Key Stage 4

We offer English as a First Language to students whose mother tongue is English or those who have proficient skills in the English language. In this course, there will be written courseworks (optional) and written language exam papers. This course corresponds to the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A programme.

This course will allow students to enhance their reading and writing skills at IGCSE level. Students will focus on writing for specific purposes and audiences and adjust their writing to suit these needs. They will learn new skills and writing techniques which allows them to do this. Furthermore, students will study numerous texts from the non-fiction anthology. They will learn how to read for meaning and how to critically analyse and evaluate these texts. These skills will be developed through tasks in class, group work, research tasks and constant studying of past exam papers. Moreover, these skills will allow students to study English at a higher level anywhere in the world as the Edexcel First Language course is recognised internationally and gives a solid foundation for further study.

English as a Second Language

We offer English as a Second Language to students who are not native speakers or those who are studying English as a Second Language or as an Additional Language. In this course, there will be a written language exam paper and a spoken language assessment (optional). This course corresponds to the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language B programme.

This course will allow students to improve their all-round English proficiency because they will develop their ability to read and respond to material from a variety of sources, make comparisons between texts and analyse the ways in which writers achieve their effects. Students will also learn how to convey meaning in written language, matching style to audience and purpose. These skills will be developed through tasks in class, group work, research tasks and constant studying of past exam papers. This course will also allow students to study English at a higher level because the Edexcel Second Language course is recognised internationally.

​Mathematics

The Key Stage 4 Mathematics programme is taught to our students over 2 years (Grades 9 and 10 respectively) and it follows the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A).

By completing this programme, our students are able to gain the following skill set:

• 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 that is utilised for teaching purposes is the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A Student Books 1 & 2. To enhance the learning experiences of our students, we also use other resources such as Pearson’s IGCSE lesson material accessible from the online platform Active Learn (www.pearsonactivelearn.com). Furthermore, students have access to learning platforms such as MathsWatch (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. This is followed by independent classwork in the student exercise books in order to help them build their confidence.

The IGCSE Mathematics qualification is designed to be of equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated GCSE qualification. This ensures that our students have the same opportunities and progression routes as this qualification is recognised globally.

Science

Our Key Stage 4 Science curriculum runs from Grade 9 until the end of Grade 10 and it is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skill set to undertake IGCSE examinations. We follow the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Science (Triple Award) programme. 

At Ghars International School, we teach Science using an investigation-based approach in our fully equipped labs. The theoretical knowledge is taught using resources and activities that meet students’ abilities and aptitudes. We consolidate the learning with revision that includes PowerPoints, booklets, quizzes and past papers. Our sessions are interactive, interesting, practical and enjoyable, thereby 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 presentations. We implement interactive and practical activities that develop learners’ skills and consolidate this by setting 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 through baseline tests at the beginning of the year and checking their progress at key points such as end of unit and end of year. We identify strengths and weaknesses using baseline assessment result data and apply interventions where necessary, planning the next steps. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to complete past exam papers in preparation for the IGCSE examinations. Homework tasks are displayed on Google Classroom and Pearson Active Learn, with a mix of research, skills, theory, revision for end of unit tests and past exam paper practice. 

Join us at Ghars International School to experience our engaging and effective Science curriculum!

Computer Science

​The Key Stage 4 Computer Science programme is taught to our students over 2 years (Grades 9 and 10 respectively) and it adheres to the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9 -1) Computer Science.

By completing this programme, our students are able to gain the following skill set:

• 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 that is utilised for teaching is the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE (9-1) Computer Science Student Book (www.pearsonactivelearn.com). Other resources used in our teaching include the Teach Computing curriculum provided by the National Centre for Computing Education which uses the latest pedagogical research (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 and skills that students need to know. Moreover, they 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.

By completing this qualification, we expect our students to have the opportunity to operate confidently in today’s digital world and to apply computational thinking in context, across both written and practical examinations.

Business

​The Key Stage 4 Business programme is taught over 2 years (Grades 9 and 10 respectively) and it follows the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (1-9) Business specification.

By completing this course, our students will be able 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 contexts
• 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 (www.pearsonactivelearn.com).

The benefit of this course for our students is that it has been structured so that teaching and learning can take place in any order, both in the classroom and in any independent learning setting.

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 for our students 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 our students have the same opportunities and progression routes as this qualification is recognised globally.

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