Key Stage 4 students following the National Curriculum of England and Wales will commence a 2 year programme of study which results in externally set and marked examinations known as International General Certificates in Secondary Education, or more easily remembered as IGCSEs.
At BSB we have been accredited by 2 examination bodies, Cambridge International Examination (CIE) and Edexcel. Both of these organisations are internationally recognised and provide a range of examinations both within Key Stage 4 and 5.
Students are offered a broad range of subjects to follow including compulsory subjects in Maths, English, Science, Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Information Communication Technology (ICT). The school is able to offer a range of subject options that students can select from including Business Studies, English Literature, History, Geography, Physics, Drama, Music and Art. Information on all the courses offered at Key Stage 4 can be found in the Pathways booklet.
IGCSEs are British examinations that have an international content. These qualifications are recognised around the world as highly respected programmes of study. These qualifications are structured to enable students to develop independent thinking, creativity, analytical and evaluative appreciation. This style of study enables individuals to become "self-managers" of their own learning.
The programme of study is two years and culminates in examinations in each of the subjects chosen. Students are awarded pass grades ranging from A* - G, all of which are pass grades. IGCSEs are pathways forward for students wanting to progress to the next level. These qualifications will enable them to seek employment, progress to further education at school or college, or begin advanced level examination courses (AS/A2). The advanced level courses will allow students to progress to university where they will be able to work towards degree qualifications. In order to be accepted on to AS/A2 subjects, students would normally be expected to achieve 5 IGCSE subjects at grades A - C, and achieve grade B in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level.
Throughout Key Stage 4 all students will undergo formative assessment based on National Curriculum grades. These assessments take place every half term and take the form of essays, written and verbal tests, projects, presentations and examination style questions. They provide indicators for both students and teachers of where the student is at a moment in time and what they need to aim for. They are able to set targets for improvement. In April/May of each year, students will sit end of year examinations and the results of these help inform teachers of individual progress in preparation for the following year. In Year 11 students will sit their mock examinations in January and the results of these examinations will give an indication of what students are likely to achieve in the final examinations in May/June. The mock results show where a student is at and what they need to do to improve upon their current level.
In November all students will receive a target setting review which looks at where the students are at this point in time. Teachers will set targets for the students to work towards in the pursuit of improvement. All students will receive a second report after their examinations which take place throughout the year.
Several evenings are arranged over the course of the academic year whereby parents have the opportunity to meet teachers. The secondary school holds several information evenings regarding transition, IGCSE options, and Post 16 education. There is also a consultation evening in November following the target setting, and one after year groups have completed examinations and the reports have been issued. Over and above this, parents are welcome to meet with teachers to discuss their child's progress at any time throughout the year, though we do ask you make an appointment through the office.
BSB is an accredited testing centre for the American School Assessment Test (SSAT). Children relocating with their families to the USA can take their test with us prior to their departure.
Year 10 entry for children aged 14 by 31st August.
Year 11 entry for children aged 15 by 31st August.
The international nature of the students may mean relocation and a change of school. Our advice to parents and students is to try not to move schools once they have started their Key Stage 4 and/or Key Stage 5 studies. Often other international schools, and even those who offer the National Curriculum, will offer different option subjects, use other examination boards, or will not necessarily teach a course in the same order which may result in repetition or gaps in teaching the content. Keeping students within a key stage or enrolling them in another school that offers the England and Wales National Curriculum will help reduce any conflict in continuity that may occur. Continuity during a Key Stage will give the students the best opportunity for success.
We want to give every student the best opportunity to succeed in their chosen course of study.
