Curricula

Our curriculum is balanced, broad and relevant to our learners.

Our schools are divided into the following sections:

Early Years Foundation Stage

In our Early Years Classes, the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum is followed. All areas of learning and development are important and interconnected.

Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. These prime areas, are:

• communication and language
• physical development; and
• personal, social and emotional development.

The three prime areas are strengthened and applied through the other four specific areas. The specific areas are:

• literacy;
• mathematics;
• understanding the world; and
• expressive arts and design.

Primary - Key Stages 1 and 2

The primary curriculum has at its heart the development of core literacy and mathematical skills that are transferable in other learning contexts and subjects, alongside developing the attributes of our children to be confident, active learners and responsible global citizens.

Braeburn’s curriculum is based upon the National Curriculum of England and Wales but includes additional learning opportunities that we plan for all our pupils to enhance, extend and internationalise the curriculum. We do this through performing arts, sports, outdoor learning, social responsibility, adapting the topics taught and an extensive co-curricular programme.

Lower Secondary - Key Stage 3

In Years 11-14 pupils follow an internationalised version of the National Curriculum of England and Wales that ensures key skills and competencies are developed. Opportunities for the development of skills such as leadership, problem solving, collaboration and enquiry are built into the curriculum and enhanced by a wide variety of co-curricular programmes.

Secondary - Key Stage 4

In Years 14-16 pupils study the subjects selected for the IGCSE examinations, usually taken at the end of Year 11. Pupils are encouraged to study a broad range of subjects, so enabling a wide choice of career. These examinations are recognised across the world and are of considerable interest to university admissions officers.

A personalised approach allows pupils to choose subjects that best fit their strengths and career hopes. Pupils are able to sit examinations early, or to study additional subjects, where appropriate. Throughout the IGCSE course, the pupils are supported by expert staff and offered a range of extra curricular activities designed to develop personal skills.

Sixth form - Key Stage 5

Pupils and parents, together with an experienced guidance counsellor, choose the path the pupil will follow to university. There are several alternative, two year courses available.

A-Levels

Each pupil chooses between 3 and 5 subjects that interest them and are related to their career aspirations, to study in depth. The two year A-Level course is currently divided into an AS-Level course that is studied in Year 12 and ends in AS-Level examinations and then an A2 course that is studied in Year 13 and ends in A2 examinations. A-Levels are academic qualifications recognised throughout the world and have the advantage that the student can focus on areas of strength and interest.

A-Levels are offered at Braeburn School, Braeburn Arusha, Braeburn Imani, Braeburn Mombasaand Braeside schools.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a broad, balanced course that prescribes the range of subjects studied. The IBDP caters for highly motivated students. The expectations are numerous as, in addition to studying 6 subjects, each student must write an extended essay, study the Theory of Knowledge course and undertake community, action and service activities. Academically demanding, yet varied and fun, the IBDP is an excellent preparation for university.

The IBDP is offered at Braeburn Garden Estate.

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) is a 2 year course that combines the essence and academic rigour of two subjects from the IBDP with the study of a vocational or career-related course. Graduates may go on to university, apprenticeships or employment. The core of the programme, which has four distinct components, helps students to develop skills and competencies required for lifelong learning and success in their careers.

The IBCP is offered at Braeburn Garden Estate.

BTEC Level 3

These courses are excellent for all students, but particularly for those who find the traditional assessment by examinations a challenge. A focus on coursework and independent study gives the BTEC a unique status among sixth form courses. Students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment, university courses in the same or related areas of study, or further career related professional development.

N.B. In Braeburn schools offering both BTEC and A-Level courses, students can opt to study a combination of both.

Selected BTEC courses are offered at Braeburn School, Braeside, Braeburn Arusha and Braeburn Mombasa.

All courses offered in Years 12 and 13 at Braeburn schools are supported by a range of extra curricular opportunities. Students are encouraged to participate fully in these programmes that allow them to develop skills, confidence and a broad minded outlook on the world. These attributes contribute to the success of Braeburn students in university and, later, the world of work.

Expert careers guidance is available throughout the Sixth form with students receiving help at all stages of the university application process. Braeburn has an excellent record of placing students in universities of their own choice in countries across the world.

Transition

Students join our primary and secondary schools with a large range of previous educational experiences and often with limited or no English. Through personalised learning, we aim to meet each child’s individual needs and transition from different systems or curricula is very successful.