Overview

Through our chosen curriculum, we aim to prepare our students for adult and working life in the 21st century.

The educational vision and curriculum design for Braeside Thika (BTH) recognises that:

• The world of 2020 will be very different to the world of today
• The pace of change is increasing, hence the importance for flexibility and creativity.
• Young people have, and will have increasingly, greater access to information and learning material independently of school.
• The importance of being internationally minded.

The following section describes the aims and themes that underlie our curriculum at Braeside Thika, and more details is available about the specific curricula followed in our Early Years, Primary school, Secondary school and the Sixth Form.

Our Curriculum Aims

At BTH we believe our curriculum should be balanced, broad and relevant to our learners. The key aim for our teaching and learning is to provide opportunities for all pupils to be active learners, to enjoy and to achieve, alongside developing the attributes of confident individuals and responsible global citizens.

Braeside’s curriculum is based upon the British National Curriculum but includes additional learning opportunities that we plan for all our pupils to enhance and extend the National Curriculum. For example:

The Performing Arts

Maximizing and celebrating creativity through drama lessons, participating in performances and developing musically, through music lessons and opportunities to learn a musical instrument.

An annual whole school production ensures that all pupils have the opportunity to either steal the limelight or work back stage. Recent performances of Simba The Lion King and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory in Key Stages 2 – 4 were a tremendous success. Additional productions include an Early Years Production of The Enormous Turnip, and The Nativity ensure all pupils are exposed from a young age.

Sports

Promoting physical activity and competitive aspirations. Games lessons are dedicated to the major sports of the terms and we have a well established inter-school sports circuit, as well as inter-house competitions within the school, allowing for all children to compete. Swimming team members who meet the qualifying times, will get the opportunity to compete at National and International Level.

Active lifestyles

At BTH we are keen to promote a healthy lifestyle through encouraging a culture of keen awareness of fitness levels and the need to maintain a balanced regime. Boarders join in a variety of sporting activities throughout the week and at weekends including going to a gym, water aerobics and team sports and all pupils are encouraged to attend at least one sports based co-curricular activity a week.

Personalised Learning

We believe that every child is an individual and as such has individual needs. When your child starts school at Braeside Thika, they will be informally assessed by the classteacher in order for them to understand what level your child is working at; targets for improvement will then be set. If your child needs additional learning support or are very able, Braeside Thika’s specialist Personalised Learning Department can provide support and challenge materials for your child. This extra provision is regularly monitored and updated.

Outdoor Learning

Developing environmental awe and wonder and appreciating the need to protect and respect what the outdoors has to offer.