Our School
Our School
Curriculum
Norwich International School
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 are:
The Specific Areas are:
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Communication and Language
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Physical Development
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Personal Social and Emotional Development
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Literacy
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Mathematics
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Understanding the World
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Expressive Arts and Design
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.
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.
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:
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They may not stretch the child’s imagination
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Interaction between teacher and student reduces markedly
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They can limit creativity
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It can be boring for the children
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They may not pique the child’s curiosity to know more, or to experiment
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Learning may not be deep or transformational
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It can place limits on differentiation (oftentimes different children need different material at different levels and work at different speeds)
Secondary Curriculum
(ages 5 to 11)
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.
At Norwich students study:
• 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).
• Options – 2 of: Economics (0455), Physical Education (0413),
Information and Communication Technology (0417),
Art & Design (0400)
Examinations are generally at the end of Year 11, but some Year 10 students may sit English – Second Language (0511) or Mathematics – International (0607) at the end of Year 10.
Students also undertake non-IGCSE subjects such as Mindfulness, Sport & Games and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education).
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 Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS) and Advanced Level (A) examinations with CAIE.
Compulsory in Year 12, one of:
With 3 (or possibly 4) of:
• General Paper – English *AS Level only* (8021)
• English – Language (9093)
• English – Literature (9695)
• Mathematics (9709)
• Biology (9700)
• Chemistry (9701)
• Physics (9702)
• Chinese (9715)
• Global Perspectives & Research (9239)
• Geography (9696)
• Physical Education (9396)
• Business (9609)
• Art & Design (9479)
• Digital Media & Design (9481)
• Other subjects are also possible, depending on student interest and available staffing.
