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Key Stage 4

 

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• Brief Description of KS3 and KS4 Science Curriculum at GHARS

• Our KS3 Science curriculum at GHARS spans from Grade 6 to Grade 8 and is designed to provide engaging lessons with  a logical order of objectives. Our syllabus develops vital concepts and mastery goals to equip learners with success and a smooth transition to iGCSE. The lessons are customised with front-of-class resources, and online homework with a range of hints to fuel learners' curiosity and develop their learning skills. Our program also provides a coherent method to track students' progress throughout KS3.

 

• In Grade 9, we begin our KS4 Science curriculum, which completes in Grade 10. All students undertake their final iGCSE examinations at the end of grade 10, with exam dates set by the UK-based examination boards. It is advised that students do not arrange travel plans around this time.

 

• At GHARS, we teach Science using an investigation-based approach, all in our equipped labs. Theory is supported by created resources and activities that meet students' ability and aptitude. We consolidate the learning with revision that includes PPTs, booklets, quizzes, and past papers. Our sessions are interactive, interesting, practical, and enjoyable, motivating our students to learn.

 

• A typical Science lesson focuses on deepening understanding of Science concepts, develops problem-solving and investigative skills, and contains practicals, group work, research, and presenting. We implement interactive and practical resources that develop learners' skills through online homework with a range of support. Each lesson concludes with tracking learners' progress and giving instant feedback on their work.

 

• Our assessments are continuous, starting with assessing our students' ability at the beginning of the year, checking their progress at key points such as end of unit and end of year. We track students' progress using Google Classroom and Active Learn tools, allowing us to swiftly and conveniently create assessments that accompany the curriculum. We identify strengths and weaknesses using baseline assessment result data and apply interventions where necessary, planning the next steps. Homework tasks are displayed on Google Classroom and Pearson Active Learn, with a mix of research, skills, theory, literacy and numeracy, and revision for end of topic tests. Attainment at KS3/4 is reported in terms of the level of student understanding using assessment grids.

 

• Join us at GHARS to experience our engaging and effective Science curriculum!

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KS4 – Mathematics

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• The KS4 Mathematica programme is taught over 2 years which follows the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A). This is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson. 

• The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A) qualification enables students to:

• develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques.

• acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas.

• enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts and become confident in using mathematics to solve problems.

• appreciate the importance of mathematics in society, employment, and study.

• The main resource for our teaching is the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE IGCSE (9-1) Mathematics A Student Books 1 & 2. Other resources include Pearson’s IGCSE lesson material accessible from the online platform Active Learn (https://www.pearsonactivelearn.com). Also, students have access to learning platform mathswatch (https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/). Here, they can watch videos and attempt exam style questions to consolidate their learning.

• There are five units in each year and each unit has five sections (sub-units). During each lesson students are given concise explanations and worked examples. Followed by independent classwork from the student book exercises that will help build student’s confidence.

• The IGCSE Mathematics qualification is designed to be of equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated GCSE qualification. This ensures that IGCSEs are recognised globally and provide learners with the same progression routes.

 

 

KS4 - Computer Science

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• The KS4 Computer Science programme is taught over 2 years which adheres to the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9 -1) Computer Science. This is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson. 

• The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Computer Science qualification enables students to:

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.

• analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing, and debugging programs.

• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically, and critically.

• understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.

• understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.

• apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

 

• The main resource for our teaching is the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE (9-1) Computer Science Student Book. Other resources used in our teaching include Pearson’s Edexcel GCSE Computer Science SOW & lesson material accessible on Active Learn (www.pearsonactivelearn.com) and the Teach Computing curriculum provided by the National Centre for Computing Education which uses the latest pedagogical research (https://teachcomputing.org/curriculum/key-stage-4).

• The curriculum is divided into six topics each with several sub-topics. The lessons are arranged into two categories:

 

• Principles of Computer Science. These lessons focus on the content, knowledge skills they need to know. Students will develop the ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science.

 

• Application of Computational Thinking. In these lessons, students will be encouraged repeatedly to design, implement and test programs that provide solutions to problems.

 

• This qualification provides students with the opportunity to operate confidently in today’s digital world, enabling students to apply computational thinking in context, across both written and practical examinations.

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KS4 – Business

• The KS4 Business programme is taught over 2 years which follows the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (1-9) Business specification and covers both years of the course.

• The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Business qualification enables students to:

• Recall, select and communicate knowledge and understanding of Business terms and concepts.

• Apply knowledge and understanding using appropriate business terms, concepts theories and calculations effectively in specific concepts.

• Select, organise and interpret business information from sources to investigate and analyse issues.

• Evaluate business information to make reasoned judgements and draw conclusions

• The main resource for our teaching is the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Business book. Other resources include Pearson’s IGCSE lesson material accessible from the online platform Active Learn (https://www.pearsonactivelearn.com).

• The course has been structured so that teaching and learning can take place in any order, both in the classroom and in any independent learning. There are five units that match the five areas of content in the specification: Business Activity and influences on Business, People in Business, Business Finance, Marketing and Business Operations.

• Each Unit is split into multiple chapters to break down content into manageable chunks and to ensure full coverage of the specification.

• The IGCSE Business qualification is designed to be of equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated GCSE qualification. This ensures that IGCSEs are recognised globally and provide learners with the same progression routes.