Le Régent International School - The Pre-IB and IGCSE Curriculum

THE PREIB AND IGCSE CURRICULUM

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CONTENTS A Curriculum Outline Classes 9 and 10: a Pre-IB Course The Academic Choices

Subject Guides

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Core Subjects

Additional Subjects

English Language 9 English Literature 10 Mathematics 12 French 15 Sciences 16

Computer Science 26 Languages 28

Humanities Geography 18 History 19 Global Perspectives 19

Creative Arts Visual Art 22 Theatre 22 Music 23

Non-Academic Curriculum Sport 30 LAMDA 31

Student Support Learning Support 32 EAL - English as an Additional Language 33

CL ASSES 9 AND 10: A PRE-IB COURSE

Classes 9 and 10 are important developmental periods in every young person’s life. We give Le Régent students the support and academic challenge to allow them to thrive and reach their full potential.

Academic preparation for the next stage is, of course, paramount as we want every student to be confident in their academic ability when they go beyond Le Régent International School. This is achieved through delivering a broad and balanced curriculum adapted to the needs of our international and multi-cultural school.

A Broad Range of Subjects Nearly all students follow classes in 9 subjects. The syllabus in most subjects is based on highly respected (I)GCSEs (International General Certificates of Secondary Education) and students can decide to opt for IGCSE examinations in May or June at the end of Class 10 with agreement from parents as well as teachers to optimise their success.

We offer IGCSEs in nearly all subjects although, in languages, other international options are preferred.

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CLASSES 9 AND 10: A PRE-IB COURSE WHAT DO STUDENTS STUDY? We expect all students to follow classes in: English Language English Literature Mathematics Science (the “Double Award”) French Two humanities from History, Geography or Global Perspectives A creative subject, either Art, Music or Theatre Another Language, usually Mandarin or Spanish as either a first or foreign language Students can also study Computer Science and “Triple Award” Science

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THE ACADEMIC CHOICES All students study English, Mathematics, French and Science – at appropriate levels in French and English.

Subject

Levels Available

English*

At appropriate level: Mainstream or EAL (as an additional language)

Mathematics*

Standard Mathematics course with extensions

French

First Language, Advanced, Intermediate or Beginner

Science*

Double Science

All students choose one subject from each row Humanity 1 Humanity 2* Language

History*

Geography*

Geography*

History*

Spanish (Foreign or First Language

Global Perspectives*

Chinese (Foreign or First Language)

Creative Arts Science 1

Visual Arts*

Computer Science*

Creative Arts Science 2

Visual Arts*

Computer Science*

Other

Theatre* Music*

Triple Science*

* IGCSEs are offered in all subjects marked with an asterisk

Beyond the Academic Curriculum: Subject

Details

Sport

4 Periods a Week

LAMDA

1 Period a Week

Learning Support

Depending on Student Support Needs

EAL

Depending on Student Support Needs

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CORE CURRICULUM: ENGLISH LANGUAGE

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN ENGLISH L ANGUAGE? You will be taught a wide range of language skills and will have the opportunity to express yourself in, read and respond to a variety of different forms and styles of text. As well as modern and pre-1914 prose and poetry, you will be presented with a diverse range of materials such as letters, diaries, blogs, articles and essays.

Throughout the course, you will be expected to display a sensitive awareness of the reader and the need to select appropriate presentation, forms and registers of language for your own creative and analytical writing. Written accuracy will also be a focus, with the ultimate goal for you to be able to employ a variety of linguistic devices appropriately and for effect in response to a range of tasks.

The course is also designed to lay a foundation for further study of English Language at IB as well as to develop an awareness of the use of language in the world around you.

Your study of language will enable you to develop your skills of enquiry, create balanced opinions and be an open-minded thinker who reflects wisely. Integral to the course will also be the development of effective oral communication where you will be encouraged to attract and hold the attention of the intended audience in a wide variety of contexts.

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WHAT WILL I LEARN IN ENGLISH LITERATURE? This course aims to promote a knowledge of literature and encourage a passion for literary works. We explore writers’ choices and consider language in considerable depth. We also explore the human, spiritual and cultural dimensions of a variety of plays, poetry and prose fiction texts.

The course is designed to lay a foundation for further study of literature at IB level. We aim to help you to read critically, sensitively and in detail as balanced and principled global citizens. The literature you will encounter will come in many forms and from many periods. We will study one Shakespeare text, a modern drama, a collection of poetry and at least one novel.

Literature is an intensely personal as well as a communal experience. You will examine how words, sentences, characters, plot-lines and tropes reveal who we are as humans. This is the joy of studying literature; there is always a new reality to discover. Because literary study involves the four processes of reading, thinking, discussing and writing, its practical value lies in its tendency to stimulate these activities and thereby improve your ability to perform them.

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Careful reading increases vocabulary and general verbal sensitivity and sophistication. Thinking critically is at the heart of everything we do. Classroom discussions sharpen reading as well as thinking skills, and increase your ability to express thoughts orally.

CORE CURRICULUM: ENGLISH LITERATURE

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CORE CURRICULUM: MATHEMATICS

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN MATHEMATICS? Mathematics is a rigorous course that will give you a solid grounding in the three main areas: number and algebra; shape, space and measure; and handling data. The study of Mathematics develops the ability to solve problems logically and systematically. It also provides you with the functional skills necessary to succeed in everyday life, and to make fully informed decisions.

You will learn to work collaboratively with others in order to deduce, communicate, and understand mathematical methods. We link Mathematical topics to subjects across the whole curriculum. For instance, you may examine how a Venn Diagram can be used to assist with essay writing; where parabolas can be seen in real life; whether or not one can form a quadratic equation to describe the parabolas.

In Mathematics, we research information and become enquirers. You may be asked to wonder why Pythagoras linked the study of music to Mathematics; or whether the sum of the angles in a triangle will still be 180 degrees when the triangle is drawn on an inflated balloon. We like exploring Mathematics outside the classroom and we venture regularly in the local area to run Mathematics challenges.

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To add an element of fun, the school takes part in various Mathematics competitions. Maths Booster sessions take place to challenge the most advanced students and support those wishing to consolidate their abilities.

At the end of Class 10, students can sit an IGCSE examination in Mathematics. We find this is good preparation for studying Mathematics as part of the IB Diploma. Students are taught in sets to enable the teachers to cater for individual needs in the best way possible and provide extension material.

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CORE CURRICULUM: FRENCH

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN FRENCH? French is widely spoken throughout Europe as well as throughout the world (such as Canada and many parts of Africa). We expect all our students to develop their ability to communicate in French, the main co-official language spoken in Valais, our local canton.

You will have the option of taking the iGCSE exam in Class 9 and to sit the Certificat Voltaire exam at the end of Class 10 to obtain a formally recognised language qualification. The course is designed to help students to gain necessary skills for pursuing further studies of IB Language A course.

As a non-francophone student, you will learn to speak in French to be able to hold a conversation with people in a variety of different situations. Furthermore, you will develop skills in listening, reading and writing that will stand you in good stead in French-speaking environments. You will have the opportunity to prepare for the iGCSE and/or the DELF exam. This course is designed to prepare you to follow either the French IB Language B programme for students with a strong intermediate level or French IB Ab Initio for beginners.

As a francophone student, you will gain proficiency in writing in your mother tongue as well as learn to recognise and appreciate various forms of writing. You will further develop analytical and literary skills on a wide range of texts and topics.

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CORE CURRICULUM:

SCIENCE (BIOLOGY,CHEMISTRY,PHYSICS) WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SCIENCE? The Sciences consist of three subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The syllabus is based on the rigorous IGCSE Science course and designed to ensure good preparation, both for those continuing to further study in science-related subjects and for those who wish to work in specific fields of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

The school offers the option of sitting the IGCSE Sciences “Double award”, where the Core contents in each syllabus are externally assessed at the end of two-year course. The content of sciences is designed to meet different students’ needs and enables successful progression to IB and beyond.

The study of science develops students’ ability to understand scientific facts, concepts, and principles, which are extensively applied to different contexts and in everyday life. Students will also learn the practical nature of sciences, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques.

Our three laboratories are fully equipped for all required practicals covered by the science syllabuses and students

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are able to acquire scientific methods from various experimental activities. We like exploring Sciences outside the classrooms, and students will venture to the local area to see plants, insects, animals in the Swiss nature as well as hydroelectric power plants and CERN. Science Booster sessions take place to reinforce science studies through experiential learning and support those wishing to consolidate their knowledge.

For the ambitious and committed science student there is also the option of adding the “triple award” science course learning and support those wishes to consolidate their knowledge.

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HUMANITIES WHAT WILL I LEARN IN HUMANTIES? All students at Le Régent in class 9 and 10 study two humanities, and we strongly encourage History as one of those since it is often expected by American universities. Not only are the “human sciences” important and interesting in themselves but they are a fundamental part of an international education.

History To understand an ever-changing and multifaceted world, History is fundamental. Globalisation and the wide variety of sources of information available make critical thinking skills and knowledge of cultural and historical backgrounds imperative. The course, which allows students to opt to sit the IGCSE exam, includes: Year 9: Depth Studies • Germany: development of a dictatorship 1918-45 • United States: A Divided Union: Civil

Rights in the USA 1945-74 Year 10: Investigation and Breadth Studies • The Vietnam Conflict 1945-74 • The Middle East: conflict, crisis and change 1911-2012 The areas for study are the political challenges to democracy in Europe up to 1945, the social history of the postwar Civil Rights movement in the USA, how the Cold War collided with decolonialism in military conflict in Asia, and the development of the modern Middle East.

You will be building on the skills, knowledge and understanding you have gained in previous years. In this course, you will develop your ability to: • Understand the key features and characteristics of historical periods • Have an understanding of historical cause and effect • Use a range of source material to

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analyse and evaluate historical interpretations Explain, analyse, and make judgements about historical events and periods studied

Geography Geography is a dynamic and interesting course with a unique perspective on the interaction between human societies and physical processes.

Human geography explores our actions, consequences and possible solutions, examining the way that people adapt to new challenges and different ways of managing our future. Human geography includes socio-economic and political elements. Students learn topics such as population change, economic and developmental stages of countries, resource use and sustainable management, tourism, globalisation and natural ecosystems.

Physical geography involves the study of the earth. Range of topics are covered including climates and weather systems, earthquakes and rock formations, glacial processes, changes to ocean temperature and aquatic life and different ways of sustainable management of resources.

Study of Geography equips students with scientific, socio-cultural and economic knowledge and provides a wide range of future study options from socio-economics, climate science to geopolitics.

This course will prepare students who opt to sit the IGCSE exam as well as gaining a basic understanding of topics covered in IBDP Geography. Students develop a range of skills including report and essay writing, fieldwork research analysis, computer generated map drawing, analysis of current world

issues, problem solving, statistical and thus comprehending it, becomes analysis and most importantly skills increasingly vital.

However, the necessary for becoming a global citizen. process of achieving comprehension is immensely complex; in part due to Global Perspectives the endless flow of extensive but rarely Meeting government ministers, objective information. organising a local river clean-up project and writing to the United Nations about During the Global Perspectives climate change, are just some of the course, you will learn to see world activities learners are pursuing through events and challenges from various the Global Perspectives course. Global perspectives and think critically Perspectives is a groundbreaking course about the information you are given that is cross-curricular, stretching and acquire. The Global Perspectives across traditional subject boundaries. course enables this by allowing you to It taps into the way learners of today grow intellectually through extensive enjoy learning, including group work, independent research following seminars, projects, and working with thorough introductions to each topic other learners around the world. and to the art of writing professional and well-argued reports as well as extensive In today’s world of global challenges, and constant guidance during the extensive trans-border conflicts, course. increasing Intercultural encounters, and ever-changing dynamics, the ability to see the world from various perspectives,

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CREATIVE SUBJECTS: THE ARTS WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THE ARTS? The arts offer a wide range of skills that can be nurtured and developed through our lives. At Le Régent, we ask all students in class 9 to study at least one of the arts subjects on offer: Visual Arts, Theatre Studies or Music. Each course aims to develop creativity, engagement, confidence, reflection and aesthetic knowledge and understanding.

We also foster a hands-on approach to boost confidence and dexterity, and you will learn to master and experiment with a wide variety of mediums during the course. You will benefit from workshops with local artisans and the high calibre galleries in the area make it easy to learn about contemporary and historical art, craft and design in local and global contexts.

Visual Arts

Visual Art is an exciting opportunity for you to explore and develop practical skills, but more importantly to learn to express yourself visually. At the heart of the course lie creativity, imagination and experimentation.

The Visual Arts course is a dynamic and diverse programme, where you will acquire traditional and practical art-making skills as well as exploring those that are new and experimental.

Drawing is the foundation for IB Visual Arts and a specific requirement for the new GCSE specification (for those who opt for the examination). We teach all students, regardless of prior learning or natural ability, the strategies to record visually what they see and also what they imagine.

We also know that people are more creative when they are motivated and happy, so the students are given the flexibility to choose which areas of study they wish to work within and to select mediums that allow them to express themselves effectively. You will select

your own area of interest and through a journey of experimentation, exploration and practice you will be guided to produce resolved pieces which are both personal and meaningful.

Theatre Studies The Theatre Studies course provides opportunities for learners to develop practical skills in performance, both as an individual and within a group.

You will understand the artistic choices made by actors, directors and designers in presenting performances for an audience. You will also learn about theatrical styles and genres. You will also explore how to develop you own ideas in creating original drama and as a result of this you will develop as effective, independent learners and critical and reflective thinkers.

The aims of the course are to enable you to develop: • an interest in and enjoyment of drama and theatre • an understanding of the process of moving from script to performance • skills in devising original drama • practical performance skills as individuals and within a group • an understanding of, and engagement with, the role of actor, director and designer in creating a piece of drama • an understanding of how performers communicate with an audience.

The Theatre Studies course is completed in three complementary units: Practical Performance, Project and Appreciation. If you follow the Theatre Studies course to complete the IGCSE exam then you will also prepare for a written exam, answering questions

about two set texts and a devised piece that you have created.

Music

harmony, and a free composition which can be written in any notational form appropriate.

Those who choose to study Music at PreIB level will strengthen their musical skills through three main practical and theoretical study areas: • Listening (theoretical and historical analysis of music) • Composition • Performance.

During the course of the year, students will prepare a recording of one solo performance and one ensemble performance. There will be regular workshops and performance opportunities in and outside of class to ensure that the students have built up the necessary skills and confidence.

Through this course you will familiarise yourself with the main historical periods of Western Music, from the Baroque era till the present, as well as exploring selected non-Western musical traditions, cultivating a deeper cultural understanding of Music. You will also work on two original compositions; a Western, tonal style composition demonstrating your understanding of traditional musical notation and

Studying Music at IGCSE level will provide you with a lifetime of appreciation and understanding of Music, as well as preparing for further study at the IB level and beyond.

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CREATIVE SUBJECTS: THE ARTS

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COMPUTER SCIENCE WHAT WILL I LEARN IN COMPUTER SCIENCE? Computer Science is the study of computers and computing as well as their theoretical and practical applications. Computer science applies the principles of mathematics, engineering, and logic to software and hardware development as well as offering you the opportunity to develop coding skills in industry standard high-level programming languages such as Python.

The course explores the principles of Computer Science ranging from designing algorithms, to computer networks and A.I. Alongside this, you will explore the wider context of computer science and the internet and how this key industry is shaping our digital society. You must be able to think logically, creatively solve problems and be tenacious when faced with challenging situations.

Computer Science develops critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, decision making, and innovation. This is an important subject to support how you shape the future of our digital society.

You can opt in to take the IGCSE exam at the end of the course which is a combination of theoretical and practical

assessments. This Pre-IB Course is a brilliant starting point for students wanting to go on to study Digital Societies or Computer Science as part of the IB Diploma.

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LANGUAGES WHAT WILL I LEARN IN LANGUAGES? Le Régent lays great stress on the ability to communicate in a number of different languages with the advantages they confer in professional and social life - and, it has emerged, children’s meta-cognitive development. Spanish and Mandarin are usually offered as both first languages and foreign languages. Other languages are possible, depending on demand, sometimes with an extra payment.

Mandarin Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages throughout the world. The importance of the far Eastern culture is increasingly evident, particularly in the business world. Mandarin is a challenging language to learn for westerners but its value and importance must not be underestimated. Research has shown that children who learn foreign languages benefit in terms of their metacognitive development and this is especially true of Mandarin where the learning of a new alphabet brings considerable intellectual challenge - and satisfaction.

You will learn to speak Mandarin to a level which will enable you to hold conversations with people in a variety of different situations. In addition, you will develop skills in listening, reading and writing that will stand you in good stead in Mandarin speaking environments. You will have the opportunity to sit the iGCSE Mandarin exam as well as prepare for the HSK exam. As a native speaker of Mandarin, you will gain accuracy in writing in your mother tongue and learn to recognise and master various forms of writing. The course is designed to prepare you for the IB Language A Mandarin. Therefore, you will develop your analytical and literary skills on a wide range of texts as well as developing your oral expression.

Spanish Spanish is the second most widely spoken language throughout the world and as well as being useful, it is popular amongst students who enjoy engaging in the learning of a language whose culture is vibrant and colourful.

You will learn to speak in Spanish to be able to hold a conversation with people in a variety of different situations.

In addition, you will develop skills in listening, reading and writing that will stand you in good stead in Spanish-speaking environments. You will have the opportunity to take the iGCSE Spanish exam and to prepare for the DELE exam. This course is an ideal first step towards IB Language B courses.

As a native speaker of Spanish, you will gain accuracy in writing in your mother tongue as well as learning to become familiar and master various forms of writing. You will study cultural topics and approach grammar differently. The course is designed to prepare you for the IB Language A Spanish.

Therefore, you will develop your analytical and literary skills on a wide range of texts as well as developing your oral expression.

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NON-ACADEMIC CURRICULUM WHAT ELSE WILL I DO?

Sport All students have four compulsory periods of sport in classes 9 & 10 which aim at developing their physical literacy (enjoyment, confidence, competence, understanding & knowledge) in order to have a significantly positive effect on physical, social and mental well-being. Le Régent believes that a physically literate student is more likely to continue to adopt and engage in a healthy lifestyle as they mature into adulthood. The schools’ sporting programme allows for this development through exploration of the following sports: • • •

Autumn Term: football; volleyball; basketball; badminton; fitness; golf; squash; dance Winter Term: snowsports Summer Term: tennis; athletics; golf; ultimate frisbee; beach volleyball; fitness

During the Winter Term all students undertake skiing during the snowsports programme. This caters for all ability levels and also offers the opportunity for snowboarding, ski racing and ski freestyle. All students receive instruction from ESS instructors and are also able to enjoy the mountain during controlled free ski sessions.

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Sporting Excellence is developed through involvement in the highly competitive SGIS network and we also offer the opportunity for students to compete in local Swiss leagues for a variety of sports.

LAMDA All students have one period a week of LAMDA. Established 130 years ago, LAMDA stands for London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. This prestigious institution makes it possible for students to participate in refining key vocal and acting techniques internationally, with the opportunity of taking Performance and Communication examinations, not dissimilar to graded music examinations.

LAMDA complements academic achievements with is excellent public speaking and communication skills. Lessons are an amalgamation of teamwork, key vocal techniques including enunciation, articulation and projection, as well as the importance of presence when communicating with others - both on and off stage. As part of the curriculum, students prepare pieces recited from memory, with the opportunity to showcase their work to their peers as well as to an external LAMDA examiner.

Whether taking Verse and Prose or Performance examinations, LAMDA can be taken up to Grade 8 (Gold) level. For those who are committed to taking the exams and progressing through the milestones, there are UCAS points available from Grade 6 (Bronze) onwards.

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LE S TU AD RN EN I NTGS S UU PP PP OO RR TT A N D E A L P R O G R A M M E HOW DOES LE RÉGENT SUPPORT MY LEARNING?

Learning Support Learning Support is an adjunct to the Pre-IB programme whereby students with additional needs and barriers to learning can be supported, coached and given access to strategies to assist in overcoming those barriers.

Knowledge around the student from a variety of sources (such as teachers, school assessments, external professional assessments) is collated and an individual programme is put in place for students with additional needs. This is run and monitored by the Head of Learning Support.

Depending on the nature of the student’s difficulties, he/ she is assessed through a variety of computer based or pen and paper tests. These can give detailed information about areas of need and thus provide information on how to construct a programme which

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addresses these needs. Approaches to teaching and learning are adapted to each student and the areas where they need support.

Each pupil requiring the assistance of Learning Support is on a personalised programme, and this ties in to the work in some curriculum classes particularly where literacy needs support. The students are encouraged through the work they complete to move gradually towards independence and autonomy in overcoming their barriers. They are taken through a personalised programme which enables them to take ownership and use solutions from their work in Learning Support to apply in classes.

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EAL (English as an additional language) The EAL learning support programme is an integral part of learning at Le Régent. Development of the core English language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening ensures learners become academically competent users of English and gives them the best chance to excel across the Pre-IB curriculum.

Although students follow a set curriculum, the instructor tailors learning to continually challenge and engage each student on an individual basis. The programme of study works in harmony with each learner’s linguistic and cultural heritage aiming not to replace but to strengthen it.

The EAL programme of study is designed to give students the English language tools they need to access learning across the curriculum.

Engaging lessons are delivered in a small group setting. Importantly, students are encouraged to practise these language skills during social interactions on campus and across the range of the academic subjects they follow.

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To monitor linguistic milestones, EAL students in Years 10 and 11 may sit Cambridge English Exams. The KET (Key English Test), PET (Preliminary English Test) and First Certificate are taken at the end of each academic year.

Cambridge Assessments in English have been operating since 1913 and are renowned worldwide. As students graduate from the EAL programme of study, they become fully integrated into classes with native English speakers.

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www.regentschool.ch Le Régent International School Rue du Zier 4 3963 Crans-Montana SWITZERLAND info@regentschool.ch Tel: +41 (0) 27 480 3201