The Secondary School makes provision for students at Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and the Sixth Form

Key Stage 3
During key stage three (11 to 14 years), all students follow the full range of subjects in the UK National Curriculum (English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Art, Music, Design-Technology, Information and Communications Technology and Physical Education) and in addition, follow courses in Drama and two modern foreign languages chosen from Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish and French.

This extensive curriculum is taught by highly qualified specialist teachers who make full use of the schools superb specialist facilities for subject teaching in science, the arts and modern languages. Classes are small and are arranged so that students are generally taught in groups with others of similar ability. This enables all students to receive both the challenge and the support that is necessary for them to make the most effective progress and achieve the highest possible standards.

The curriculum is designed to challenge students to think independently, and apply knowledge to real life situations. They are expected to achieve a high level of fluency and literacy in English, to develop a sound grasp of mathematical concepts and to use ICT confidently in order to underpin their work in other subjects. Above all as they progress through this key stage, they should become self-motivated and enquiring learners, ready to take on the challenge of examination courses at the next key stage.

Students’ personal and social development during the important years from 11 to 14 is a key issue to be addressed. There is a programme of Personal, Social and Health Education. Individual mentoring is provided to students by their personal tutors. There is a structured programme of annual camps held in the first term of each year. The camps form an important part of the curriculum, designed to develop interpersonal and leadership skills, environmental awareness and independent learning and time management skills.

There is an intensive English programme for students for whom English is not their first language. The students spend half of each week with specialist English language teachers, and the remaining half of the week following courses in other areas of the curriculum. This provides the most effective means of them improving and practising their language skills in preparation for transferring to the mainstream curriculum by the end of this key stage, if not before.

Key Stage 4
At this key stage (15 to 16 years old), all students follow a full range of courses leading to IGCSE (International General Certificate of Education Examinations). These examinations are the modern equivalent of “O levels” and are internationally recognised as the basis for further education and training. Through the expertise and dedication of its teaching staff and the support they provide to students, GIS students achieve exceptionally good results in these examinations.

All students follow courses in English Language and Literature, Mathematics, ICT (Information Communications Technology), two or three sciences from Physics, Chemistry and Biology (either as separate subjects or through the IGCSE ”double award”) and PE. In addition, students choose a range of subjects suited to their individual aspirations and abilities. There is a detailed guide to the courses available and advice is provided by senior teachers in helping students make the best decisions. The programme leading to IGCSE examinations takes two full years and it is important that students commencing the programme are committed to remaining and completing it at GIS. The range of IGCSE subjects currently available in addition to the courses taken by all students currently includes: Accounting, Additional Mathematics, Art and Design, Business Studies, Chinese (Mandarin), Computer Studies, Design and Technology (Graphics, Electronics or Textiles), Environmental Management, Drama, Economics, French, Spanish, Geography, History, Malay, Music, Physical Education and Sociology.

The progress of students is carefully monitored throughout IGCSE course and they are taught to set their own targets and determine the actions necessary to achieve them. Students continue to follow a PSHE programme and have the benefit of individual mentoring by their personal tutors. Careers education and advice forms part of the PSHE programme and students take part in a work experience programme following the completion of IGCSE examinations.