Our Schools

Early Years

Early Years Foundation Stage – EYFS

The Early Years School is committed to ensuring that our youngest children embark on their learning journey with a sense of awe and wonder, in an environment where they feel safe, secure and excited to learn. Our strong home-school relationships are fundamental in ensuring that all our children are happy, confident learners.

A love of learning

In EYFS we lay the strongest foundations for the total development of each individual through a nurturing and child-centred approach. We cultivate a love of learning and an enchantment with books, language and self-expression, as well as a genuine interest in numerical concepts by providing creative and integrated learning experiences in a stimulating environment where children feel valued, confident and independent.

Programme of work

The Foundation and Reception classes use the Foundation Stage curriculum and the Foundation Stage profile as outlined in the British Education System.

Foundation

The Foundation curriculum is divided into 6 separate areas of learning:

• Knowledge and understanding of the world

• Creative development (music, construction, role play)

• Language and the concept of literacy

• Numbers and the concept of mathematics

• Personal, social and emotional development

• Physical development

Reception

In the Reception classes, a timetable of teacher-directed and curriculum-based activities focuses on:

• Phonics and whole word reading.

• A daily Literacy time based on whole class, group and individual activities.

• Building language skills through books and literature, role play, rhymes and poetry.

• Simple practical mathematics and mathematical ideas.

• Physical Education.

• Music

• Library time

Outstanding resources

We are proud of the impressive resources that enrich the learning of our EYFS students as they embark on the Foundation Stage of the British National Curriculum. Custom-built classrooms with colourful displays of student work and state-of-the-art technologies are clustered around common teaching areas, computer suites, book areas and specialist facilities for creative play and first-hand experiences.

We have a dedicated Lower School Library, a health centre staffed by a qualified full time doctor, fully equipped outdoor play areas and a shallow pool for the youngest students. Children’s intellectual, emotional, social and physical development is supported by our caring classroom teachers and their full-time teaching assistants as well as specialist teachers in music, languages and physical education. Learning support specialists provide assistance to children who need a little extra help. Our school Psychologist also oversees the development of children’s social and emotional skills, providing individualised attention when necessary.

Primary School

Primary School – Key Stages 1 & 2

CIS provides a stimulating environment that inspires and motivates students in their academic, sporting and cultural development. As children progress from Foundation to stage to Key Stage 1, emphasis is placed on the further acquisition of skills and understanding in literacy and numeracy. Learning is meaningful and field study trips extend classroom activities. Teaching strategies are varied according to the purpose of a task and the needs of each child. A creative cross-curricular approach is underpinned by a structured framework for teaching English, Mathematics and Science. A strong pastoral system nurtures positive relationships; promoting an ethos that values and celebrates students as individuals while fostering a strong sense of community.

Building on strong foundations

The transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 presents students with exciting new challenges. The school day becomes more formally structured and students are encouraged to take on new responsibilities as they work towards becoming independent learners. The Primary School’s warm and caring environment facilitates a holistic approach to learning that provides students with a wide range of opportunities to guide their academic, personal, social and physical development.

All teachers (class and specialist) and those in learning support, work creatively to capture the interest of boys and girls and to make their learning personalised, enjoyable and meaningful. A range of contemporary teaching strategies are employed. The British National Curriculum provides the basis for the programmes of study but these are enhanced and enriched to reflect the calibre of our students and the school’s international setting. In addition to the National Curriculum subjects, the students have weekly French, Arabic and religious lessons from the start of Year 1.

At the end of Key Stage 2, students sit for the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint assessment, which is considered their first official external examination. The purpose of this is to assess learning outcomes at the end of Key Stage 2 and use the comprehensive report issued by Cambridge to make strategic decisions, drawing upon a pool of information and specialist reporting tools that are built into the tests.

Senior School

Senior School -Key Stages 3 & 4

As students transition from Primary to Senior school, the academic requirements increase and all the skills of self management, perseverance and hardwork learnt in the years prior, come into force.

Key Stage 3

Years 7 & 8 are a combined year, at the end of which students sit for the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint exam. Checkpoint monitors individual and group performance at the end of the Lower Secondary programme. These external tests are marked by Cambridge International and feedback is given to parents in the form of a comprehensive report.

Year 9 students study 5 core IGCSE subjects for which they sit school-based Mock exams for at the end of the year. This aims to prepare students for the upcoming IGCSE years where grades determine university acceptance.

Cambridge Checkpoint

Checkpoint tests, and the curricula developed for them, are specially designed for students who will take courses later which lead to IGCSE examinations in English, Mathematics and Science.

The tests are provided by Cambridge International Education (CIE). Cambridge qualifications are taken in over 150 countries and are recognised around the world. The main aim of Checkpoint is to help students learn which parts of the subject they are good at and in which parts they need to make extra effort, in addition to providing the school with detailed information about their strengths and weaknesses.

It should be noted that Checkpoint has been developed as a diagnostic tool: it is NOT an examination which features ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ grades.

IGCSE

IGCSE - Key Stage 4

Years 10 and 11

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations have been developed to provide a wide-ranging, rigorous evaluation of students’ abilities. Increasingly, schools in the U.K. are moving over to the IGCSEs as they are perceived to be more demanding and balanced than the GCSEs generally taken there and they are not subject to input from the U.K. Education Ministry, meaning that they can be written and administered without bias or pressure from outside the examination board.

IGCSE grades are accepted worldwide as accurate indicators of a student’s ability within his or her chosen subjects.

Having completed Year 9 all students commencing CIS Year 10 are required to study: English Language, Mathematics, ICT and an elected subject. Once year 10 has been completed and the 4 IGCSEs have been successfully achieved, students are required to study a further 4 subjects during the next school year (Year 11) with an option to also sit one other subject at the extended (AS) level.

IGCSE subjects currently on offer include:

• English

• Mathematics

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Physics

• ICT

• Accounting

• Art and Design

• Arabic

• History

• Geography

• Economics

• Business Studies

IGCSE Year 12

During this final year at school students will have successfully completed their 8 IGCSEs together with any retakes and extended subjects. Dependent upon the entry requirements of their chosen university, students are given the option to complete their extended subjects (A2) and/or take further AS examinations.

Core Subjects Overview

English

The teaching of English should develop students’ abilities to use language effectively, to communicate in speech and writing and to respond with understanding and insight to a wide range of texts. Whilst speaking and listening are not tested at this level, their importance in language development is such that they play a major part in the curriculum alongside reading and writing. Our integrated curriculum incorporates speaking and listening supporting learning.

The Cambridge Secondary 1 English curriculum promotes an enquiry based approach to learning to develop thinking skills and encourage intellectual engagement. The curriculum is presented in five content areas. Phonics, spelling and vocabulary and Grammar and punctuation related to use of English. Grammar and punctuation is further divided into Reading and Writing to reflect the different ways in which grammar and punctuation are applied in each of these skills. Reading, Writing, and Speaking and listening are about developing thinking skills and encouraging intellectual engagement. The learning objectives span knowledge and understanding and other qualities.

This curriculum encourages learners who are confident, creative and intellectually engaged, capable of applying their skills to respond to a range of information, media and texts with enjoyment and understanding.

The Cambridge Secondary 1 English curriculum framework provides a solid foundation upon which the later stages of education can be built.

Mathematics

Mathematics should develop students’ abilities to manipulate numbers and solve a range of numerical problems. It should allow students to interpret charts and tables and to understand the concepts of numbers and shapes. Although mental arithmetic strategies are key skills in Mathematics, they are not assessed in the Checkpoint tests, although they play an important role in developing students’ skills in Mathematics and are, therefore, included in the curriculum.

As most examinations consist of a paper which allows the use of a calculator, and another which does not, it is important that students are able to solve problems in both situations.

The Cambridge Secondary 1 mathematics curriculum is presented in six content areas: Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measure, Handling data and Problem solving. The first five content areas are all underpinned by Problem solving, which provides a structure for the application of mathematical skills.

Mental strategies are also a key part of the Number content. Together, these two areas form a progressive step preparing students for entry onto IGCSE level courses. This curriculum focuses on principles, patterns, systems, functions and relationships so that learners can apply their mathematical knowledge and develop a holistic understanding of the subject. The Cambridge Secondary 1 Mathematics curriculum framework provides a solid foundation upon which the later stages of education can be built.

Science

Science should develop the skills and processes necessary for the understanding of scientific concepts in the world around us. Our framework of study describes the topics which will be assessed in the areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Where possible, these topics are approached through practical work and are related to everyday experience.

The Cambridge Secondary 1 Science curriculum is presented in four content areas: Scientific enquiry, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Scientific enquiry is about considering ideas, evaluating evidence, planning investigative work and recording and analysing data. The Scientific enquiry objectives underpin Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which are focused on developing confidence and interest in scientific knowledge. Environmental awareness and some history of science are also incorporated. The Cambridge Secondary 1 Science curriculum framework provides a solid foundation upon which the later stages of education can be built.

ICT

At our school, we consider ICT a crucial part of the curriculum because it equips students with the essential 21st-century skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. As technology continues to evolve, it is vital that students develop the ability to navigate, understand, and innovate using digital tools. ICT fosters skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, which are key to success in both academic and professional settings. By integrating ICT across subjects, we ensure that students are not only proficient in using technology but are also prepared to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape, empowering them to become confident, capable, and future-ready individuals.

Lower School (Early Years and Key Stage 1):

In the Lower School, ICT introduces students to the basics of technology, fostering curiosity and building foundational skills. Pupils learn to use simple digital tools for communication, creativity, and problem-solving. Through interactive activities, they begin to understand how technology works and how it can be used to enhance learning, laying the groundwork for future exploration.

Primary School (Key Stage 2):

As students progress into Primary School, ICT becomes an essential part of their learning experience. Pupils gain a deeper understanding of computers, developing skills in word processing, internet research, and basic programming. They also explore multimedia tools, fostering creativity through projects that combine text, images, and sound. The focus is on building digital literacy, ensuring that students become confident and responsible users of technology.

IGCSE (Key Stage 4):

At IGCSE level, ICT is offered as a formal subject, where students explore more advanced concepts in computing and digital technology. The curriculum covers areas such as computer systems, software development, and the impact of ICT on society. Students gain practical skills in programming, database management, and web design, preparing them for further education or careers in technology. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, analytical thinking, and understanding the role of ICT in everyday life.

Music

Music is a dynamic and integral part of the curriculum, offering students the opportunity to develop creativity, musicality, and confidence. In line with the British curriculum, our music program encourages students to engage with a wide range of musical styles, from classical to contemporary, while fostering skills in performance, composition, and music theory. Students are encouraged to explore their talents through singing, playing instruments, and collaborative projects, enhancing their ability to work as part of a team. Music also promotes key life skills such as discipline, focus, and communication, helping students build a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts.

Art & Craft

Art and Craft is a vital part of the curriculum, offering students the opportunity to express their creativity and develop a wide range of practical skills. In line with the British national curriculum, our program encourages students to explore various techniques, materials, and artistic styles, from drawing and painting to sculpture and printmaking. Through these activities, students enhance their understanding of visual language, while also developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Art and Craft fosters confidence in self-expression and provides a platform for students to explore their individual creativity, enriching their learning experience and encouraging a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

Sports

We believe that physical education is essential in promoting a healthy lifestyle and balancing academic rigour. Our school provides a wide range of sports activities, from individual disciplines to team-based games, ensuring that every student can find an area where they excel or enjoy participating. Students engage in regular lessons designed to improve fitness, coordination, and agility, while also learning the value of cooperation and sportsmanship.

Our school also boasts excellent sports facilities, including a football court, basketball and volleyball courts, and a swimming pool, all of which are used for both recreational and competitive purposes. We have established school teams in various sports, and these teams regularly compete in regional competitions, giving students the chance to test their skills against others and gain valuable experience in high-pressure situations. Through these competitions, students build confidence, learn to handle both success and defeat, and develop a strong sense of pride in representing the school. Sports at our school are more than just physical activities—they help shape well-rounded individuals who understand the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.