Introduction

The Secondary School offers a programme intended to build on the skills and experience gained at primary level, to make young people ready to become citizens of the world – young people with initiative, a cosmopolitan perspective and a sense of social responsibility. The transition to Secondary School is a great challenge, giving students much more independence and responsibility for personal organisation. It is a challenge which students enjoy as their skills develop. The programme gives them every opportunity to fully realise their potential to the fullest and to achieve the highest possible level of educational qualification before proceeding to universities around the world.

The Secondary School’s academic programme, described in more detail below, offers breadth, depth, variety and a curriculum following three major steps: Key Stage 3 of the English National Curriculum in years 7, 8 and 9; internationally recognized qualifications through the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or the GCSE (the UK national equivalent, which is also internationally recognised) in years 10 and 11; and A-levels in years 12 and 13.

The Secondary School affords opportunity and develops its students by involving them in a range of activities beyond the academic curriculum. A wide range of creative activities is available, which may include art, music, dance, poetry, choir, chess and many kinds of sports, including golf. Students are also encouraged to develop their skills with information technology for communication, research and presentation.

Teachers and students work together to bring all these activities to life. The student council and house system encourage students to take responsibility and demonstrate leadership skills. These activities also get students from different year groups to work together to help build a sense of community.

The Secondary School Day

A school day is a busy day (with homework afterwards). The lunch break provides time for a healthy meal in the cafeteria, and there is also a short mid-morning break. Students have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities when lessons are over.

Students learn in an environment which is safe, structured and sensitive. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, with the aim of creating and celebrating success. Parents can keep in touch with us through open days, our various events, personal appointments and of course this web site.

ISVA and the Schwarzkopfstiftung

ISVA has established close links with the Schwarzkopf Foundation. This organisation has as its aim “to develop a dialogue between young people of 16 and 28 years of age and leading figures from the world of politics, the economy and culture”.

They offer a truly exciting programme of events open to our senior students and we therefore actively support all ISVA students who are interested in participating in the European Youth Parliament programme. For more information, please visit www.schwarzkopf-stiftung.de/.

Curriculum

The English National Curriculum is the learning framework adopted by the school and adapted to the needs of the international student.

The secondary school is divided into three discrete groupings, or Key Stages:

Key Stage 3 of the English National Curriculum, which we follow in years 7 to 9, lays a foundation for the I/GCSE years that follow. The academic programme includes Mathematics, English, Science, Geography, History, German and French. ICT is delivered across the curriculum.

Music, Art, Physical Education, and personal, social, health and citizenship education (PSHCE) are integral parts of the curriculum and followed by all students. In addition, extra English lessons are arranged for those who need them.

A programme of career guidance is arranged during PSHCE. Students are able to examine career options, attend talks by various professionals and meet the career guidance coordinator before choosing their subjects for year 10.

I/GCSE – Years 10 to 11
Years 10 and 11 are the I/GCSE years. We expect most students to take eight subjects, although some students may take fewer, while others may take more subjects.

We believe that a taking wide range of subjects at this level, apart from keeping future options open, will give your child a more rounded education. The choices are made bearing in mind a breadth of disciplines, possible career choices, aptitude and enjoyment.

English German, Mathematics and Science are compulsory. All students also take part in Physical Education and PSHCE classes.

Options choices at I/GCSE include:
French, History, Geography, Business Studies and Art.

Homework

Homework is set every day and is considered to be an essential part of the learning process which encourages independent study. Students are expected to devote time to their homework. The amount of time needed will vary according to the year the student is in, but as a general rule it ranges from an hour per night in year 7 to at least two hours per night in years 10 and 11.

Teaching Groups

Students are taught mainly in their tutor groups in years 7 – 9. Years 10 and 11 are taught according to their options and meet as tutor groups for compulsory subjects, registration, physical education and tutor periods.

Assessment

Regular assessment of students’ work is considered crucial to the education process. Year 11 have their mock I/GCSEs in December and the public examinations in May and June. A series of short tests are given throughout the year and most assignments and practical work are marked and graded. All graded work, together with the examination result, determines the final grade for the year. Promotion to the next class is based on the performance for the year.

Parents and Teachers Meetings (PTM)

Parents and teachers meet three times a year to discuss students’ progress. Parents may make appointments at other times to discuss any immediate concerns. Teachers will also contact parents if there are any problems regarding a student’s work or behaviour. Reports are issued each term.

Learning Support

ESL classes normally run parallel to native English classes. Where a need for additional support has been identified, the school requires students to undertake further intensive English lessons at an extra charge. With the help of this ESL programme students can minimise their language deficit. Subject teachers are happy to help any students with difficulties in other areas. We are sympathetic towards students with specific learning difficulties but are able to provide only limited support. Students who seem to have undiagnosed problems are referred to professionals for testing, following discussions with parents.