British Curriculum

The British Section follows the course based on the British Curriculum leading to IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary Level), and A Level (Advanced Level) as set and regulated by the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate. Various combinations of these certificates and qualifications have international credibility and have been accepted as a preliminary requirement for entry to most UK Universities and indeed to most Universities and Colleges throughout the world.

The School is a recognised and approved centre for UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate) for conducting these international exams.

Course Content

Following are the subjects offered by the school at the Key Stages:

AS and A Level: Following Grade 10 and the successful completion of the IGCSE Examinations, students may opt for three A Level subjects, and continue to study these for Grades 11 and 12. In some subjects it is also possible to do Advanced Subsidiary Level Examinations after the first year. This amounts to half the A Level course.

Subjects offered at AS or A Level vary according to demand. The school will attempt to meet the requirements of students, but this may not always be feasible. Since the standard is so much higher, A Level options will only be available to students who have achieved a very positive IGCSE (extended) result in the subject chosen.

Objectives

The Cambridge Examinations Board recognizes the wide diversity of backgrounds and cultures from which its students come, and seeks to provide an assessment system which is appropriate for students of all abilities. It is committed to supporting modern curriculum development, promoting international understanding, encouraging good teaching practice, and setting widely recognized standards. It is therefore determined to keep abreast of developments in secondary education and provide the stimulus to international schools like ours to maintain this progressive outlook.

An important principle of this approach is that students are rewarded for positive achievement – what they know, understand and can do – rather than being penalised for an accumulation of errors. As well as focusing on the simple recall of information and presenting it in an orderly manner, the curriculum encourages:

The development of oral and practical skills; An investigative approach; The application of skills, knowledge and understanding; The ability to undertake individual projects and to work as part of a team.

At all levels students are encouraged to learn by an investigative approach and to present information based on their own discoveries. The role of the teacher in this process is to facilitate the discovery. In this way the learning process becomes charged with interest and excitement; the thinking process is similarly activated and the creative faculty stimulated.

There is an important focus at this level on problem-solving, so that students learn to practice their skills, understanding and knowledge. Risk-taking and learning from mistakes become important learning tools.

Co-operative learning and teamwork are also part of the teaching style at this level. Teachers encourage the co-operative skills which are necessary to enable children to work effectively together. This incorporates the practice of listening and responding sensibly to the ideas of others.

Numerous facilities make it possible for practical work to be carried out in the various areas for which it is required. Experience in laboratory work is given at the earliest stages so that students will be well prepared to cover the syllabus for IGCSE and A Level. In particular, the IT course is becoming increasingly practical in its approach and this is easily and effectively facilitated through the Computer Laboratories available.

Methodology

Collaborative learning is one of the key methods of education. The students enjoy sharing their ideas during group work sessions, while rotational groups provide an opportunity for problem-solving exercises and for becoming acquainted with new concepts. This teaching method is beneficial because it creates opportunities for the inculcation of acceptable social behaviour. It is important for the students to develop good study habits with techniques such as the introduction to mind mapping to assist with the assimilation of knowledge.

Learning takes place in a caring and nurturing environment where the students are treated with empathy and encouraged to discuss any potential problems they might encounter at school.

Assessment

Appropriate to different skills and attributes in various subjects, the British Curriculum offers a wide range of assessment techniques. These include oral and listening tests, project work, practical tests, and course work. Students are subjected to examinations three times a year, besides being assessed continuously throughout the year. The External examinations are set by Cambridge and returned there to be marked by experienced and international examiners.

Latest News & Events

Al Noor International School celebrated the Graduation Ceremony of its eighth batch of Grade 12 (Thawjihiya) Bahraini Section students who achieved 100% pass in the Ministry of Education Examinations at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel on Tuesday, 16th June 2015 at 7.00pm.  It was a glorious evening of recognition, pride and privilege.  Al Noor students, parents and officials commemorated the ... Read More...

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