Senior Curriculum Overview

In Year 9 pupils move into the Senior School and begin working towards IGCSEs, via an academically rigorous curriculum specifically designed for pupils learning in an international context, and also one that reflects our local context. Year 9 is a pre-IGCSE year in which pupils maintain the breadth of subjects studied in Years 7 and 8 but they will begin to work at an IGCSE standard. This provides an excellent academic grounding and experience of IGCSE-level work in a wide range of subjects, enabling them to make more informed choices when choosing their courses for Years 10 and 11. In some subjects pupils will begin to work on the IGCSE syllabus, whereas in other subjects Year 9 is used to equip pupils with the base knowledge and fundamental skills needed to begin the IGCSE syllabus in Year 10. It is expected that the majority of pupils at Brighton College Bangkok will achieve A* and A grades at IGCSE level; a strong foundation in Year 9 will mean that pupils are more effectively prepared to achieve a top grade at the end of Year 11 and, for the more able pupils, there may be the opportunity to sit some IGCSEs at the end of Year 10.

During Year 10, pupils will begin to focus on the subjects in which they will take IGCSE examinations and the in-depth, extended curriculum that will secure them a top grade at this level. The majority of pupils will study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and four ‘option’ subjects, which will be chosen from a wide range of subjects including those they have studied in Year 9. In order to maintain a suitable breadth, pupils will be encouraged to study at least one language, one humanity and one creative subject, although this will not be compulsory as the most important aspect will be that pupils choose according to their strengths, interests and ambition. Not only are IGCSEs a globally recognised qualification, they are also excellent preparation for the A-level courses that will be studied in our Sixth Form, in turn preparing them for successful applications to the top universities in the UK and the rest of the world.

Once they enter the Sixth Form, the majority of pupils will study four A-levels, again chosen from a wide range, but with the flexibility to design an individualised programme that reflects their interests, skills and ambitions. Throughout their time at the school, the pupil’s learning experience is enriched via innovative teaching, outstanding facilities and the promotion of key values including kindness, internationalism, academic curiosity and community service.