The British System
Framework
A British education creates open-minded, creative and dynamic individuals. Your child will learn from first-hand experience and an active participation in the learning process, not just from textbooks. They will be encouraged to be creative in their thinking, and are expected to work hard each day.
Play to learn
Ages 2 – 5 | Pre-Nursery to Reception
In the Nursery division, young children learn through exploration in a child-centred approach to Early Years education. In commitment to a bilingual education, all activities, from building with blocks and number activities to singing in a group, are conducted in English. This immersive language experience is designed to help young individuals understand their environment within an English-speaking context. Our Early Years teachers provide a nurturing and creative environment that is rewarding and helps our youngest students develop socially, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Exploration and evaluation
Ages 5 – 7 | School years 1 – 2
As students’ progress through the school, a more structured approach to the day helps to consolidate previous learning. During engaging and well-planned lessons, pupils aged 5 to 7 learn how to read, write, and count in English, while learning new skills with the support of their dedicated teachers. Children in Years 1 and 2 are encouraged to explore their environment, play with their classmates, and describe their discoveries using words and numbers.
Communicate and articulate
Ages 7 – 11 | School years 3 – 6
Children are naturally curious and in Junior school, we aim to encourage them to learn about things that pique their interest, while consolidating their numeracy and literacy skills. We teach Primary Years learners how to apply their language and communication skills to other subject areas, such as Science, Art, and History, so that they can transfer their skills with confidence and express themselves in a healthy, effective manner.
Interrogate and debate
Ages 11 – 16 | School years 7 – 11
In the Secondary School division, we teach older students to think critically. Secondary pupils learn how to investigate, test, and evaluate information in a rational and objective way, allowing them to explore their research skills in greater depth. Secondary School classes are focused on a formal “subject-based” learning approach and provide opportunities to conduct practical tests.
Approximately 9 or 10 IGCSE subjects will require the completion of examinations which are undertaken at the end of this stage.
Formal assessment evaluates subject knowledge across different subjects, some of which may be chosen by GCSE entrants at the end of Year 9.
Think and act
Ages 16 – 18 | School Years 12 – 13
The final two years at school mark the beginning of adulthood. Senior pupils make choices about the direction of their education and are expected to work hard during these years to effectively prepare themselves for university and the start of their careers. Once Secondary pupils have finished their IGCSE examinations in Year 11, they undertake the IB Diploma Programme.
University and beyond
Age 18+
The vast majority of King’s pupils go on to university, with the majority attending institutions in the UK and Spain. Academic success helps to guarantee a good career, but we also aim to support children who attend King’s College schools to become good citizens, responsible partners, respectful friends and happy individuals.
Academic Principles
Fostering Development
Our teaching and learning strategies are reviewed regularly.
Academic success is underpinned by positive relationships with staff and other pupils.
By challenging pupils to strive for excellence, we achieve exceptional examination results.
One of our key objectives is to develop the skills of inquiry in our pupils, leading to an independent approach to learning and a wide range of research skills.
High Performance Learning
What is HPL?
High Performance Learning (HPL) is an educational belief, backed by the latest research, that suggests students can perform to a remarkably high level during their time at school.
Where did HPL originate?
HPL is a growing educational movement that started in the UK. Many schools world-wide have incorporated HPL into the heart of their learning approach. A large number of educational institutions are adopting HPL practices regularly, as the success of HPL students is increasingly recognised.
What are the ‘Skills and Attitudes’ components of HPL?
HPL focuses on two main areas; skills and attitudes. Skills are things that need to be developed in order to achieve success. These include:
Attitudes are the mindsets and behaviours that students can adopt to ensure that they are able to cope with the increasing demands of the modern, global world. These include:
As a parent, how will I see progress in my child’s performance?
The first step to assessing the effectiveness of this approach is to talk to your child about how they believe their skills are developing. This will give you an indication that they are aware of which skills and attitudes they are working on so that can focus on their goals.
You should also see real progress in how they approach tasks, not only in school but also at home. One of the major benefits of HPL is that it helps children change how
they see challenges and setbacks, allowing them to create new solutions to learning and personal challenges.
What can I do to help my child?
The involvement of parents is crucial to the overall success of HPL. We want parents to be informed about how their children are developing! We have Open Forums for our parent community to learn more about HPL, and there are opportunities for you to contribute as a Parent HPL Ambassador. The more student, parents and staff work together, the more likely it is that children will reach their full potential.
How is the HPL programme delivered at school?
We believe that in traditional lessons, students already develop the skills and attitudes outlined above. However, we want students and parents to be fully aware of the learning aims so we are communicating these more effectively.
Your child will be able to tell you which skills and attitudes they are working on at any particular time, and by ensuring you are informed of their progress, they are more likely to achieve them.
This will lead to greater success!
To ensure that students become knowledgeable global citizens and advanced performers, the school focuses on the 7 key areas of HPL.
Can I learn more about HPL?
Of course! There are books available at school that detail the HPL framework for you to read at your leisure and you can visit the HPL website here: www.highperformancelearning.co.uk
