British National Curriculum

The British National Curriculum is used by the vast majority of schools in England, by all Repton Schools and by thousands of British Curriculum schools all over the world.

The curriculum has been established for over 30 years and has been constantly developing; it is very well-established and recognised internationally. It focuses on delivering exceptionally high academic standards whilst also developing wider life skills that are so important for applications to top universities and life in the future.

The Strength of the Curriculum

The British National Curriculum is highly structured with progress measures throughout. This means that teachers and parents know exactly how well a student is achieving, and how well s/he is being taught. As it is widely taught all over the world, students’ progress is benchmarked not only against expectations from the curriculum, but against all other Repton schools and against all the other British curriculum schools in the world.

Another strength is that it is highly adaptable to the international school setting. The success and attainment of our students at Repton School in the UK is matched by those at Repton schools in the Middle East demonstrating that the curriculum is flexible, engaging and relevant in an international setting.

Structure

Divided into ‘Key Stages’ (KS 0 -5), they are structured to build on each other to ensure progression and the highest rigour in standards achieved. It starts with the Early Years Foundation Stage, in which children undertake a well-planned programme of learning through play up to the age of 5, and gradually develop their core understanding of reading, writing, mathematics, and the other key skills required for the compulsory stages of education. The Early Years Foundation Stage successfully lays the foundations for future education preparing and enthusing children for a lifetime of learning.

Key Stages 1 & 2

In the Junior School, Key Stages 1 and 2 cover the curriculum up to the age 11. During this time, students have regular assessments against international benchmarks, allowing us to carefully track progress and attainment. Key Stage 2 also prepares students for secondary school and care is taken to ensure a smooth transition into the secondary stage of their education.

Key Stages 3 & 4

Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) builds on this as children make the transition to secondary, and encompasses deeper study of the same core and foundation subjects including English, Mathematics and Science, along with the Humanities/Social Sciences, Art and Technology, Computing, Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education.

At Key Stage 4, the curriculum is builds towards, and is focussed on, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) qualifications. Students will take core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science and will also be guided in their choice of a range of other subjects from a wide-range of options.

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Sixth Form

In Year 12 and 13, their final years of school education, students may choose to follow a more focused and specialised A level programme, which maintains rigour but offers greater breadth. Both awards prepare students for the intensity of high level university study and both are equally accepted in universities around the world.

Preparation for the Real World

Universities and employers across the world recognise the British education system and hold it in high regard. The ongoing development of the curriculum to encompass skills that employers are seeking, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, global awareness, digital literacy, breadth of thinking and creativity, give this way of teaching a high standing when compared to more linear ways of learning. In addition, the curriculum in conjunction with Repton’s embedded values and pastoral care, pays close attention to a student’s personal development alongside a framework of academic excellence.