Subjects Studied in Years 7-13

We are an English medium school that broadly uses the English National Curriculum as its basis in Years 7, 8 and 9. This is modified to reflect the diverse international community at St Andrews. All students use English to unlock this curriculum. Students are supported in their English development with the key purpose of accessing and interacting with the curriculum. In Years 10 and 11 our students study a range of subjects leading to external examinations offered by either Cambridge or the EDEXCEL organization, based in the UK. These (I)GCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Examinations are widely accepted throughout the world as a reliable indicator of a student’s ability. Our students usually study between 7 and 10 subjects at this level, depending on ability and interest. In years 12 and 13 our students study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) offered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Success at IBDP level allows our students access to high quality universities throughout the world.

Summary of Subjects taught within the Secondary school

English

English is the common medium in which our students operate. It permeates the entire school day. Students learn English, learn through English and learn about English. Our curriculum includes both verbal and written communication. All students of Secondary age must understand English to a high enough level to allow them to access all subjects. Intermediate Level and Advanced Level support are offered to students in Years 7-9 by our EAL department at additional cost. Levels of English are assessed before a student is accepted into the school and additional English support may be a condition upon entry. The majority of our students take IGCSE English as a Second language 2 years early in Year 9. Their success has enabled the vast majority of our students to be studying First Language English and Literature during Years 10 and 11. At IB level students either study English A1 ( First Language) or English B ( Second Language.)

Mathematics

Mathematics is viewed as a way of thinking and a language for understanding and constructing meaning. It gives students another way to think and another language to use. There are six strands in our Mathematics curriculum which have equal importance and are necessary for the development of the whole child. These strands are data handling, measurement, number, pattern and function, space and shape and working mathematically. Maths is a compulsory subject for all year groups.

Science

Students study a range of units which encompass all three of the sciences; biology, chemistry and physics. In Y7-9 each unit lasts approximately 2-3 weeks and we cover about ten units a year.

Students also engage in scientific investigations by making accurate observations, handling instruments, recording and comparing data, and formulating explanations using their own scientific experiences and those of others. Students will gain experience in testing their own hypotheses and think critically about the perspectives of others in order to further develop their own ideas. Science is a compulsory subject for all year groups, with separate sciences being offered at IB Diploma level in Y12 and 13.

Geography

Geography at St. Andrews looks at many contemporary issues that face the world and how we can deal with them. It teaches students that we are part of a global community and that we can play a vital role in molding the future. We look at environmental, human and economic changes in in the planet and understand why this is happening and how it will affect communities in the future. Geography is compulsory for students in Y7 to Y9 and is then an optional subject in Y10-13.

History

In order for students to understand about the world and their life today it is important for students to know how the world developed and where they came from. History gives students the skills in order to do this. Our History course deals with not only historical content, but perhaps more importantly the transferable skills necessary for piecing together and analysing what happened in the past. History is compulsory for students in Y7 to Y9 (unless they are studying EAL) and is then an optional subject in Y10 to 13.

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

An essential element in the development of a young person – where students understand their own physical development as well as making sense of the social and emotional issues facing them as they grow into young adults. PSHE is compulsory for students in Y7 to Y11 (unless at student is studying advanced EAL in years 7 – 9).

Physical Education

Through PE students are able to build their self-esteem, confidence, cooperation and fitness. They are all included in activities that build skills, knowledge and understanding that can be transferred to their own physical interests outside of the school programme. PE is compulsory for students in Y7 to Y9 (3 lessons / week), Y10 and 11 (one lesson / week) and there is also an optional IGCSE PE subject in Y10 and 11. All students throughout the school are encouraged to participate in sports activities and this is supported through our extensive activities programme.

Visual Art

Visual Art aims to encourage a personal response by stimulating imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability. It is hoped that students will gain confidence and enthusiasm as they develop technical skills in two and three dimensional form and learn to identify and solve visual design problems. The creative process aims to show students how to develop ideas from initial attempts to final solutions. This subject is obviously concerned with the development of visual perception and is an essential form of communication and a means of expressing one’s ideas and feelings. Art is compulsory for students in Y7 to Y9 and is then an optional subject in Y10 to Y13.

Drama and IB Theatre

Students have the opportunity to develop self awareness and self confidence through action in Drama. The subject helps students to think logically and develop ways in which to communicate their ideas to others. All students in years 7 to 9 study Drama and it is an optional IGCSE subject in Y10 and 11. IB Theatre has now been introduced as an option for Year 12 and 13 students.

Music

Music is studied through practical-based performance, composition and listening activities and plays a vital role in the personal development of the student. It encourages self-discipline and develops self-esteem, creativity and teamwork. It also promotes problem-solving and analytical skills and aids gross and fine motor development. As an integral part of cultures, past and present, Music helps pupils to understand the world around them. Music is compulsory for students in Y7 to Y9 and is then an optional GCSE subject in Y10 and 11.

Computing and Computer Science

ICT is a tool which facilitates and enhances learning so it is incorporated into all curriculum areas by the teachers. In addition to this, students also receive specific computing lessons from specialist teachers to further develop their skills. In years 7-9 students have a double lesson per week called computing and in years 10-11 they have the option to study the IGCSE Computer Science course. In Years 12 and 13 students have the option to study IB Computer Science. The school has 2 ICT labs and additional computers in subject areas which are all networked and connected to the internet.

Additional Languages

Apart from English, there are four languages taught at St Andrews. Your language choice will depend on your nationality and background.

Thai

Thai is offered at three different levels; for those new to Thai (Thai as a Modern Foreign Language), those with some Thai (Thai as an Additional Language) and those who are native Thai speakers (Thai as a First Language). Thai is taught following Thai government guidelines. Under current Thai Law, Thai is compulsory for Thai students.

French

French is offered as a foreign language and recommended as a possible choice for students who do not have Thai as a native language. This class allows students to obtain fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as introducing everyday useful phrases that would be conducive for basic communications in French. Lastly, it serves to inspire, motivate and encourage students to study French further, whilst consolidating the foundation of their study in French to adequately prepare them for future pursuits of the language. French is studied from Y7 –13.

Dutch

These lessons are available for Dutch or Belgian students for whom Dutch is their first language. The lessons are offered to students from Reception through to Secondary School. The Dutch lessons are structured according to the benchmarks for Dutch language set by the Dutch Government and Inspector of Education. Our aim is to provide lessons that will enable your child to read, write and comprehend the Dutch language. To enable the Dutch Department to achieve these standards, a Dutch specific classroom is located in teaching block 2. For more information you can contact the Dutch Department, by sending an e-mail to: dutchstream@standrews-schools.com.

Mandarin

This class includes the handling of Mandarin phonetics and the system of hanyu pin-yin. This class allows students to obtain fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as introducing everyday useful phrases that would be conducive for basic communications in Mandarin. Lastly, it serves to inspire, motivate and encourage students to study Mandarin further, whilst consolidating the foundation of their study in Mandarin to adequately prepare them for future pursuits of the language. Mandarin is studied from Y7 – 13.

Design and Technology (DT)

This very practical and interesting subject was introduced in August 2019 and can now be studied in Years 7 - 11. All Year 7 - 9 students will have the opportunity to study DT whilst IGCSE DT is an option subject in Years 10 and 11.

Professional Development of Staff

St. Andrews is committed to the professional development of their staff be they teachers or support staff. To this end, Teachers attend workshops locally and internationally. Some of this development happens on non-contact days, some when students are on holidays and some whilst school is in session.

Library

The library supports the information and recreational reading needs of the school community. The library is based in the CORE building.

The six guiding principles of the library are:  Information Literacy: to develop students’ skills in finding and using information independently  Reading: to develop confidence and enjoyment of literature  Access: to access information within and beyond the school via online resources  Service: to ensure that library users are supported and welcome  Information Resources: to provide a wide variety of information resources including extensive use of ICT  Place: to offer a stimulating and comfortable environment for the school community to share

A main goal of the library is to build upon its collection and range of books. We continue to add stock to the library on a regular basis, especially in relation to research material required for older students. Parents are asked to help their children to be responsible borrowers by encouraging them to keep books in a set place and return them on time. Any book that is not returned to the library within seven days becomes overdue. Notices are sent out regularly from the library to remind borrowers to return the item before new books may be borrowed. Users will be charged for the replacement cost of any lost book/s.

Book Clubs

Helping students learn to read and love reading is a team effort. In order to do this we use Baker Books. They provide good quality books to families through a mail-order system. Baker Books orders are distributed through the library staff.