The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is Abu Dhabi’s leading British not-for-profit, co-educational day school. From Nursery to A Level (3 – 18) our dynamic school culture offers students an enriching experience and outstanding results.
OUR VISION
Building on our unique local heritage, we will provide a world-class British education, inspiring all our students to exceed expectations.
OUR VALUES
Empathy and Care | Respect and Inclusivity Honesty and Integrity | Endeavour and Resilience
FOREWORD BY DEPUTY HEAD
Dear Parents & Students,
As we approach the conclusion of this academic year, I hope you are as excited as we are about the opportunities that await our students in the next academic year.
It is with great anticipation that we look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students for their first year of learning in the Secondary School environment. We are proud to offer a curriculum that is continually refined to incorporate the latest educational practices, and is tailored to meet the diverse needs and ambitions of each student.
Our curriculum is shaped by the latest research and expert insights, ensuring a comprehensive and individualised educational journey. It is designed to promote inclusivity, ignite curiosity, and foster a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
The framework of our curriculum uses all key elements of, but extends beyond, traditional subjects; it is a cohesive and strategic plan that facilitates a continued progression of knowledge and skills. Our Heads of Departments, all experts in their respective fields, have carefully curated the curriculum to build on past achievements from Key Stage 2 and set the stage for future successes.
We value transparency and collaboration with our parent community. With this in mind, as we transition into the next academic year, we want to keep you well-informed about the educational pathways that your child will embark upon. Your support from home is essential in enhancing their learning experience and strengthening the bond between our school and your family. This booklet is intended to support our joint efforts.
We eagerly anticipate the next academic year, where we will work to nurture our students' talents and guide them towards realising their full potential. With the combined efforts of our dedicated staff and your supportive partnership, we are confident in providing an educational experience that not only nurtures a love for learning but also equips our students for a successful future.
With warmest regards,
Mr Gareth Jones Deputy Head
gjones@britishschool.sch.ae
YEAR 7 CURRICULUM BOOKLET 2024/2025
CONTENTS
Subjects In Alphabetical Order
P06 Arabic A
P07 Arabic B
P08 Art
P10 Arts Enhancement
P11 Computer Science
P12 Design & Technology
P13 Digital Fluency
P13 Drama
P15 English
P16 French
P17 Geography
P18 History
P19 Islamic Studies A
P20 Islamic Studies B
P21 Inclusion
P24 Mathematics
P25 MELS
P26 Music
P27 Physical Education
P29 Science
P31 Social Studies A
P32 Social Studies B
P33 Spanish
ARABIC A
Arabic A is for native Arabic speaking students. The course aims to expose students to variety of informational texts as well as a variety of literature texts. Both of these are used as a vehicle to deepen students’ vocabulary, grammar usage and writing composition skills.
This is a compulsory course within the UAE, students follow the Ministry of Education Arabic curriculum, with additions and adaptations to meet their learning needs.
COURSE CONTENT
Students complete one unit of lessons each half term which covers three main areas of study:
● Reading
● Comprehension
● Language structures
● Writing
Texts vary between classic and modern poetry and prose, mostly linked to UAE identity, Islamic and Arabic history and background.
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Speaking
● Listening
● Reading
● Writing
RESOURCES
● Ministry textbooks
● Worksheets
● Websites
● Lessons developed by the teacher
SETTING
Teaching will be delivered in form groups.
ASSESSMENTS
Students complete half-termly and termly exams in reading and writing. The end of year exam covers all the essential skills.
ARABIC B
Arabic is a key 21st century language, being the official language of the UAE and ranked as the second most vital language for the UK in the British Council’s 2013 Languages for the Future report.
Knowing Arabic is vital for understanding the UAE, its culture. Therefore, students follow the Ministry of Education Arabic curriculum, with additions and adaptations to meet their learning needs.
The Year 7 curriculum will begin to lay the foundations for the rigours of GCSE and build on previous knowledge acquired in early years and primary Arabic lessons by developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as well as a focus on skills such as translation and spontaneous speaking.
The Year 7 course will also emphasise the fact that learning Arabic is not just about vocabulary and grammar but having an appreciation of Arabic culture and customs. We aim to foster an inquisitive and curious student who can take advantage of where we are and foster a genuine passion for Arabic as well as a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. It is after all, all around us!
COURSE CONTENT
Term 1
Me & My Family
Term 2
Health & Safety (Part 1: Sports & Hobbies)
Home & Town Health & Safety (Part 2: Foods)
SKILLS DEVELOPED
Students are required to develop confidence in:
● Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Term 3
School & Jobs
● Grammar - There is a greater emphasis on grammar, requiring students to use and manipulate a variety of key grammar structures and patterns.
● Vocabulary - There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary including vocabulary that goes beyond students’ immediate needs and interests.
RESOURCES
● Pre-GCSE Arabic (My Language is my Identity) Coursebook
● Languagenut digital learning platform
● Languagenut is provided by School but students may also access other websites independently such as Duolingo or Quizlet.
SETTING
Students will be setted according to their ability in the foreign language. Movement either up or down is a fluid process commensurate with the individual's linguistic needs.
ASSESSMENTS
Arabic is assessed summatively through one summative assessment per term, linked closely to the skills developed. The end of year assessment follows a similar format but will include all modules studied. Arabic is also assessed formatively as in ongoing daily informal assessment. Both types of assessment contribute to a students assessment grade.
ART
Art, Craft and Design enables students to explore and understand the world through the acquisition and development of observational and communication skills. Self-expression, creativity, moral and social awareness and an active engagement of the Impact of art, craft and design on culture are what we aim to foster in our young artists.
In Year 7, our young artists develop their observation and creative skills through a rich and varied curriculum. Traditional and contemporary artists , designers, cultures and genres are explored through an exciting range of media, techniques and processes.
The Formal Elements are central to all art knowledge and activities with an emphasis in Year 7 on the themes of Landscape, Still Life and Portraiture.
COURSE CONTENT
Landscape
All students will explore and develop skills in:
● A range of artists and artworks investigating Natural and Urban Landscape genre.
● Exploring media, techniques and processes.
● Exploring artist and contextual sources related to landscape genre.
● Creating and developing a range of ideas and concepts leading towards personal outcomes
● Interpretation and response to artwork and artefacts through the development of Visual and Written Literacy.
Still Life
All students will explore and develop skills in:
● A range of artists and artworks investigating traditional and contemporary Still Life.
● Composition and Narrative within Still Life Composition.
● Investigating symbolism.
● Observational drawing and mark making. Planning a drawing.
Portrait
All students will explore and develop skills in:
● A range of artists and artworks investigating traditional and contemporary Portraiture.
● Observational drawing.
● Establishing proportion and structure
● Introducing colour and tone.
ASSESSMENTS
Term 1
Assessment structure and taxonomy is derived from GCSE and A-Level Assessment language
Term 2
● Students are assessed against Assessment language taxonomy
End of year exam
● Assessment sheets are located in each student sketchbook and Google Classrooms
● The Formal Elements are central to all assessment whether self, peer, group or teacher led
ART
Formal Elements
● Central to art skills acquisition and development as artists, the Formal Elements are a consistent reference point in creating and understanding art and culture in all forms.
● Within our art curriculum the Formal Elements are integral to exploring developing and communicating Visual and Written Literacy.
LINE / SHAPE / FORM / TONE / TEXTURE / SPACE / PATTERN / COLOUR / COMPOSITION
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Develop knowledge and understanding of artist, designers, genres and contextual sources to inspire and influence personal responses.
● Develop knowledge, appreciation and application of the Formal Elements
● Developing a creative confidence in the use of a range of media, techniques and processes.
● Developing skills in communication, visual interpretation, individual and collaborative creative practice.
● Developing confidence in Visual and Written Literacy
SETTING
Teaching will be taught in mixed form groups.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Whilst we have excellent facilities and resources for art, all students are expected to bring to every lesson the following items.
HB and 2B/6B Pencil
Eraser
Sharpener
Black fine liner
Ruler
Glue stick
Set of coloured pencils
Homework and next lesson preparation activities will often require the above items.
ASSESSMENTS
Term 1
Assessment structure and taxonomy is derived from GCSE and A-Level Assessment language
Term 2
● Students are assessed against Assessment language taxonomy
End of year exam
● Assessment sheets are located in each student sketchbook and Google Classrooms
● The Formal Elements are central to all assessment whether self, peer, group or teacher led
ARTS ENHANCEMENT
For non Islamic students only.
This is an additional course to enhance performances in the arts: Art, Drama and Music.
Students will spend one term with each department and work on elements outside of the normal curriculum.
COURSE CONTENT
Students will develop their creativity and performing skills, while collaborating and showing leadership. They will work beyond the KS3 curriculum to expand their skills in the Performing Arts. The aim is to design, rehearse and stage performances throughout the year.
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Creativity and self expression
● Collaboration and teamwork
● Communication skills
● Resilience and self discipline
● Leadership skills
● Problem solving
● Time management
● Critical thinking
● Performance skills
● Musical theatre
● Technical theatre
● Art and design principles
● Visual Language
SETTING
Students are taught in small groups, with a collaborative approach to Music, Drama and Art.
ASSESSMENTS
Ongoing teacher assignment to evidence above skills.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
A key area in Year 7 is for students to understand and develop computer programs using both block and text coding that reflect computational thinking and become fully aware of staying safe online and cyberbullying.
COURSE CONTENT
● Students will study the Input-Process-Output sequence and the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle through practical activities.
● They will look at some simple binary to decimal conversion and vice versa, and learn how text characters are represented using the ASCII code. This will be followed by some simple binary addition.
● Students will learn more in depth how storage devices represent data using binary patterns and physically save these patterns.
● Students will cover some of the legal safeguards regarding computer use, including overviews of the Computer Misuse Act, Data Protection Act and Copyright Law and their implications for computer use. Phishing scams and other email frauds, hacking, “data harvesting” and identity theft are discussed together with ways of protecting online identity and privacy.
● Students will be introduced to a Python programming environment and begin solving various tasks using block based commands. They will then start to plan and develop their own algorithms, learning to incorporate variables and use their computational thinking skills to make decisions and introduce iteration at appropriate times.
● Program robots and learn to debug code.
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Computational thinking
● Problem solving
● Troubleshooting
● Knowledge and understanding of computers
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Students will be expected to bring a set of headphones to all Computer Science lessons.
SETTING
Taught in form groups.
ASSESSMENTS
Students will be assessed every half term based on the work covered up to that point. There will also be an end of year assessment, where students will be assessed on the topics covered throughout the year. This will consist of both a practical and written paper.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
In Year 7 students students will experience three aspects of Design and Technology and complete approximately 12 weeks of lessons in each of these areas:
Food and Nutrition
Product Design
Textiles
COURSE CONTENT - ON ROTATION
Food and Nutrition
Students will learn where food comes from, how to cook a range of dishes safely and hygienically and to apply their knowledge of healthy eating. They will learn basic food preparation and cooking techniques, learn to follow recipes using appropriate ingredients and equipment to prepare and cook a range of predominantly savoury dishes. They will gain knowledge from The Eatwell Guide to make informed choices about their own diet and will develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to complete tasks confidently. They will evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
Product Design
Students will build their skill and understanding of this subject through a range of modules which will cover many aspects including, designing, making, evaluating and also technical knowledge.
Design skills will focus on drawing and communication as well as computer aided design. There will be a manufacturing module where students will be required to work with a range of tools and equipment, manufacturing a product in the workshop. We are aiming to develop students understanding of computers and control by learning through a robotics module. There will be theory topics delivered which will help develop students’ technical understanding of the subject.
Textiles
This is an introduction to textiles and making a quality textiles product . Students learn how to set up and safely use a sewing machine to create products. In their project work they are introduced to textiles safety and equipment. During the project they are taught about the sources and origins of fabrics and fibres.
SKILLS DEVELOPED
All focus areas ensure that students can confidently use a range of materials and understand their properties whilst developing a student’s ability to understand the processes that materials undergo to transform them from raw stock items to finished products. All students will understand the design process when tackling design and make tasks.
RESOURCES
Students will require their Chromebooks in lesson and resources will be provided on the google classroom. Food items are required, if they are cooking in a lesson.
SETTING
Teaching will be delivered in form classes.
ASSESSMENTS
Assessments are carried out at key points throughout the unit and summative assessment will take place once the unit is complete and final products are completed. One combined Design and Technology paper will be sat during the summer examination period and will form part of the overall Design and Technology assessment.
DIGITAL FLUENCY
This course is designed to help students develop transferable skills in using technology.
Students will have one lesson a fortnight to develop their ability in effectively using a range of Google applications through task based modules. They will also complete lessons on a variety of digital citizenship topics.
COURSE CONTENT
Google Applications
● Google Drive
● Google Docs
● Google Slides
● Google Sheets
● Google Mail/Calendar
● Google Sites
● Google Forms
Digital Citizenship
● What is the cloud?
● Fake news and social media
● Online safety
● eSport and Gaming Addiction
SKILLS DEVELOPED
Students will develop their ability to effectively use online productivity software whilst building a critical awareness of key digital citizenship issues which have arisen through the increased usage of technology.
RESOURCES
Students will require their Chromebooks in lesson.
SETTING
Teaching will be delivered in form classes.
ASSESSMENTS
Term 1
There are no assessments on this course.
Term 2
End of year exam
DRAMA
Students begin to use a new and exciting range of Drama strategies and conventions in order to examine the world, varying cultures and social issues.
The confidence and communication skills which are fostered through learning in Drama, are a valuable and transferable skills set and the impact on other subjects is obvious. Students often find secondary speaking and listening situations more manageable and enjoyable from skills developed in Drama lessons.
COURSE CONTENT
Devising Skills
Students will learn how to create and build dramatic material focused on a particular theme or topic. They will learn how to use their bodies and voices imaginatively and creatively.
Students will develop their independent and group work techniques with an emphasis being put on personal and social skills such as listening, empathising, cooperating and negotiating.
Exploring a Play Script
This will involve the exploration of a playscript. Students will develop their understanding of the plot and themes as well as interpreting characters and key moments in the play. Acting skills are developed as students prepare for a polished performance in front of an audience.
Technical Theatre
Work focusing on technical aspects of Theatre such as set, costume, lighting and sound design. It will incorporate watching an critiquing a Live Performance. Students will study what makes an effective theatrical moment in terms of acting and design.
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Skills in this subject are transferable across the curriculum. It will allow students to develop confidence and communication skills. Students will be equipped with analytical skills and they will be encouraged to voice their opinions on a range of topical issues.
● Drama skills and techniques – a range of skills are taught to enable students to experiment with style within a range of performances.
● Developing and performing varied characters in an effective manner for an audience.
● A wide range of social and personal skills such as communication, confidence, analysis negotiation, problem solving, organisational etc.
RESOURCES
Resources will be provided on the google classroom.
SETTING
Teaching will be delivered in mixed ability classes.
ASSESSMENTS
Term 1
Term 2
During each unit of study every student will have a summative assessment on one or more of the 3 assessment areas: Making, Performing and Reflecting.
End of year exam
There will be a practical exam at the end of the year.
ENGLISH
English is a key curriculum subject and our inspiring thematic curriculum aims to encourage a love of reading, creativity with language use and a fascination for words and communication in all forms!
Each term, Year 7 will focus on developing specific speaking and listening, reading and writing skill sets linked by a common theme and drawing on fiction and non-fiction writing across the ages.
COURSE CONTENT
Texts are varied, engaging and challenging, with Year 7 students studying the following:
Term 1
● The Island
● Introduction to Poetry
Term 2
● Introduction to Shakespeare
● Marketing Unit
Term 3
● Alice in Wonderland - Growing Up
● Spies
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● The ability to read and make connections across a wide range of literature and non-fiction, analysing and evaluating a writer’s choice of language and structure features.
● Use of a wide ranging vocabulary, along with accurate and effective standard English to produce their own transactional and creative writing pieces for specific audiences and purposes.
● The ability to speak confidently and effectively in a range of contexts, including small group and whole class discussions and debates, presentations and dramatic roles.
RESOURCES
Please click here to view the English 5 Year Learning Journey. Full resourcing for lessons and homework will be provided by the department. Students should supplement this with their daily wider and independent reading.
Access to the Accelerated Reader programme
Access to Literacy Planet - on online literacy platform with teacher led and student led activities.
SETTING
Students will be broadly grouped according to ability in English.
ASSESSMENTS
As a skills based subject, our focus is on continually improving a wide range of linked skills across each term, rather than learning separate sets of content each time. We encourage students and parents to see all assessments as an opportunity to identify how they will improve further with the next theme.
FRENCH
The Year 7 curriculum aims to develop the confidence to communicate in French. It helps ease the transition from Primary to Year 7 and moves at the right pace for students.
It also emphasises the fact that learning French is not just about vocabulary and grammar but having an appreciation of French and indeed francophone culture and customs. We aim to foster an inquisitive and curious student who has a genuine passion for ‘all things’ French as well as a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
COURSE CONTENT
● Personal Information
● School Life
● Hobbies
● Local Area
● Holidays
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Listening and Speaking
● Reading and Writing
● Grammar - There is a greater emphasis on grammar, requiring students to use and manipulate a variety of key grammar structures and patterns.
● Vocabulary - There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary including vocabulary that goes beyond a student’s’ immediate needs and interests.
RESOURCES
● Pearson online textbook
● Languagenut digital learning platform
Languagenut and Pearson online resources are provided. Students may also access other sites independently such as Languages Online, Duolingo, Memrise or Quizlet.
SETTING
Students will be setted according to their ability in the foreign language. Movement either up or down is a fluid process commensurate with the individual's linguistic needs.
ASSESSMENTS
French is assessed summatively through at least one assessment per module, linked closely to the skills developed. The end of year assessment follows a similar format but will include all modules studied. French is also assessed through informal assessments which are conducted in each lesson. Both types of assessments contribute to students’ overall assessment grade.
GEOGRAPHY
Geography is the study of Planet Earth: the natural world, people, and how they interact with one another. We aim to instill an ‘awe and wonder’ of the natural world, as well as building on local and international examples to spark students’ interest.
Year 7 focuses on the core geographical skills that are then embedded into the rest of secondary school Geography.
COURSE CONTENT
Term 1
● What is Geography?
● Atlas and Map skills
Term 2
● Oceans
Term 3
● Urban Environments
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Atlas skills
● Map skills
● Spatial awareness
● Enquiry based learning
● Extended and argumentative writing
● Comparison making
● An understanding of settlement location, type, form and function.
● Knowledge of the different characteristics of settlements and an understanding of the features of a sustainable settlement.
● Importance of oceans and how they are being impacted by human actions
RESOURCES
● Mapzone Website
● BBC Bitesize - KS3 Geography
● GeoGuessr
● Geography Map Games
SETTING
Teaching will be delivered in form classes.
ASSESSMENTS
Students will complete mini assessments throughout the year when the class teacher deems appropriate to check knowledge, understanding and application. End of year exam will be based on all taught content. The paper will be approximately 1 hour.
HISTORY
History aims to engage the curiosity and imagination of students and present them with the dilemmas, choices and beliefs of people in the past. It helps students develop their own identities through an understanding of history at personal, local, national and international levels. It also develops critical thinking and metacognitive skills as we explore deeper themes and concepts within the past.
Year 7 is all about preparing students with the skills they will need at KS3 and beyond.
COURSE CONTENT
Term 1
● Events of 1066 and why did William win the Battle of Hastings?
● Is it fair to call the Middle Ages the ‘Dark Ages’?
Term 2
● How far has migration changed over time?
Term 3
● The history of the Native Americans.
SKILLS
DEVELOPED
● Chronology - what happens when?
● Cause and Consequence - why do things happen?
● Change and Continuity - what changes and stays the same?
● Significance - what made something important?
● Interpretations - what do other people think?
● Using Evidence – what evidence do I have?
RESOURCES
Resources will be provided through text books, work books and via the Google Classroom.
SETTING
Teaching will be delivered in form groups.
ASSESSMENTS
History is assessed formally through at least one assessment per topic, linked closely to the History skills above. Formative assessment takes place through teacher feedback on preparatory work. The end of year assessment is through a 40 minute written paper, covering a selection of the skills from the whole year, though content will be focused on the final unit.
ISLAMIC STUDIES A
This is a compulsory course within the UAE for all those of Muslim faith. Students follow the Ministry of Education curriculum, with additions and adaptations to meet their learning needs.
The Islamic values education curriculum called for here focuses on personality and character development of students, close attention to the real needs and concerns of students, and preparation of students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to function successfully as Muslims in society.
COURSE CONTENT
As per the Ministry of Education curriculum, the course covers a range of topics that allow students to:
● Practice recitation and memorisation of the Holy Quran and Hadith
● Learn different rulings related to the five pillars of Islam
● Learn about the life of Prophets and their companions
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Holy Quranic pronunciation and recitation
● Hadeeth memorisation
● Understanding of acts of worship and basic rules of dealings
RESOURCES
Ministry textbooks and the teacher’s own resources
ASSESSMENTS
● Half term test
● End of term exam
● End of year examination
ISLAMIC STUDIES B
This is a course within the UAE for all those of Muslim faith. Students follow the Ministry of Education curriculum with additions and adaptations to meet their learning needs.
The Islamic values education curriculum called for focuses on personality and character development of students, close attention to the real needs and concerns of students, and preparation of students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to function successfully as Muslims in society.
COURSE CONTENT
As per the Ministry of Education curriculum, the course covers a range of topics that allow students to:
● Practice recitation and memorisation of the Holy Quran and Hadith
● Learn different rulings related to the five pillars of Islam
● Learn about the life of Prophets and their companions
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● The rules of recitation for the Holy Quran
● Understanding and comprehension for the significance of the the Holy Quran and Hadith
● Memorising some verses from the Holy Quran and the Hadith
● Understanding of acts of worship and basic rules of dealings
RESOURCES
Ministry textbooks and the teacher’s own resources
ASSESSMENTS :
● Half term exam
● End of term exam
● End of year exam
INCLUSION
BSAK has a resourceful and friendly Secondary Inclusion team to help students from the age of eleven to eighteen.
The Inclusion team are patient, dedicated and experienced in finding solutions to the difficulties faced by young learners in busy classrooms. We like to help students build on their strengths and reach their goals in a practical, sensible way.
● We support students who experience a range of specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Other students have difficulties with speech, language and communication, managing anxiety or social relationships.
● We provide targeted interventions in order to equip students with the necessary literacy and numeracy skills to access the curriculum to the best of their ability and with confidence.
● Learning is active and enjoyable, and develops visual and auditory processing, phonological skills, memory and concentration.
● Learning Support students follow personalised programme of study during which they work on reading techniques to develop a love of reading and to enable them to read actively for different purposes. They learn how to plan and shape their writing to meet a range of requirements, and to improve their technical accuracy.
● They also learn techniques to help them cope with examinations, alternative revision skills and how to manage their workload more effectively.
AIMING HIGH
Two of our main priorities are showing students how to persevere when they experience difficulties, and that there should be no limit to their aspirations, whatever those may be, whether achieving a Drama award or winning a Poetry performance competition.
Together we create a secure learning environment so that students acquire the courage to take risks and accept challenges. They realise that they are expected to try their best, to stretch themselves and that the our team is there to help them to build a reliable problem-solving repertoire.
‘I really like Inclusion lessons because it covers things from other lessons you might not understand at first.’
INCLUSION
PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION (PoD) CARD
Background Information
● Issued by the Ministry of Community Development.
● Gives access to a package of services and privileges.
● It aims to improve the quality and well being of individuals.
● It is an official document indicating that the card holder is a PoD (adults and children).
● It is a free service which is processed in around 10 working days.
● Contact the call center on 800623 for more information or apply here
Eligibility
This gives the holder rights and services outlined in the Person with Disabilities law 2006. People of determination from the following categories are eligible: (mental, auditory, visual, physical, autistic, multiple, psychological, communication, attention deficit and hyperactivity, specific learning difficulties) of citizens and residents.
Required Documents
● Copy of the ID card (front and back).
● Medical report (physical, visual, hearing, communication disabilities) psychological (mental disabilities, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity, and psychological) from a government hospitals authorised official body stating the existence of the disability.
● Personal photo with a white background.
Benefits
● Support for insurance from the MoH.
● Priority housing support for UAE Nationals.
● Discounts for certain public services and facilities including RTA Salik, NoI Card, Etisalat and Du, Insurance from Ministry of Health, parking permits and discounts on a range of facilities and attractions across the UAE.
If you have any concerns around your child or questions about inclusion then you can contact The Secondary Head of Inclusion (Mrs Fran Marshall) directly using her email address which is: fmarshall@britishschool.sch.ae
If you are seeking a diagnostic report then you should contact Mrs. Marshall directly; we work with specific centres to ensure that reports use a range of diagnostic tests so that they are robust and useful. For exams access arrangements, it is essential that you use one of our approved centres to ensure that they provide the evidence required by the examination boards. If you choose to seek a report without our consultation then we can not necessarily accept this as evidence and do not take responsibility for this, you may be asked to provide an alternative report with one of our approved centres.
Please be aware that recommendations made on a report are only recommendations and not an entitlement to exams access arrangements, we also need to provide a wealth of evidence including cognitive and academic performance which is collected in school.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics in Year 7 aims to provide students with the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
In Year 7 there is an emphasis on understanding and confidently using different forms of calculation. New concepts in Number, Algebra, Shape & Space are also introduced.
COURSE CONTENT
Term 1
Analysing and displaying data
Number
Equations, functions and formulae
Fractions
SKILLS DEVELOPED
Term 2
Angles and shapes
Decimals and percentages
Ratio and proportion
Measures and shapes
Term 3
Sequences and graphs
Transformations
Probability
The Year 7 course is built around a unique pedagogy that has been created be leading educational researchers and teachers. The innovative learning structure is based around the following key principles designed to nurture confidence and raise achievement.
● Fluency
● Problem solving
● Modelling
● Relevance
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED
● Geometry set
● Linking
● Reflection
● Mathematical reasoning
● Progression
● Scientific calculator - we recommend the Casio FX-991 EX calculator
RESOURCES
BSAK Maths Website
SETTING
Students will be broadly grouped according to ability in Mathematics.
ASSESSMENTS
Assessment every half term based on the work covered up to that point. An end of year exam, based on the topics covered throughout the year.
MELS
Moral Education and Life Skills (MELS) is an essential part of modern day education. It covers content on personal wellbeing, economic well being, careers guidance, digital safety, morality and community wellbeing. Whilst the theory is important, MELS also helps to develop skills in critical thinking, positive decision making, how and where to ask for help and how to engage positively in the world around them. Whilst this subject is not examined it is a compulsory part of UK and UAE curriculum and its importance has been highlighted in a number of educational studies including the Oxford Impact Study, 2020, by Dr Lindorff. This is one of the most robust studies into student wellbeing. The results found a clear correlation between wellbeing, which MELS promotes, and academic success.
COURSE CONTENT
As part of our commitment at BSAK to a whole school approach to wellbeing we have worked to provide a framework for MELS that runs throughout Year 7-11 giving students a chance to learn, practice and extend their own knowledge and skills based on 6 important areas: Careers, Living in the Wider World, Mental and Physical Health, Mindfulness, Relationships and Study Skills.
Linked here you are able to access information on the objectives and projects undertaken in each of the year group areas.
MELS also incorporates the UAE Federal Government's Moral Education initiative, designed to promote tolerance and instill universal principles and values shared by humanity; details of which can be found here
TOPICS
● Individual Moral Duties and Responsibilities
● Making Good Decisions - Self worth, risk and crime
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Positive psychology and techniques to benefit wellbeing
● Problem solving
● Critical thinking
● Resilience
● Positive decision making
● Engaging positively in the world around them
SETTING
Lessons are taught in form groups once per week.
ASSESSMENTS
No formal assessment.
The impact of the program is seen through the interactions, beliefs and behaviours of those in the school community. Work and reflections can be recorded in the MELS / Wellbeing Journals.
MUSIC
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity, it is a subject which is held in high regard by universities all over the world.
Research suggests that a high-quality music education helps strengthen learning in all areas of the curriculum, as well as improving self-confidence, cognitive function and focus. Music has the potential to make a significant contribution to children’s development.Year 7 Music builds on previous knowledge and skills through performing, composing and listening activities.
COURSE CONTENT:
Unit 1 - Rhythm, Pulse, Beat
● Rhythm notation
● Chair drumming
● Writing & performing 4 part rhythm scores
● Samba
Unit 3 - Exploring Scales
● Major/Minor
● Pentatonic
● Modes
SKILLS DEVELOPED
Unit 2 - Pitch & Melody Writing
● Pitch notation
● How to write the perfect melody
● Keyboard skills
● Group performance
● Play and perform confidently in a range of solo and ensemble contexts using their voice, playing instruments musically, fluently and with accuracy and expression.
● Improvise and compose; extending and developing musical ideas by drawing on a range of musical structures styles, genres and traditions.
● Use staff and other relevant notations appropriately and accurately in a range of musical styles, genres and traditions. Identify and use the interrelated dimensions of music expressively and with increasing sophistication, including use of tonalities, different types of scales and other musical devices. Listen to a wide range of music from great composers and musicians.
● Develop a deepening understanding of the music that they perform and to which they listen and it’s history.
RESOURCES
All Music resources are provided. Students will use their chromebooks to access flat.io and bandlab.com music software.
SETTING
Lessons are taught in form groups in the secondary music classroom.
ASSESSMENTS
Music is assessed through both group individual performance. At the end of each unit the students perform and record their compositions and together they listen and appraise their work. There will be a listening exam for Music at the end of the year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
At BSAK we aim to give the students a world class offering of Physical Education. Students have two lessons per week:
Lesson 1 (Physical Education - Core PE)
Development of Physical Fitness, Skills in Isolation, knowledge of Sports Science
Lesson 2 (Physical Education - Core PE)- Development of Coaching, Leadership and Performance in a competitive setting.
We adopt a holistic approach to Physical Education, providing students with the knowledge and understanding that will allow them to live a healthy, active lifestyle throughout their adult life.
We aim to embed many of the school values within Physical Education lessons such as resilience, integrity and endeavour.
Students will be expected to wear their blue BSAK Physical Education kit for all lessons.
COURSE CONTENT
In order to provide the students of BSAK with a wealth of experiences, we offer a varied and vast curriculum. Our aim is to enrich the lives of the students by offering them many opportunities.
Some of the Sports we offer are as follows:
● Cricket
● Rugby
● Football
● Netball
● Athletics
● Swimming
We also offer lessons that will develop the students physical prowess:
● Performing at maximal levels
● Outwitting opponents
● Accurate replication of performance
● Exercising safely & effectively
ASSESSMENTS
All physical activities will be assessed and criteria shared to assist with future development. Students will be encouraged to be part of this assessment process. There will be self and peer assessment opportunities, via video analysis. Students will also have a theoretical examination during term 3 (Exam week). This will allow us to assess their knowledge of Sports Science and the theoretical concepts that underpin sporting performance. Assessment will be focused on five areas: 1. Physical Fitness 2. Core Skills in Isolation 3. Performance in a Competitive setting 4. Coaching & Leadership 5. Knowledge of Sports Science
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The aim is not just to develop sporting prowess, but to give the students a true education.
● Enhance knowledge of Sports Science
● Develop communication skills
● Improve analysis and evaluation skills
● Develop a love of learning and promote well being
The focus is to develop the students' understanding of how the theoretical concepts underpin sporting performance. This will be done through the creation of a Personalised Exercise Program.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPED
A range of skills are developed and refined with a key focus on:
● Teamwork
● Collaboration
● Communication
● Overcoming challenges
● Resilience
● Endeavour
● Tactics
● Strategies
● Students are also encouraged to analyse their performance using ICT
KIT POLICY
At BSAK we have a policy, where all students are expected to bring a kit to every lesson. If they are injured or unwell, they must have a parental note that excuses them from the practical element of the lesson. However, they must still get changed and they will develop their coaching and leadership skills.
SETTING
All lessons are mixed ability classes.
SCIENCE
Science at BSAK provides students with access to a wealth of knowledge and information, which will contribute to their understanding of how and why things work as they do. There is also a focus on developing practical skills, which will prepare students for further study at GCSE and A Level.
Science provides answers, so learning science is fundamental to developing a better understanding of the world around us, in order to equip ourselves with the ability to find solutions to global problems, both now and in the future.
Our students develop the knowledge and skills to understand new concepts, make well-informed decisions and pursue new interests. We also aim to equip our students with the ability to critically evaluate the bombardment of scientific information that they receive through a variety of outlets.
Students will study Science as a combined subject in Year 7, with aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics being taught in a way that emphasises the interconnectedness of the three disciplines.
COURSE CONTENT
Term 1
● Working scientifically
● Cells
● Sound
● Particles and their behaviour
Term 3
● Light
Term 2
● Forces
● Reactions
● Skeletal and muscular systems
● Elements, atoms and compounds
● Reproduction* (*there is an optional independent Earth science project for those who opt out of this topic)
● Separation techniques
● Space
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Describe and explain scientific ideas
● Application of knowledge, including problem solving
● Data analysis, including calculations
● Scientific literacy
● Practical skills
ASSESSMENT
Students will be assessed in class at the end of each topic. There will also be an end of year exam, consisting of one paper that will assess some of the core topics and skills covered in Year 7.
SCIENCE
RESOURCES
All students will be issued with login access to www.kerboodle.com where they will be able to use an extensive bank of learning resources including videos, animations, podcasts, worksheets and digital versions of the Oxford KS3 Science Activate 1 and 2 textbooks.
Another very useful resource is: KS3 Science Website
SETTING
Students will be taught in their tutor groups. There is no ability setting in Year 7.
SOCIAL STUDIES A
Arabic Social Studies is an essential topic in the UAE and in our curriculum at BSAK.
It is the subject that allows local students to learn about and be proud of their heritage and history, whilst also learning essential information about the culture of their country.
Students also learn about the history of the other countries in the GCC, specifically their alliances with these countries and their cultures.
COURSE CONTENT
Term 1
● I maintain my national identity
● National Service
● The natural characteristics of the Arabian peninsula
● Climate and natural vegetation in the Arabian peninsula
Term 2
● Geographic information systems
● Remote sensing
● The natural and human characteristics of the UAE
Term 3
● Perennial plants in the UAE
● Shaikh Zayed’s trips and tours in the UAE and North America
SKILLS DEVELOPED
The students learn how to research efficiently and correctly, and are also asked to do one project a term. They will also learn about the shape of the Gulf and how to draw it and will develop their History and Geography skills.
RESOURCES
Ministry textbooks, worksheets developed by teachers and websites
SETTING
The Social Studies A course is compulsory for the majority of Native Students (those in Arabic A (who speak fluent Arabic).
ASSESSMENTS
Students complete half-termly and termly exams on the specified subjects, testing their knowledge and how much information they have retained. The end of year exam covers all the essential skills.
SOCIAL STUDIES B
Non native Social Studies is an essential topic in the UAE and in our curriculum at BSAK. It is the subject that allows students to learn about the culture, customs and heritage of the country they live in.
Students also learn about the history of the other countries in the GCC, specifically their alliances with these countries and their cultures.
COURSE CONTENT
Term 1
● The ancient history of the UAE
● The development of society in the UAE
● The age of Islam in the UAE
Term 2
● Culture and customs of the people of the UAE
● Culture and customs of the people of the Arabian Gulf
Term 3
● Achievements of the UAE in the last 50 years
SKILLS DEVELOPED
The students will learn through a variety of experiences using a range of sources and activities to develop their enquiry skills. Working both independently and in small groups, students will complete a project each term. There is ongoing teacher assessment to track progress and ensure students are developing their history and Geography skills.
RESOURCES
Ministry textbooks, worksheets developed by teachers and websites
SETTING
Teaching will be delivered in small form classes to non native students.
ASSESSMENTS
Students complete half-termly and termly exams on the specified subjects, testing their knowledge and how much information they have retained. There is no end of year exam.
SPANISH
The Year 7 curriculum aims to develop the confidence to communicate in Spanish. It helps ease the transition from Primary to Year 7 and moves at the right pace for students. It also emphasises the fact that learning Spanish is not just about vocabulary and grammar but having an appreciation of Spanish and indeed Hispanic culture and customs.
We aim to foster an inquisitive and curious student who has a genuine passion for ‘all things’ Spanish as well as a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
COURSE CONTENT
Term 1
● Personal Information
● Free Time
Term 2
● School Life
● Family & Friends
Term 3
● My Town
SKILLS DEVELOPED
● Listening and speaking
● Reading and writing
● Grammar - There is a greater emphasis on grammar, requiring students to use and manipulate a variety of key grammar structures and patterns.
● Vocabulary - There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary including vocabulary that goes beyond a student’s immediate needs and interests.
RESOURCES
● Viva 1 online textbook via Pearson
● Languagenut digital learning platform
Languagenut and Viva 1 resources are provided. Students may also access other sites independently such as Languages Online, Duolingo, Memrise or Quizlet.
SETTING
Students will be setted according to their ability in the foreign language. Movement either up or down is a fluid process commensurate with the individual's linguistic needs.
ASSESSMENTS
Spanish is assessed summatively through at least one assessment per module, linked closely to the skills developed. The end of year assessment follows a similar format but will include all modules studied. Spanish is also assessed through informal assessments which are conducted in each lesson. Both types of assessments contribute to students’ overall assessment grade.
