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Academics

Curriculum Overview

British Education with Norwich

Why British Curriculum?

British education has achieved a worldwide reputation for quality, and is recognised and respected around the world. One of the huge benefits is how transferable it is – students can move seamlessly from country to country as so many reputable international schools use a British based curriculum.

Key Characteristics of a British style curriculum

British education is renowned for concerning itself with the development of the whole personality. Learning is important, but not enough in itself. Young people need to develop their potential to explore and discover the world around them, to think for themselves and form opinions, to relate to others, to develop their bodies through sport and physical education, and to gain experience in taking responsibility.

British education has achieved a worldwide reputation for quality, and is recognised and respected around the world. One of the huge benefits is how transferable it is – students can move seamlessly from country to country as so many reputable international schools use a British based curriculum.

Early Years Foundation Stage - EYFS

(Ages 3 to 5)

The learning environment combines high standards with a broad and rich curriculum. The Early Learning Goals are standards in themselves and we strive to achieve them through a variety of play-based and structured activities, striking a fine balance between both teacher-led and student-initiated play. Play underpins all development and learning for young children. The Key Learning Areas are integrated into the children’s daily programme, through a variety of experiences and activities.

The Prime Areas

  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development
  • Personal Social and Emotional Development

The Specific Areas

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

Primary Curriculum

(Ages 5 to 11)

Our curriculum is challenging, creative and constantly reviewed for relevance, breadth and effect. We understand that children learn best by doing, exploring and being appropriately challenged, whilst feeling safe, valued and part of a lively community.

The learning environment combines high standards with a broad and rich curriculum. The Early Learning Goals are standards in themselves and we strive to achieve them through a variety of play-based and structured activities, striking a fine balance between both teacher-led and student-initiated play. Play underpins all development and learning for young children. The Key Learning Areas are integrated into the children’s daily programme, through a variety of experiences and activities.

Parents will be invited to school during each theme, to celebrate the success of your child.

In Primary, textbooks are not actively used within the Curriculum. At Norwich, we believe in meaningful interaction between teacher and student and that over-reliability on textbooks for Primary children has the following issues if not managed carefully:

Over-reliability on textbooks

  • They may not stretch the child’s imagination
  • Interaction between teacher and student reduces markedly
  • They can limit creativity
  • It can be boring for the children
  • They may not pique the child’s curiosity to know more, or to experiment
  • Learning may not be deep or transformational
  • It can place limits on differentiation (oftentimes different children need different material at different levels and work at different speeds)

Secondary Curriculum

(Ages 12 to 18)

Key Stage 3 covers Year 7 to 9, where the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) Checkpoint curriculum is followed for the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Global Perspectives. CAIE provides external examinations in these subjects at the end of Year 9. The focus for all other subjects is the preparation for the International General Certificates of Secondary Education (IGCSEs), which are the focus for Years 10 and 11.

Key Stage 4 covers Year 10 and 11, where the students at Norwich study a range of courses, some compulsory and some optional, which lead to the IGCSE examinations with CAIE

Compulsory Subjects
  • English – First Language (0500) AND English – Literature (0486) OR English – Second Language (0511)
  • Mathematics – International (0607)
  • Sciences – Combined (0653)
  • Thai – First Language (0518)
  • Mandarin Chinese – Foreign Language (0547)
  • Global perspectives (0457)
Subject Options (Must choose 2)
  • Economics (0455)
  • Physical Education (0413)
  • Information and Communication Technology (0417)
  • Art & Design (0400)

Key Stage 5 covers Year 12 and 13, where the students at Norwich study a range of courses, some compulsory and some optional, which lead to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP).

Course Selection

Group 1: Studies in Language or Literature (also known as Language A)

  • Thai / English / Mandarin

Group 2: Language Acquisition

  • English / Mandarin or an ab initio language 

Group 3: Individuals and Societies 

  • History / Business Studies

Group 4: Sciences

  • Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Computer Science

Group 5: Mathematics 

  • Application and Interpretations or Analysis and Approaches

Group 6: The Arts 

  • Art / Music or a subject from a previous group
Extended Essay (EE)

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity; the skills that will be required to be successful at university and the world of work.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

The TOK course provides students with an opportunity to explore and reflect on the nature of knowledge and the process of knowing. It is a core element of the DP to which schools are required to devote at least 100 hours of class time.

Creativity Activity Service (CAS)

CAS is the final member of the core, to assess completion there should be evidence that students have met the following 7 learning outcomes

–  Increased their awareness of their strengths and areas for growth
–  Planned and initiated activities
–  Worked collaboratively with others
–  Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
–  Engaged with issues of global importance
–  Considered the ethical implications of their actions

Students also undertake non-IB DP subjects such as Mindfulness, Sport & Games and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education).

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