Like sprouts, more and more new schools are opening their doors across the country and, with the start of the academic year right around the corner, it’s perfect timing. Deciding on a curriculum is one of the most important decisions you will make when looking for a new school to get your child started in or even if you’re looking to change schools. Consistency is everything, which is why deciding on a curriculum early on can make moving between schools quite effortless. The last thing a parent wants is for their child to be held back a grade because of frequent curriculum changes. In our May issue, we gave you your guide to the American curriculum. This issue, we have compiled everything you need to know about the British curriculum.
The British curriculum, which is referred to as the National Curriculum in the UK, is one of the UAE’s most preferred schooling systems to follow. It was first implemented in 1992 in the UK as a way of standardising the educational system across England, Wales and Northern Island. The curriculum is generally divided into four key stages. However due to the KHDA in the UAE, all curriculums, including the British one, are required to make a few modifications to the schooling system. This includes teaching Arabic and Social Studies pertaining to the culture and history of the UAE.
The first two key stages are for children between the ages of five and 11, which runs from the Year 1 to Year 7. Students are taught a variety of subjects that eventually build the basis of the advanced topics they will be covering later on. These subjects include English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Art, PE, Religious Studies, Computer Studies and at least one foreign language. As the students get older, they will be given more freedom to choose which subjects they would like to take. However, certain subjects like Math, English and some form of science are considered core requirements and must be taken by all students until Year 11. The third key stage involves students between Year 8 and Year 10. During this stage, students are increasingly prepared for the GCSE exams (General Certificate of Secondary Education), which are taken in Year 11.
At the GCSE level, students are required to take certain subjects, including English, Maths and one Science. The GCSE is a single-subject examination written and marked by different examination boards such as Cambridge, Oxford and Edexcel. Students usually take up to ten GCSE examinations, but most universities require that students sit for at least five exams. After taking GCSEs, students at this level can be granted admission into other curriculum colleges, such as American universities, depending on how well they scored in their exams. However, most if not all universities in the UK would expect students to take a higher level of secondary school examinations known as AS-Levels, which is taken in Year 13. Unlike in previous stages, students are only expected to take four subjects. In Year 12, students may take A-Level (short for Advanced Level) examinations, which are required for university entrance in the UK.
One thing to remember is that KHDA regulations in the UAE have required students switching from the British to the American curriculum to go one ‘Grade’ down. Don’t worry, as your child will end up graduating a year earlier than colleagues in the British system, because of the Grade 12 and Year 13 difference. However, if you decide to move your child back into a British curriculum school, they would be placed one year lower than the year they would have been in if they had not moved.
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park (DBSJP) is a Taaleem school offering The National Curriculum for England; a broad and balanced programme promoting high academic standards and a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Careful planning has ensured that the prescribed curriculum content for each subject is covered within a broad and flexible framework where key skills are developed.
From the age of five, all children have daily Literacy and Numeracy lessons. Secondary school students will be entered for GCSE and IGCSE examinations in Year 10 and Year 11 and for A-Levels in Years 12 and 13.
DBSJP has been designed to the highest specifications with the 21st century learning needs of students in mind. The facilities are second to none and include a state-of-the-art performing arts theatre, radio station, large, light and airy classrooms, a competition standard 8-lane swimming pool with training pool, shaded outdoor learning spaces and a food technology room, family-style dining facilities with a professional-standard kitchen.
DBSJP is accepting applications for Years 1 – 8 for the academic year 2016/17. Contact Dawn Rennie, Director of Development and Admissions on dda@dubaibritishschooljp.ae or call 04-5520247 ext. 603. Visit www.dubaibritishschooljp.ae for more information.