International School Thailand - Curriculum

Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 & 9 (Age 11 – 14 years)

The academic programme is based on the National Curriculum but is not limited by it. In Key Stage 3, all students study a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, ICT, Science, Thai, Art & Design, Chinese, Design Technology, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education and PSHCE.

At the end of Year 9, all students have the opportunity to select the subjects that they would like to study at IGCSE. This options process is done in consultation with students, parents. The options system is very flexible and puts students' personal needs first.
Key Stage 4 – IGCSE, Years 10 & 11 (Age 14 - 16 years)

The IGCSEs are a two year course culminating in internationally recognised qualifications. The programme consists of a combination of ‘core’ subjects and ‘optional’ subjects. The core subjects are English, English Literature, Mathematics, ICT, Science, PE and PSHCE. (Thai nationals must also study Thai). In addition to the core subjects, students may also choose three subjects from a wide range of options, including Art & Design, Business Studies, Chinese, Design Technology, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Sociology and Thai.

Key Stage 5 - The Sixth Form, Years 12 & 13 (Age 16 - 18 years)

In the Sixth Form most students choose four AS Level subjects for study in Year 12, reducing to three A2 Level subjects in Year 13. The subject choices are made in consultation with parents and teachers. Students also take courses in General Studies and PSHCE which ensure that Sixth Form work does not become too narrow in its range.

Individual support is given to help students make a smooth transition to Sixth Form study. A successful A Level student needs to develop motivation, self-discipline and the necessary private study and research skills. Sixth Formers are expected to cultivate sound work habits and work independently in preparation for university. The Library and Sixth Form Centre provides an ideal learning environment for a Sixth Form student to excel. All students will be supported and guided through the application process to any university in the world.

Years 7-9 (Key Stage 3)

Key Stage 3 builds on the achievements of Key Stage 2 and prepares students for their first formal examinations, IGCSEs, in Key Stage 4.

At the beginning of Key Stage 3, students will experience a transition as they are now taught by teachers who are specialists in their subjects. Moving on from the Primary single classroom setting, students are set increasingly in-depth work in each subject, are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves and are to extend their study skills.

At the end of Year 9, which is also the end of Key Stage 3, students will make their IGCSE Option choices which they will study in Key Stage 4. We encourage students to choose as broad a range of subjects as possible. In addition to these optional subjects, there are a number of compulsory subjects. Please refer to the Key Stage 4 section of the website for more information.

As part of Bromsgrove’s educational standards of academic rigour, students are helped to take greater responsibility for organising their learning using the learning planner. Students study a broad and balance curriculum and appreciate the links between subject disciplines. They are helped to become more able thinkers, team players and leaders by a curriculum incorporating approaches and activities which develop critical thinking and negotiating skills, as well as a solid base of skills and knowledge.

In addition to their academic studies courses, all students attend Physical Education (PE) and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship (PSHCE) classes. Key Stage 3 is a critical time in a child’s intellectual, emotional and social development.   Our PSHCE curriculum helps students to manage and understand these changes through a programme which explores issues such as global citizenship, relationships and self esteem at age appropriate depths as the Key Stage progresses.

For further details, please contact Mr Simon Hinds, Head of Key Stage 3 (shinds@bromsgrove.ac.th)

Year 10-11 (IGCSE)

At the end of Year 9, which is also the end of Key Stage 3, students will make their IGCSE Option choices which they will study in Key Stage 4. We encourage students to choose as broad a range of subjects as possible. In addition to these optional subjects, there are a number of compulsory subjects (see the table below for details). Thai citizens are required to study IGCSE Thai.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) are often considered the most important at school because the qualifications they gain will open doors to the world of work, A levels and tertiary education. There is a significant difference between Key Stages 3 and 4; in Key Stage 4 the focus is on problem solving and critical thinking. Students need to be much more active in the learning process through discussions, debates and asking questions. These skills will be essential throughout their life.
In Term 3 of Year 11, students will sit examinations set by the University of Cambridge and will lead to qualifications known as International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE), which are recognized by employers and universities all over the world. Most students will take 8 or 9 IGCSEs. Some students will be given the opportunity to sit English as a second language IGCSE at the end of Year 10.
In addition to examination courses, all students attend Physical Education (PE) and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship (PSHCE) classes. There are also many opportunities to get involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities, for example:
•   Community: Teaching English in a local Thai school
•   Charity: Building houses for low income families (Habitat for Humanity)
•   International Award (expeditions, skills development and volunteer activities)
•   Responsibility: Student council and lead boy/girl
•   Field work in Northern Thailand

Compulsory IGCSE subjects	Subject	Hours per 2 weeks
	English	10
	Mathematics	6
	Science (2 IGCSE)	10
	ICT	5
Compulsory non IGCSE Subjects	PE	2
Compulsory non IGCSE Subjects	PHSCE	2
IGCSE Option subjects	Choose 3 from the following: PE, Art, Music, Design & Technology, Business Studies, History, Geography, Chinese, Korean.	5
	Total	50 Hours

For further details please contact the Head of Key Stage 4, Mr. G Booth gbooth@bromsgrove.ac.th.

Sixth Form (Years 12-13)

Sixth Form students at Bromsgrove International School Thailand, (BIST), have proved their academic ability and are beginning a journey that will take them to University and into their adult life. During their time with us they will be given the subject specialist knowledge needed to commence a degree course after following the Cambridge International Examinations’ (CIE) rigorous and globally recognised A Level programme.

The International A Level programme is ideal for those young people who want to gain in-depth knowledge and lifelong skills that will prepare them for success in higher education and employment. It provides students with qualifications that are accepted as proof of academic ability for Universities worldwide and has been created specifically for an international school students.

University entrance is a highly competitive area and applicants need to be able to stand out from the crowd. As a result the senior students at BIST are given the kind of study skills and leadership training that the best Universities in the world are looking for. Our students will be able to explain in their applications how they have helped organise whole school events and taught younger students about the vital issues affecting children today. They can list the leadership roles they have held and talk about the team building exercises they have participated in. Our Sixth Form students can address large groups of people with confidence and are able to talk at length about the rights and responsibilities of all citizens,

It is our aim to prepare students for University and help them become the very best they can both academically and personally. We hope that in the future they will look back on their time with us and see it as the time in their lives when the foundations were laid for all the successes and achievements that followed.

If you are a prospective student, we hope you choose to join us, and we look forward to helping you begin the most exciting journey of your life.

For more information please contact Chris Sparks, Head of Key Stage 5,
csparks@bromsgrove.ac.th

Click here to read our handbook on "A Guide to the Academic Curriculum at Bromsgrove".