KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM

The aim of our curriculum is to develop as fully as possible the understanding, knowledge and skills of each student so that when they leave Arcadia they are in a position to meet the challenges that they will face in a rapidly globalising and competitive world. It is also our intention to ensure that our students can leave the school with the prerequisite qualifications to be able to access higher education all over the world. In order to fulfil this expectation, Arcadia will provide a variety of learning pathways to serve the needs of all of our students, ensuring they can complete their Key Stage 4 and 5 years of learning.

We intend to nurture students who are:

• Motivated and stretched in all aspects of school life
• Tolerant and caring
• Enjoying and understanding their learning
• Intellectually curious
• Digitally literate
• Developing high quality learning skills and leadership qualities
• Comfortable and knowledgeable about the United Arab Emirates
• Internationally-minded
• Collaborative
• Informed risk-takers
• Entrepreneurial
• Socially conscious

To meet these aims, the curriculum provides:

• A wide range of choice, keeping students options’ open for as long as possible
• A broad education
• An in-depth education, so that students are challenged and stretched at all times
• A wide range of enrichment activities
• An inclusive programme with individual pathways developed to suit all needs and abilities
• Adapted programmes to stimulate conceptual understanding across a range of subject areas, including STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), Interdisciplinary studies and the ALSI (Arcadian Large Scale Inquiry)

For students in KS3, the curriculum contains a range of compulsory and optional subjects which aim to provide experience and skill development in the following areas:

Linguistic:

To develop students’ communication skills and increase their command of language. This is developed through English (Language and Literature) and at least one foreign language (Arabic and French).

Mathematical:

To teach students how to calculate and appreciate relationships and patterns in number and space as well as to think logically and express themselves clearly. This is developed through Mathematics, Computer Science and Science.

Scientific:

To develop students’ scientific skills, knowledge and understanding. This is developed through Integrated Science in KS3 Years 7 and 8 and as separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics from Year 9 upwards.

Technological:

To teach students a range of technological skills including up-to-date applications of ICT, to develop, plan and communicate ideas and to produce and evaluate good quality products. This is developed through Computer Science, Digital Skills and Design and Technology.

Human And Social:

To teach students about people and their interaction with the environment and how human action has influenced events and conditions. This is developed through Integrated Humanities, including Geography and History, Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies and Enrichment Days/Moral Education.

Physical:

To teach the basic principles of fitness and health and to develop students’ physical control and coordination. This is developed through Games and Physical Education. CREATIVE: To develop students’ aesthetic and creative skills. This is developed through Art, Drama and Music.

Moral, Social, Spiritual And Cultural Development:

To develop students’ self- knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence so that they can distinguish right from wrong and respect the law as well as accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute to community life. This is developed through Islamic Studies, Geography, History, the extra-curricular programme and Enrichment Days/Moral Education