Curriculum Overview
The Berlin British School's curriculum provides an education based on the ethos and philosophy of the National Curriculum for England and Wales, while taking due note of the international community which it serves and its geographical location at the heart of Germany. Extra English lessons are provided for children who are acquiring English as a new language. German language teaching is provided for children who are reasonably fluent in English, as well as for native German speakers.
The National Curriculum
The National Curriculum determines the content of what will be taught, and sets attainment targets for learning. It also determines how performance will be assessed and reported. It allows schools to meet the individual learning needs of pupils and to develop a distinctive character and ethos. Under the National Curriculum, the pupils' education goes through several phases; Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Pupils normally start with a class when they are of the lower age given, approaching the higher age during the school year.
| Key Stage | Year Groups | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | Nursery Reception |
3-4 4-5 |
| 1 | Year 1 Year 2 |
5-6 6-7 |
| 2 | Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 |
7-8 8-9 9-10 10-11 |
| 3 | Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 |
11-12 12-13 13-14 |
| 4 | Year 10 Year 11 |
14-15 15-16 |
| 5 | Year 12 Year 13 |
16-17 17-18 |
Subjects
The National Curriculum organises the contents of the curriculum in a number of subject areas containing English, Mathematics, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Science as core subjects. Non-core (foundation) subjects include, History, Geography, Art and Design, Music, and Physical Education. In addition to these compulsory subjects, the Berlin British School teaches German starting with Reception. There are non-native and native groups from Reception to Year 11. (In Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 French and Spanish are taught as additional modern languages.)
The school consists of three separate sites and the Key Stage locations are explained below.
Early Years
Foundation Stage and Year 1: In these early years children learn to develop their self-confidence through a variety of practical and structured activities. These encourage the development of language, literacy, numeric and creative skills. Pupils benefit from specialist teaching in Music and Physical Education. From the Reception class onwards they also have German.
Primary School
Year 2 – Year 6: As children progress through the school, further emphasis is placed on the development of independence. The core skills in numeracy and literacy are of particular importance. Each individual is encouraged to work to his or her full potential and lessons are characterised by differentiated activities. Pupils continue to benefit from specialist teaching in Music, Physical Education and German.
Secondary School
Key Stage 3 - Year 7 to Year 9 (ages 11-13): Students continue to follow the British style of education through years 7, 8 and 9. Specialist teaching provides the opportunity for the children to perform at the peak of their abilities. The staff are dedicated to creating a positive, motivating and supportive learning environment.
Key Stage 4 - Years 10 and 11 (ages 14-16): Students follow a two year course, leading to the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations. Students normally sit examinations in up to ten subjects.p>
International Baccalaureate - Years 12 and 13 (ages 17-19): Beyond successful completion of IGCSEs, students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme in preparation for university entrance worldwide.