CURRICULUM OVERVIEW KEY STAGE 3
Through a lens of wellbeing and inclusivity, our future-focused learning pathways utilise new technologies to enable and empower Citizens’ learners to be the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and global leaders capable of challenging, influencing and sustaining the world of now and the future. Citizens Vision Mission Educational Purpose Citizens provides a future proof education through inspirational and innovative learning experiences for all to become active societal change agents using the Citizens’ mindset, skills and competencies to transform the future. Our secondary curriculum will empower new generations to be global citizens and global leaders.We will develop the digital key skills and competencies for now and the future and to support and assist young people to embrace learning and create sustainable, purposeful, happy futures. We will develop the creative minds, the passion, purpose and entrepreneurial spirit needed to contribute wisdom, understanding and thought leadership to a global society. The aims and objectives of the Citizens KS3 curriculum is to fulfil every child’s potential. To further complement our KS3 curriculum, we offer the unique and bespoke Citizens Future Framework which comprises of 6 pivotal learning areas specifically selected to meet the needs of learners. At Citizens, we want our learners to thrive; we put the learner at the centre of everything we do. We want our learners to make connections; to find their passion and their purpose; to use their imagination; to think critically; to experiment and discover; and to be great human beings. Citizens school has been curated to promote these dispositions and develop the entrepreneurial life skills needed to navigate the complex and challenging world in which we live. KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW There are a number of mandatory subjects that all learners must study: KS3 at Citizens provides additional subject groups, to provide a broad and balanced curriculum. The subject groups are: Through our KS3 curriculum, we want to develop active and participatory learners, who are culturally knowledgeable and culturally sensitive, able to communicate and collaborate. We want to develop creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. Our curriculum offer also includes Interdisciplinary Project Based Learning, where learners collaborate, connect and apply their knowledge and skills from the subject disciplines they have studied. The Interdisciplinary project will enable learners to make decisions about their own learning journey and to explore authentic learning contexts. Arabic (For Arabs and Non-Arabs) Islamic (For Arabs and Non – Arabs) or PSHE (For Non-Muslims) UAE Moral Social Cultural Studies (For Arabs and Non-Arabs) English Language and Literature Mathematics Sciences Language Acquisition (this is where a new, additional language such as Spanish may be acquired) Integrated Humanities Arts PE
Building mindsets is a core part of our learning approach to ensure our learners are open-minded, resilient, able to learn from failure and build upon it to succeed. Growth Mindset means that our learners are intrinsically aware of their strengths and their barriers to success. They strive to utilise a positive mindset that will enable them to be solution-focused and goal-orientated. Learners can find opportunities for growth even in difficult times and can turn mistakes, failures and hardships into success through resilience, grit and determination. Our learners are self-aware and curious learners who relish a challenge. Citizen Mindset Skills, Competencies and the Futures Framework Our aim is for every child to feel at one with the world in which they live and leave with a deep understanding and empathy for all cultures and civilizations. Global Citizens understand that we live in an interconnected and interdependent world; that we are all citizens of a global community and have a sense of our common humanity. They respect diversity and celebrate difference, taking action to ensure a more peaceful and sustainable world. Global Citizens are kind and considerate; they are curious and collaborative and have cross cultural skills, celebrating culture, language and diversity of all people. Citizen Global KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW We help our learners to develop a deep understanding of issues that face humanity today and to become responsible stewards of our planet. We recognise that we are all guardians of Mother Earth. They appreciate both the beauty and fragility of the natural world and the pressing importance of cultivating a global movement of planet protectors. Sustainability encourages a deep-rooted love of biodiversity, and enduring respect of all living things and their environments. We want learners to be knowledgeable, hard-working, trust-worthy, compassionate, and renowned for taking initiative and being ethical. Citizen Sustainability
We recognise the need to not only strengthen our children's physical health but also nurture their mental health, which plays a crucial role in a child's overall wellbeing. Learners will understand the basic principles of fitness and health and develop learners’ physical control and coordination as well as healthy lifestyles. This is developed through Physical Education and Wellbeing classes. Our learners strive to continuously challenge themselves in all aspects of their social, physical, and mental health. They overcome obstacles independently and cohesively, upholding empathetic values with their peers and the world around them. They embrace a physically active life on a daily basis, taking on a leadership role to guide their teammates to success. We want our learners to be health and wellbeing ambassadors who recognise the importance of holistic development. They will never stop fighting for equality and inclusivity. Citizen Health and Wellbeing Our children will learn to safely and seamlessly use technology alongside other methods to enhance their learning. Our learners will develop a range of technological skills including up-to-date applications of ICT, to develop, plan and communicate ideas and to produce and evaluate quality products. This is developed through Digital Literacy, robotics, Computer Science and Design and Technology. We are living in a time and culture where digital technology is the norm. We want our learners to be skilled in utilising the internet and other exciting forms of technology in order to communicate with others, interact, and make a difference to society. Citizens learners understand how to do this in a safe and responsible way. They are innovative, create new ideas and focus on problem solving. Citizen Digital Literacy We provide future-focused learning, providing transferable skills in entrepreneurship which will enable our learners to apply and develop their learning in an authentic way. Being an entrepreneur means to take calculated risks and promote innovation. Entrepreneurs generate opportunities by communicating ideas and working together to solve problems. Citizen Entrepreneurs KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Creativity is celebrated, and entrepreneurs reward one another with motivation and praise. They use their skills to plan strategy, iterate and value everyone’s iewpoint and contribution. Entrepreneurs unite to lead others with confidence and bravery and with a sense of adventure. Citizens learners are taught employ entrepreneurial life skills for success. For learners in KS3, the curriculum contains a range of compulsory and optional subjects which aim to provide experience and skill development in the following areas: Communication Skills: To develop learners’ communication skills and increase their command of language. This is developed through English and at least one MFL language (Arabic, French and Spanish). Mathematical Skills: To teach learners how to calculate and appreciate relationships and patterns in number and space as well as to think logically and express themselves clearly. This is developed through Mathematics, Computer Science and Science. Scientific Skills: To develop learners’ scientific skills, knowledge and understanding. This is developed through Integrated Science in KS3 Years 7 and 8. Collaboration Skills: To teach learners about people and their interaction with the environment and how human action has influenced events and conditions. This is developed through Integrated Humanities, Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies and Moral Education. Creativity: To develop learners’ aesthetic and creative skills. This is developed through Art, Drama and Music. Moral and Cultural Skills: To develop learners’ self- knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence so that they can distinguish right from wrong and respect the law as well as accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute to their communities. This is developed through Islamic Studies, Humanities and Moral Education. KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
UNDERSTANDINGS ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Overarching Understanding Overarching Topical Here is an example: What is a community? Why is being part of a community important? What makes a wholesome community? How do we support ourselves and others in our community? Strategies to support the community Global Citizenship Investigating the world - exploring different perspectives and lifestyles Recognising perspectives - understanding different social, moral and cultural ideas and perspectives Global Leader - can translate ideas and formulate plan Globally competent - beginning to look at their impact Sustainability Service learning - serves the community Change agent - actively promotes change in the community Entrepreneur ship Change agent - can apply out of the box thingking Thinker - can apply critical thinking Should we give back to our community? What is a group? What does belonging mean? What is community? Who is in our school community? Who takes care of our community? How can we take care of our community? How do we support ourselves and other in our community? Why is being part of a community important? Understand a sense of community Different communities KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Exemplar Curriculum Structure The English Language and Literature curriculum at Citizens School aims to inspire learners with a love of the language. The curriculum focuses on developing learners' communication, critical reading, and independent thinking skills. Learners are exposed to a diverse range of texts and given opportunities to practice their writing, speaking, and listening skills. KS3 English *Citizens Futures Framework can be delivered through standalone lessons or via Interdisciplinary Project Based Learning (PBL) Subjects Lessons - either 40 mins or 60 mins Arabic (A and B) 3 x 60 + 1 x 40 mins (A) Islamic (For Arabs and Non – Arabs) or PSHE (For Non-Muslims) 2 x 40 mins UAE Moral Social Cultural Studies 1 x 60 + 40 mins English Language and Literature 3 x 60 mins Mathematics 3 x 60 mins Natural Sciences 3 x 60 mins Computer Science/Design 2 x 60 mins Integrated Humanities 2 x 60 mins Arts (Visual Arts/Music/Drama) 2 x 60 mins French/Spanish MFL 2 x 60 mins Physical Education and Wellbeing 2 x 60 mins Growth Mindset Digital Literacy Entrepreneurship Health and Wellbeing Global Citizenship Citizens Futures Framework* KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
The KS3 curriculum is structured to revisit and build upon reading and writing skills, with assessments based on preparing for Key Stage 4 style tasks. The curriculum includes the study of fiction and non-fiction, poetry, plays, and creative writing. The goal is to equip learners with the skills they need for their future careers and personal lives, as well as cultivate a lifelong love of language and reading for pleasure. Mathematics is a creative and interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries and is essential to everyday life, science, technology, engineering, financial literacy, and most forms of employment. KS3 Maths The Citizens curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all learnerss become fluent in the fundamentals, reason mathematically, and solve problems with increasing sophistication. The programme of study for Key Stage 3 is organised into distinct domains, whereby learners should build on prior knowledge and connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, reasoning, and competence. Learning at Citizens School will be tailored to the learner’s needs, where challenge or consolidation will be introduced as necessary. The curriculum also aims to apply mathematical knowledge to other subjects, such as science, entrepreneurship and project-based learning. Through KS3 mathematics curriculum, learners will develop a deep and connected understanding of mathematics. Science is a broad term that covers virtually everything in the world around us. As such, an engaging and enlightened science education provides critical foundations for understanding the world. It links us to our past, deepens our connection to our present and inspires our hopes for the future. Through a solid understanding of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and the scientific method, learners will be able to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They will also have the grounding necessary to analyse patterns in the world around them and predict outcomes through cause and effect associations. KS3 Science Curriculum KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Learners will understand that science is about working objectively, modifying explanations to take account of new evidence and ideas, and subjecting results to peer review. They will decide on the appropriate type of scientific enquiry to undertake to answer their own questions, and develop a deeper understanding of factors to be taken into account when collecting, recording and processing data. They should evaluate their results and identify further questions arising from them. Learners will be able to describe concepts in common language, while also being familiar with using technical terminology accurately and precisely. They will build up an extended specialist vocabulary during their course of study. Through their practical work and growing knowledge base, learners will appreciate that innovation is essential for the prosperity of future generations. The Arabic language curriculum includes six basic areas, and each area has its domain, which are: Arabic language A The areas explored are divine revelation, doctrine, the values and morals of Islam, the Islam rulings and purposes, Syrah and characters, identity and issues of the age. The standards cover the different learning aspects that outcomes reflect, and those aspects are knowledge, skill, application, and value. Islamic Studies: Basics of reading Literary reading (poetry and prose) Informational reading is divided into the knowledge of the main thought with details, text analysis, and integration of knowledge with skill Writing is divided into research to build and present knowledge, and the production and dissemination of written word Listening and speaking focuses on absorbing and presenting knowledge Language is divided into acquiring and using vocabulary, grammar (including morphology), calligraphy, spelling and rhetoric understanding. KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Teaching the subject in an attractive way to learners by linking it to national events, learners carry out specific projects for each term that nurture the sense of patriotism. There are also many sources of the curriculum available to the learner, including the learner's book and internet links, and the teacher uses a range of multimedia and strategies, which makes the learner the focus of the learning process. The curricula areas overlap in one lesson, where history, geography, national education, and economics are taught in one subject with linking to reality and Citizen's subject or theme in each year group, according to the curriculum analysis plans. Engaging, Enlightening, Enabling and Empowering Global Citizens. Moral education seeks to foster in learners a set of universal values, which will enable them to peacefully interact and connect with people from different cultural and social groups who hold different and divergent views and perspectives. Moral Education It seeks to empower them to become active, responsible, local and global citizens. It enables them to develop mutual understanding, respect for difference and empathy, in order to sustain our cohesive, and prosperous society. Through dialogue and interaction, learners are provided with opportunities to explore different worldviews, to challenge one another’s assumptions and attitudes and to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to think critically. They will make informed ethical decisions and to act on them through four key pillars of learning as they progress through the course : Character and Morality (CM) ,The Individual and Community (IC), Civic Studies (CIS),and Cultural Studies (CUS). The Key Stage 3 curriculum provides challenges and new experiences in computing, digital literacy and digital media and is designed to ensure learners have a basis of knowledge, skills and understanding in the fundamental concepts covered at KS4. Over time, learners learn to, and develop proficiency in program in 3 languages, starting with block-based languages before progressing to High-Level Languages. The development of programming skills is also built into physical Computing tasks to effectively apply the knowledge learnt in earlier Algorithm and Programming units. KS3 Computer Science/Design KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
The national curriculum for languages aims to ensure that all learners: KS3 Modern Foreign Languages – French/Spanish Language Acquisition Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources. Speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation. Can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt. Discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied. Integrated Humanities enables learners to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop an informed and critical understanding of social, environmental, historical and political issues that can stimulate curiosity and imagination about local and global environments. The Year 7 provides a strong foundation that fosters an understanding of the interdependence of all humans, all living things and the earth on which they live. Learners will gain a sense of responsibility for the long-term care of the environment and a commitment to promote the sustainable use of the earth’s resources through his/her personal life-style and participation in collective environmental decision-making. KS3 Integrated Humanities Citizens School Music Programme is a comprehensive curriculum which includes various life skills and outcomes for learners to imbibe and expand, in order to develop their overall sense of musicality and performance. From the development of solo and ensemble skills to compositional and improvisational skills, the curriculum aims to provide learners with as much exposure and details as possible on the Performing Art form to equip learners to become lifelong learners (Citizen Mindset). KS3 Music KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Progression of skills and outcomes is mapped by building on previously learned skills and concepts introduced in KS2 and reinforced through a strong horizontal articulation which combines the use of Project Base Learning (PBL) and Inter-disciplinary Units (IDU). The KS3 Citizens Music Curriculum uses the three core components of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Music which consists of Listening, Composition and Performance. Key Stage 3 is focused on developing skills and understanding through the formal elements of Art. Different themes are being integrated with the use of these elements in Year 7 and 8 which allow learners to explore a range of materials, techniques, and creative activities. The key areas of focus are natural forms, multicultural patterns, tone, portraits, still-life and landscape. Throughout Key Stage 3, learners will use a variety of starting points for their work. They will work from observation and study the work of artists. Each varied starting point will be developed over a number of lessons and learners will be expected to collect ideas and information in sketchbooks and develop work in a thoughtful manner. KS3 Visual Arts We will provide a high-quality Physical Education curriculum that inspires all learners to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. Learners will build on and embed the physical skills and holistic development they have achieved in Key Stages 1 and 2. They will become more confident and competent and will expand their capabilities in their techniques and apply them across different sports and physical activities. They will understand what makes a performance effective and how to apply these principles to their own and others’ work. They will develop the enthusiasm and desire to engage in physical exercise, sports, and activities in out of school. They will learn to understand the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle and the long-term health benefits of physical activity. Physical Education, Health and Wellbeing KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW