Sunland is founded on certain British and Spanish traditions which provided a point of departure for the curriculum that is offered. The language of instruction is English although Spanish is taught at all levels of the school in compliance with the requirements of the Spanish Ministry of Education.
The pre-school programme is designed to give children a positive and happy introduction to school life.
Developmental in its approach, the programme and teachers are sensitive to the varying stages of interest, ability and readiness of these young learners, and incorporates a range of hands-on learning activities and opportunities to develop the social skills required to become successful collaborative students.
In the primary school (Reception – Year 6), the curriculum is based on the expectations of the English National Curriculum (Foundation, Keystages 1 and 2 syllabi). The strategies for literacy and numeracy are based on those of the English National Curriculum, while the other areas of the curriculum are presented through a cross-curricular and enquiry-based topics. Keystage 2 (year 6) concludes with the English SATs which are externally marked so that we can monitor how Sunland students perform alongside their UK-based peers.
In the secondary school, Sunland offers the curriculum for the Keystage 3 in Years 7-9, with classes in Maths, English, History, Science (laboratory based), History, Geography, ICT, Art Design and Technology, Music, Physical Education, PSHCE, French and Spanish (taught at two levels). Keystage 3 culminates in SATs which, as in primary, are externally assessed.
In September 2006 Sunland introduced the English IGCSEs, a two-year programme which combines compulsory core subjects with student electives. This programme will culminate in the IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. Inspections have now taken place with CIE (Cambridge International Exams) and we are now officially recognised as an examination centre with this prestigious body.
Sunland seeks to create internationally-minded, independent learners who will appreciate and respect the value of the diversity of nationalities and cultures represented at the school. In achieving these goals, we feel Sunland students, regardless of nationality, will be well-prepared for whatever direction their lives may take.
Primary Curriculum
The Primary curriculum at Sunland International School offers a rich, challenging and stimulating programme which is designed to generate an enthusiasm for learning to encourage children to value learning as a life-long process, and to encourage an internationalist awareness of its students, we aim to develop a strong foundation of skills, knowledge and understanding, focusing on the needs of each child as an individual so that he or she may achieve academic excellence, and master the skills required for social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.
The curriculum incorporates the content and methodologies of the British National Curriculum. Our Spanish courses meet the requirements of the Spanish Ministry of Education.
Secondary Curriculum
The Secondary School continues to expand by one year group annually. The academic programme for students aged 11-16 (Key Stages 3 & 4) follows the National Curriculum for England. It is very much hoped that Post 16, students will study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, subject to the authorisation and approval of the IBO. The curriculum also meets the requirements of the Spanish Ministry of Education with respect to Spanish Language. The academic curriculum is complemented by a course in personal, social and health education, a programme of extra curricular activities and a strong student support system lead by a pastoral care co-ordinator.
Students in years 7, 8 and 9 follow the programmes of study for key stage 3 of the National Curriculum for England, culminating in formal assessment at the end of the key stage. Year 9 students sit national tests in English, Mathematics and Science; and teacher assessments in these subjects plus ICT, Modern Spanish, Geography, History, Art, Design Technology, Music and Physical Education. In Years 10 and 11 students will follow a minimum of 8from a wide range of subjects to study for IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), to include a core of compulsory IGCSEs which are English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Coordinated Science (Dual Award), IT and Spanish language and Literature.
In years 12 and
13 the school will introduce A and AS levels through (Cambridge International
Exams).