Curriculum

Introduction

The National Curriculum has been compulsory in state schools since 1988. The majority of independent schools follow the National Curriculum, while expanding its scope through extra-curricular activities.

Examinations also dictate the syllabus. The Common Entrance exam allows preparatory schools to teach almost all pupils to a common syllabus. The IC Programmes for Learning is a new curriculum designed for prep schools. Read more …

The only alternative to GCSEs is the Middle Year Program of the IB, but this is not regarded as robust and has not been widely adopted by independent schools. There is, however, an international version of GCSEs known as Cambridge IGCSE. Read more …

In recent years many independent schools have been became disenchanted with the way A Level grades have become inflated. Some schools have adopted the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) which is much more robust. Other schools regard the IB curriculum as too general and a new syllabus called the Pre-U Diploma Program has been devised by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) to fill the gap. Read more …

Some of the Independent School associations offer guidance and resources on curricula. For example, HMC is committed to providing exceptional co-curricular programmes to ensure that HMC schools are successful and outstanding in specialist areas, such as sport, music, arts, drama as well as academically.

IC Programmes for Learning

The IC Programmes for Learning (PfLs) was introduced in September 2011 with around 200 adopting it initially.

The curriculum has been written by leading private school teachers and is designed for use in independent prep and junior schools and covers all subjects from Year 3 to Year 9.

It has been devised specifically for fee-paying prep schools to give children a better start and prepare them for the demands of secondary education.

It is intended to provide children with stretching academic content together with developing vital skills such as problem-solving, making presentations, taking part in debates and conducting research.

Cambridge IGCSE

Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, and is an international passport to progression and success. Developed over 25 years ago, it is tried and trusted by schools worldwide.

Over 1300 schools in the UK are now teaching Cambridge IGCSE, 400 of which are independent schools. Cambridge IGCSE offers a flexible curriculum, with a choice of over 70 subjects in any combination.

Assessment takes place at the end of the course and includes written, oral and practical assessment.