Curriculum
Empowering Learners Through the Cambridge Curriculum
At POWIIS we provide students with a range of challenging and enjoyable opportunities to develop deep understanding. High quality learning comes about through meaningful, rigorous and authentic experiences where the learner is guided and encouraged to be confident, reflective and dedicated.
Key Stage 3
THE POWIIS Key Stage 3 Curriculum covers years 7 – 9. Our students learn a variety of subjects that allow them to develop their understanding and experience a broad range of content. The curriculum is mainly based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales but is extended and adapted to suit all abilities and the local environment.
Arts
Our students have separate lessons in Art, Design Technology, Drama and Music. Within these areas they develop their own creativity and communication skills. Studying the Arts enables students to think outside the box and approach problems from different angles through various artistic mediums.
Humanities
Our students learn about the world around them in the past and present through lessons in geography and history. They develop a sense of cultural awareness and explore historical narratives through their classroom activities and offsite places of interest.
Languages & Culture
All of our students study English language and literature to a level that is appropriate for them. They read texts from different cultures and learn to express themselves through the spoken and written word. POWIIS students also study two languages from Bahasa Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Bahasa Malay is compulsory for all of our Malaysian students.
Maths & IT
Our students have separate lessons in Mathematics and Computing. In Computing they learn to develop the skills they need to access a digital world. In Mathematics they focus on building on their core numeracy, algebra, geometry, and data skills and then applying these to real world problems. Through both subjects they learn to become more logical thinkers.
PE & Sport
Our students have regular Physical Education lessons to promote exercise and healthy living. They develop their team building, collaboration and communication skills whilst working on their core strength as well as sporting techniques.
Science
Our students learn the three sciences through lessons in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They are encouraged to question, hypothesise and analyse using scientific methods and begin to take part in practical lessons.
STEM
In addition to their timetabled lessons, our students have the opportunity to get involved in various Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths activities. From the interhouse STEM fair to cross curricular trips and extra-curricular activities STEM at POWIIS allows students to further build on the skills taught in their subject areas and take these and apply them to new and challenging situations.
Learning Support
The learning support team works with students with varying needs. They create individualised learning plans, offer in class support and work with teachers to get the best out of every student.
English Language Support (ELS)
Our English Language Support programme is designed to support students to develop the English skills they need to access the curriculum. Students are assessed as part of the admissions process and entered onto the appropriate pathway. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is used to assess their level and once they reach the required standard they graduate from the programme.
Reporting
School reports are published four times a year. These include an attainment description to let parents know how students are progressing in their subjects as well as engagement, organisation and independence. These are accompanied by a comment from their form tutor. There are also opportunities throughout the year to meet with subject teachers to discuss progress, either face to face or online.
Key Stage 4
The POWIIS Key Stage 4 curriculum covers years 10 – 11. Students work towards gaining their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in various subjects. All students study English Language & Literature and Mathematics. They also take at least one Science and five other subjects. We use both Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel (Edexcel) examination boards. The choice of board is dependent on the subject but are equal in their rigour and recognition. The specific subjects offered each year depends on the uptake for each subject.
Arts
Our students can choose from Art, Design Technology, Drama and Music. Each of these subjects include both a practical and an examined component. Studying the Arts enables students to think outside the box and approach problems from different angles through various mediums.
Humanities
Our students can choose from Business Studies, Economics, History, Geography and Psychology. Choosing one of these subjects enriches students’ understanding of diverse cultures, historical and social issues and allows them to develop critical thinking skills.
Languages & Culture
Our students can choose from Bahasa Malay, Mandarin Chinese and foreign language Spanish. In Malay there is the option of first language or foreign language. In Mandarin there is the option of first language, second language or foreign language. Malaysian students must study Bahasa Malay but they can do this through the combined languages programme if they wish. We strongly encourage all students to take a language as it not only helps to develop their communication skills in that language but also in their native tongue. It also enhances their memory and promotes cultural awareness.
Maths & IT
Our students can choose from Computer Science and ICT. Studying these subjects offers students a solid foundation in computing principles and enhances their problem solving and logical reasoning skills. Some of our students will have the opportunity to join the accelerated Maths programme which means that they will also study for IGCSE Further Pure Mathematics. This is specifically for the most able students who have a deep understanding and real passion for the subject. It is not a requirement for any further education course.
PE & Sport
Our students have regular Physical Education lessons to promote exercise and healthy living. They develop their team building, collaboration and communication skills whilst working on their core strength as well as sporting techniques. We also offer an IGCSE in PE which covers both practical and theory elements including historical and sociological issues in physical and health care.
Science
Our students can choose from three separate sciences – Biology, Chemistry and Physics – or the double award which combines part of all three sciences but in less depth than the individual sciences. Through studying the sciences students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that are applicable across various disciplines.
STEM
In addition to their timetabled lessons students have the opportunity to get involved in various Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths activities. From the interhouse STEM fair to cross curricular trips and extra-curricular activities STEM at POWIIS allows students to further build on the skills taught in their subject areas and take these and apply them to new and challenging situations.
Learning Support
The learning support team works with students with varying needs. They create individualised learning plans, offer in class support and work with teachers to get the best out of every student.
English Language Support (ELS)
Our students are entered for either IGCSE English First Language or IGCSE English Second Language. The decision is made in conjunction with teachers, parents and the student and takes into account the previous level of English achieved.
Reporting
School reports are published four times a year. These include an attainment description to let parents know how students are progressing in their subjects as well as engagement, organisation and independence. These are accompanied by a comment from their form tutor. There are also opportunities throughout the year to meet with subject teachers to discuss progress, either face to face or online.
Sixth Form
The POWIIS Sixth Form curriculum covers years 12 – 13. Students work towards gaining their International Advanced Level (IAL) in various subjects. There are no compulsory subjects, and our students choose four, one of which they may decide to complete at Advanced Supplementary (AS) Level at the end of year 12.
A levels are globally recognised qualifications that offer a rigorous and specialised academic curriculum that deepens students knowledge in their chosen subjects. We use both Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel (Edexcel) examination boards. The choice of board is dependent on the subject but are equal in their rigour and recognition. The specific subjects offered at POWIIS each year depend on the demand for each subject.
Arts
Our students can choose from Art, Design Technology, Drama and Music. Each of these subjects include both a practical and an examined component. Studying the Arts enables students to think outside the box and approach problems from different angles through various mediums.
Humanities
Our students can choose from Business Studies, Economics, History, Geography and Psychology. Choosing one of these subjects enriches students’ understanding of diverse cultures, historical and social issues and allows them to develop critical thinking skills.
Languages & Culture
Our students can choose A levels in English Literature and Media Studies. These subjects expose students to new themes and help to develop their critical thinking and analysing skills. They can also choose from several different language qualifications which aren’t full A levels but allow students to enhance their curriculum with a new language, such as Japanese, or to further develop their skills in a familiar tongue such as Mandarin or Spanish.
Maths & IT
Our students can choose from a number of different maths pathways in our Sixth Form. As well as the traditional Maths A level, we also offer Further Maths A level for our most able mathematicians or AS Maths over two years for those who still wish to include maths in their timetable. Our students can also opt for Computer Science A level. This subject enhances their problem solving and logical reasoning skills.
PE & Sport
Our students can choose to study A level Physical Education. This not only allows them to draw on their sporting expertise in certain areas but to also delve into the science and mechanics behind human movement, exercise physiology and biomechanics.
Science
Our students can choose from three separate sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Through studying the sciences students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that are applicable across various disciplines. POWIIS students can also opt for Marine Science A Level; this will deepen their understanding of the complex ecosystems in our oceans and give them the skills necessary to address environmental challenges and contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources.
Extended Project Qualification
Students might choose to do the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to explore a topic they are passionate about in greater depth, beyond the standard curriculum. It helps develop valuable research, critical thinking, and independent study skills that are highly regarded by universities and employers. Completing an EPQ can also enhance a university application, particularly when it links to a chosen field of study.
STEM
In addition to their normal timetabled lessons students have the opportunity to get involved in various Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths activities. From the interhouse STEM fair to cross curricular trips and extra-curricular activities, STEM at POWIIS allows students to further build on the skills taught in their subject areas and take these and apply them to new and challenging situations.
Learning Support
The learning support team works with students with varying needs. They create individualised learning plans, offer in class support and work with teachers to get the best out of every student.
English Language Support (ELS)
We offer our students the opportunity to prepare for their IELTs assessment which is a requirement for most English speaking universities. We have a programme of timetabled lessons and support to ensure our students are well equipped for success in the test.
Reporting
School reports are published four times a year. These include an attainment description to let parents know how students are progressing in their subjects as well as engagement, organisation and independence. These are accompanied by a comment from their form tutor. There are also opportunities throughout the year to meet with subject teachers to discuss progress, either face to face or online.
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