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Drama
- Geography
- History
- Music
- Physical Education
- Science (Triple Award)
Depending on uptake and resourcing, not all subjects may be offered.
HIGHER PROJECT QUALIFICATION
The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) presents an outstanding opportunity for highly academic and ambitious students. While it is equivalent to half a GCSE, its intellectual value is much greater. Students may independently select a topic of interest and, with a guiding mentor, conduct research and develop an essay or artefact. The HPQ emphasizes independent, self-directed learning, critical thinking, project management, research skills and presentation abilities, preparing students for future education and careers. It is assessed through both coursework and presentation.
IGCSE ASSESSMENT
IGCSE subjects are mainly assessed through written examinations or a combination of coursework and exams, but some subjects also require oral exams or practical work. Examinations are normally held in May/June of Year 11. Further detail is provided in each subject summary in this booklet. The grading structure follows a numeric system of 9 – 1 (9 being the highest), but universities only recognize grades 4 and above; these are referred to as “good passes.”
Enrichment
The British School of Monaco’s enrichment programme offers students the opportunity to engage in activities beyond classroom tuition.
In the Secondary School, extra curricular activities enhance curricular experiences, reinforce a sense of togetherness and, crucially, begin to explore the concept and application of leadership and service to our peers, our immediate and our global communities. Such activities also aim to build self-awareness, reflection and courage.
In practical terms they will range widely and include developing skills of confident public speaking, assisting others, planning and leading projects. All of our students will also have the opportunity to complete the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through school; this is an exceptional programme that helps to build lifelong self-belief, supports students to complete challenges, follow their passions and discover talents and qualities that they never knew they had.
