SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Swans strives to deliver a broad and relevant international curriculum which enables our students to reach their full potential and provides the perfect preparation for university and beyond. 

The following is a broad summary of the curriculum we offer

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) 

All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 study the five core academic subjects Core Subjects:

English
Maths
Science
Spanish (EP, ESO or Second Language Spanish)
ICT

In addition, students study Music, French, Physical Education and Drama. Students not following the EP or ESO programmes have separately timetabled lessons in Geography and History.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

At the end of Year 11 all students sit IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams. These are public exams set by independent examination boards in the UK.

Details of the available IGCSE subject options are communicated to parents and students during the Spring Term of Year 9.

In Key Stage 4 all students are required to study the five core subjects as follows:

English:Language and Literature
Spanish: Students follow either the ESO programme (comprising Lengua, Literatura and Sociales) or Second Language Spanish. All students take I/GCSEs in either First or Second Language Spanish. Some students may also take an IGCSE in Spanish Literature.

Maths:

Science: (double award, three single sciences, Biology, Chemistryand Physics - Health and Social Care also available.)

ICT:

In addition, students select either two (in the case of ESO students) or three (non-ESO students) further I/GCSE options from a range which currently includes French, Business Studies, Travel and Tourism, Drama, History, Geography, Music, Art and Physical Education.

Details of the available I/GCSE subject options are communicated to parents and students during the Spring Term of Year 9. At that time, students and parents are provided with an options booklet which details the different subject choices available and the selection procedure.

Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)

Swans is an IB World School and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to all students in the Sixth Form. The Diploma Programme requires students to select and study six subjects from a range of disciplines, including first and second languages, sciences, humanities, maths and the arts.

Students must also follow core studies in Theory of Knowledge and CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) and complete an extended essay on a chosen topic.

The Diploma Programme is highly-regarded among many of the world’s universities and is an excellent platform for post-18 study. However, owing to the academically rigorous nature of the Diploma Programme, entry to the sixth form at Swans is subject to students achieving at least six passes (Grades A* to C) at IGCSE, including English and Maths. Students may need to achieve an A or B grade to study certain subjects at Higher Level.  

During Years 10 and 11, parents are invited to attend presentations which provide an introduction to the Diploma Programme and review the options available.At present, Swans offers the following IB subjects:

 

Language A1	Language A2	Individuals  and Societies	Experimental Sciences	Mathematics	The Arts
English  A1	English B	Economics	Biology	Mathematics	Visual Arts
Spanish  A1	Spanish B	History	Chemistry	Maths Studies	Music
	French B	ITGS	Physics		Theatre Studies
		Geography	Environmental  Systems
		Business and Management