EDUCATION

BRAEBURN ETHOS

Braeburn Schools pride themselves on providing warm, friendly environments. We want our children to look forward to going to school. Our children are happy and involved, and high standards of discipline encourage good learning. On completion of their education in Braeburn, students are mature, responsible adults who are an asset to whichever society they join.

EARLY YEARS and PRIMARY SCHOOL
The curriculum begins in the Early Years, which caters for children aged 3-5 years and is organized into two age groups. The Nursery class is part-time daily and Reception offers full-time provision, with afternoon Crèche facilities for nursery children.

This carefully planned induction program to the Early Years Unit, which includes informal visits for children and their parents, a pre-school home visit and staggered entry over a number of weeks, ensures that children starting school for the first time can enter a secure, settled and familiar environment where adults are available to give them the special attention that they will need. There is also the flexibility for children to start school part-time and build up to staying for lunch and afternoon sessions or using school transport.

The Early Years curriculum is based on the “Early Learning Goals”. The period from age three to the end of the Reception Year is described as the foundation stage. It is a distinct stage and important both in its own right and in preparing children for later schooling. The Early Learning Goals set out what is expected for most children by the end of the foundation stage. Children will begin to follow the National Curriculum at the beginning of Year 1 and the Early Learning Goals feed naturally into this.

After Year 1
Teaching is a combination of whole class, group and individual teaching with more specialised teaching in the subject areas of I.C.T., French, Swimming, P.E. and Music.

The main subjects taught are:
English; Mathematics; Science; History and Geography; Information Communication Technology; Art and Design Technology; Music and Drama; French; Religious Education; Personal, Social and Health Education (including Sex Education); Physical Education; Swimming

Key Stage 3
At Braeburn School (primary), we extend beyond the primary years into Key Stage 3. Our Year 7 and Year 8 students have their own purpose built building which includes a computer suite, Science laboratory, Art room and Design Technology workshop. In Key Stage 3 our students enjoy the expertise of subject-based teachers as well as the pastoral support of a form tutor. Our students experience a wide range of extra curricular activities and residential trips throughout the school year.

HIGH SCHOOL
Our High School has 3 Year groups. Year nine completes Key Stage 3 of the British National Curriculum. This is a 3-year program, the first two years of which have been taught in our Primary School. It culminates with external examinations, the Standard Attainment Tests (SATs). These are taken in English, Mathematics and Science.

Towards the end of Year 9, students have to select their subject options for the 2-year International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) course. Each student will study 9 subjects. English Language, English Literature and Mathematics are taken by all students. The range of subjects available is wider than at Key Stage 3, and students are given assistance in choosing 6 subjects. This includes introductory lessons to new subjects, a Careers Evening where representatives of between 50 and 100 vocations are available for consultation and an Options Evening at which parents and students can discuss subjects with staff.

The subjects offered for study at IGCSE are:-
English language, English literature, History, Geography, French, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sociology, Accounting, Art, Design/technology, Drama, Business studies, Computer studies, Physical Education

The course, followed by Years 10 and 11, leads to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. Braeburn High School uses the University of Cambridge Examining Board. Coursework is an integral part of IGCSE-work in some subjects, which enables students to develop skills throughout the year.

The IGCSE qualifications can be used to gain entrance to some colleges or to certain training programs. Many students, however, will wish to gain higher qualifications.

COLLEGE
At Braeburn College, we offer the following courses:

GCE AS and A levels
1 or 2 year courses. Students normally take 4 subjects

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
A 2 year course with a wider focus. Students take 6 subjects and undertake a range of additional academic and non-academic course activities

 

BTEC National Diplomas

2 year courses with a detailed focus on a single vocational area such as Business, IT, Travel & Tourism.

Braeburn Bridging Course - especially formulated for students coming from the KCSE who wish to take A Levels.

(The courses above lead to entry to degree courses at universities around the world)

 

 

BTEC Higher National Diplomas
2-year courses covering the 1st and 2nd years of a university degree courses, giving access to 2nd or 3rd year in British universities and some American universities.

 

 

There is a wide range of subjects to choose from:
Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design Technology, Economics, French, Geography, History, Information Technology, International Relations, Kiswahili, Law, Literature, Marketing, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Spanish, Travel & Tourism.

Admission requirements vary according to the level of entry and the course being applied for:

For AS level, IB and National Diploma courses, passes at IGCSE, KCSE or an equivalent qualification are considered.

Bridging Course requires passes at KCSE, AS or A level.

Higher National Diploma courses are open to students who have completed National Diploma, A level, IB or Bridging Course.

The College has detailed information on all the courses and experienced admissions staff will give advice on the best courses for each individual applicant.

Careers and University Guidance
Throughout their time in the College students are given information and guidance regarding courses and universities around the world. Prospectuses and application forms are available and, here again, experienced staff guide students through the application processes.

Braeburn College has close contacts with many universities.

Representatives from universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, United States of America, United Arab Emirates and throughout the world also visit the College to meet students.

Each year over 95% of the students are admitted to degree courses around the world.

^^ TOP^^