Cambridge International Secondary
Mapped to the latest syllabuses for Cambridge Secondary 1 for years 7-9 and secondary 2(IGCSE) for years 10-11
English
English is taught in accordance with the Cambridge programmes we have chosen to follow. During their time here children develop a great enthusiasm for reading. Every child is given the opportunity to make independent choices from a wide variety of books and they also have a weekly-guided reading session.
Pupils are taught why and how people write and gradually progress from writing their own names to using letters and known words to express their ideas. As they progress through the school they learn the skills required to write for different purposes and in various text types, such as stories, reports and instructions.
All children will be taught the value of speaking and listening skills through numerous school activities spanning the whole curriculum. Emphasis is placed on spoken language and how to use it confidently.
Mathematics
The teaching programme for Mathematics is based on the core learning objectives as set out in the Cambridge curriculum programmes of study and ensures that children receive a broad and balanced maths curriculum.
It is our aim to deliver exciting and successful learning where children develop confidence and competence with numbers, number facts, calculating, problem solving, shape, measure and data handling. Where appropriate we will make cross-curricular links with other subjects, e.g. ICT. Mathematics is a compulsory subject at IGCSE.
Science
The Bridge International School provides a balanced and well-articulated curriculum that builds on the knowledge base from nursery and reception through all grades. In the Primary School and throughout the Secondary School, the study of Science includes learning to use the scientific method, critical-thinking, and problem solving. Science builds up a child’s natural curiosity and helps develop respect for living things. The practical nature of much of the work encourages sociability and co-operation with others. Above all, Science helps children to develop the ability to tackle and solve new problems confidently.
Our new Science laboratory
Secondary students carry out experiments using a range of equipment and technologies. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are available for study at Cambridge IGCSE level, and students choose two or all of the three Sciences to study for the two year programme.
Information and Communication Technology
At the Bridge International School we recognise that information and communication technology prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. The children will learn about how technology is used in the home and in their own environment.
From the start the children have access to a range of software and hardware. At the Bridge International School, we have two new and up-to-date ICT suites equipped with a sufficient number of computers for individual use by students. There are dedicated ICT lessons on the timetable for Years 3 to 9, and the use of ICT suites is also encouraged for research in all subject areas. ICT appears as an option choice for our students at IGCSE.
Art and Design
Art and Design is taught by a subject-specialist from Years 3 to 9 in a dedicated Art room. Students have learnt a range of techniques and how to use a number of different media.
Economics
Cambridge IGCSE Economics has an international outlook, but retain a local relevance. The syllabus provide opportunities for contextualized learning and the content has been created to suit a wide variety of environments, avoiding cultural bias and developing essential lifelong skills, including creative thinking and problem-solving. Our aim is to balance knowledge, understanding and skills in our programme and to enable candidates to become effective learners by providing a solid foundation for their continuing educational journey. In Economics you’ll look at the fundamental forces which affect our lives, such as employment, prices, international trade and poverty. Economists are often in healthy debate with each other over these issues. It is this controversy which makes Economics lively and interesting and which allows you the opportunity to make your own judgements and form your own opinions.
French
Formal French learning begins in Year 3, and is taught throughout the school by a mother tongue francophone teacher. The four areas of language acquisition are addressed, namely speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will take French as a Foreign Language as a compulsory subject at IGCSE.
Geography and History (Humanities)
Cameroon is a geographically diverse nation with a very interesting history, which provides a rich basis for Humanities lessons at The Bridge International School, together with the study of other countries, and cultures and civilisations. For this academic year, in Early Years and lower Primary, Humanities has been taught by individual class teachers, covering a range of subjects such as the different flora and fauna of Cameroon, the arrival of Europeans in Cameroon, the Roman Empire, and environmental issues. A subject-specialist has taught Geography and History from Year 5 upwards. One of the two subjects is compulsory at IGCSE, and students will choose according to their particular interests and future plans.
Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE)
This is delivered following a programme developed by our staff to address the issues relevant today to our learners throughout the school, either informally as happens in the Early Years and Primary classrooms or as a timetabled weekly lesson in Years 7 to 9, given by the Class Teacher.
Physical Education (PE)
PE is taught by the subject-specialists. Lessons take place outside on the school field, using a range of equipment, and the multipurpose hall. Students learn the basics of 5-a-side football, football, handball, basketball, athletics, dance and taekwondo.
Business Studies
Business Studies is an optional subject at IGCSE
Business studies courses vary, but usually include information technology and clerical/ office skills as well as business organization and finance. Whether an organisation is designing and manufacturing a product, selling or providing a service it will need to employ people with business management, financial and marketing skills. The course includes a study of;
• Why business activity is needed,
• How business activity is organized and financed,
• What the world of work is like,
• What is produced and why,
• How and why do governments and the community influence business activity.
More information about our programmes
Full details of the Cambridge programmes that we offer can be found on the CIE website http://www.cie.org.uk/, where there are links specifically designed for learners and parents, in addition to information about each particular programme and methods of assessment.
