Introduction of the Key Stage 3 Programme

at YCIS Beijing

What is the KS3 Programme?

• The KS3 Programme is based on the National Curriculum for England.

• Compliments and builds on the KS2 curriculum while also preparing the students for the international exams at IGCSE (UK) and IB.

• The programme gives students a solid academic base while also continuing to develop their social and moral character.

The Weekly Subject Curriculum

© IBO September 2000

Core Study:6 periods of English5 periods of Chinese4 periods of Maths, Science and Humanities

Additional subjects:3 periods of PA (Music and Drama)2 periods of PE, Design & Technology, Art and Character Education1 period of ICT and integrated use throughout the curriculum

Year 7:Writing autobiographies, reading and analysing a novel, empathetic writingYear 8:Analysing and writing short stories, studied advertising language and digitally created their own magazinesYear 9:Examining travel writing and creating their own travelogue, exploring the origins of language through Chaucer, writing modern adaptations

English Language Programme

Chinese Language ProgrammeY7 First Lang.- reading comprehension skills and writing of different types of articles.Y8 First Lang. - learning to analyse and write fables, prose, novels and argumentative writing. Y9 First Lang. - read, write, think and speak in both modern and classical Chinese styles. Chinese as an Additional Language (CAL)-Four proficiency levels of students from mixed year groups. Develops similar skills as the First Language course but at a more accessible level.

Science Programme

Biology:Cells and ReproductionEnvironment and feeding relationshipsVariation and classificationChemistry:Acids and alkalisSimple chemical reactionsParticle model of solids, liquids and gasesSolutionsPhysics:Energy resourcesElectrical circuitsForces and their effectsThe solar system and beyond

Mathematics Programme• KS3 maths builds on the work done in Y6 to increase

students mathematical skills, understanding and knowledge.

• Key areas covered in Y7 include number patterns, decimals, fractions, geometry, symmetry, probability, formulas, coordinates, graphs and associated data analysing and interpreting skills.

• Opportunities to be involved in international maths competitions such as UKMAT and AMC

Humanities Programme

• Humanities is the grouping of the geography and history subjects. Sometimes units of study are taught separately, other times the subject material is combined. Referenced to the KS3 National Curriculum for England, and internationalised to the YCIS context.

• It embeds the learning objectives and assessment standards required for a secure foundation leading into IGCSE.

• Units of study are progressive across the year groups and teach analytical and reflective skills through a choice of topics such as:– Past, present and future issues– China, changing styles of world governments, globalisation– Environmental impact of the industrial revolutions– International conflicts

Character Education Programme

• We use a variety of activity based lessons to help students develop their character and to address some of the key issues faced by young people today. In KS3 these include: bullying, decision making, responsibility, sensitivity, empathy and emotional health.

• We continue to have a character trait of the month and this is the focus of Homeroom sessions.

Assessment is continuous with unit tests for every topic, plus daily in-class assessments including questioning, participation, discussion, homework, collaboration, …

Report Cards:2 progress reports (Sept and April), 2 full reports (Jan and June). There are also 2 organised parent/teacher interviews. If needed, parents are free to make appointments with Coordinators and teachers throughout the year.

Assessment

Why Choose KS3 at YCIS?

• World recognised international school model e.g. accredited by CIS, NEASC and quoted by universities and researchers.

• We have a tailor-made KS3 programme which is under constant review in order to keep it innovative and internationally competitive.

• Emphasis is on developing not only a solid knowledge base but also students with the desired transferable skills to learn effectively anywhere in the world e.g. hardworking, reflective learners, caring citizens, confident, team players, leading balanced lives, etc…

• We have an integrated humanities programme allowing a smoother transition into the humanities options at IGCSE.

Why Choose KS3 at YCIS?• KS3 has a rigorous and demanding international assessment approach. • Expectations are high and communication between home and school is key.• YCIS has a wider curriculum to support and enhance the core curriculum.

Extra-curricular OpportunitiesSports: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Handball, Tennis, Track and Field, Cross Country and Sports Council, Beijing inter-school competitionsPerforming Arts: Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Drama Productions and PA CouncilOther: Student Council, Chess Club, Rubik’s Cube club, Mentoring/Buddy system, Assemblies, Roots and Shoots, Model United Nations, subject specific competitions eg. UKMT

YCIS offers more…Trips:• Local: Subject specific trips in and around Beijing• Experiencing China - Each Year Level visits a different location in China.• World Classroom (optional)• Y7 choices – Hawaii, California, Seattle and Portland or Washington DC• Y8 choices – Italy, Spain or Greece• Y9 choices – Moscow and St Petersburg, Czech Republic, Austria and

Hungry

YCIS offers more...ICT:•Integrated into the curriculum in every subject area. •Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities e.g. school wide WIFI.•Homeroom projects also utilise ICT skills throughout the year.

Pastoral Care:•Dedicated homeroom time everyday and one extended homeroom period per week. •Male and female secondary counsellors. •Character Education programme tailored for year level specific development. This includes a focus on the key values of respect, care, diligence, tolerance, communication, right + wrong, decision making etc…

YCIS offers more...

• Multiple concerts and performances• Sports competitions• Scholars Cup• Poetry Slam• Film Festival• Charity Fund Raising Events by SC• Subject specific and cross-curricular projects e.g. visiting guest speakers,

student workshops plus much more…

YCIS offers more...

Enrichment Programme• One week in June where learning takes place off timetable and is

integrated into projects and themes. Such as: Art Day, Science Day, Beach Day, Sports Day, Shakespeare Production. Optional sign-up activities based on topics that aren’t subject specific e.g. The Amazing Race and Who Killed JFK?

• Opportunity for students to see how they can transfer skills and develop their character.