An Inspired school
King college alicante secondary

Transition from Primary

Starting Year 7 is a big step in a child’s education and the moment under the British system where pupils move from being in Primary to Secondary School.  We acknowledge the anxiety this move can sometimes cause and work with Year 6 pupils to help them prepare for their first day in Secondary.  As part of the transition process our own Year 6 are taught some lessons in Mathematics, Science and English by Secondary specialists and come over to the Secondary building to experience them in the same rooms they will  be using from Year 7 – including the Secondary Science Labs.  These lessons take place weekly from the beginning of Year 6.  We also run a specific transition day in May of Year 6 where all pupils are invited to the Secondary School for the day and participate in taster lessons, activities and workshops that allow them to meet their form tutors and teachers they will be seeing from September.

Form Group Changes

It is our policy to change a child’s form group at key points of their schooling with us.  In Secondary, pupils’ form groups will be changed in Years 7, 10 and 12.  Pupils are mixed to enable them to learn how to make new friendships, to develop strategies for coping with change and to ensure form groups have a fair and even spread of the year group in terms of numbers, gender and native English speakers.  We are unable to enter into discussions with parents or pupils about the group to which they have been assigned and appreciate your support in speaking to your child and helping them through what can sometimes be a difficult time for them.  In our experience all pupils quickly adapt to their new groups and go on to made a wider and more diverse set of friendships within a couple of weeks of the new school year.

Year 7 & 8 Curriculum

Pupils in Year 7 and 8 study a varied curriculum loosely based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales.  Subjects studied include English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Art & Design, Performing Arts, Music, French, Computing, PSHE, Lengua / Spanish Foreign Language, C.C. Sociales, Valencian and Physical Education.  Lessons are normally delivered in single (60 minute) slots.   

Year 9 Curriculum

In Year 9 we continue to build upon the subjects taught in the previous two years although in Science and Mathematics pupils start to access GCSE-level content.  Subjects studied include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Art & Design, Drama, Music, French, Computing, PSHE, Lengua / Spanish Foreign Language, C.C. Sociales, Valencian and Physical Education.  Lessons are delivered in single (60 minute) slots and, very occasionally doubles (2h).  Towards the end of Term 1 of Year 9 pupils begin to receive advice and support on choosing the subjects they may wish to study in Years 10 and 11.  An information event for parents as well as an options day for pupils is arranged before pupils are asked to decide on the final subjects they will study in Year 10.

Assessment, Recording, Reporting and Tracking

Pupils  in KS3 are assessed regularly using both formal and informal methods and this progress is closely monitored and regularly reported to parents.  Unlike under the Spanish educational system there is no requirement to “pass” one year before moving to the next, although pupils will be expected to be working at a particular level by the end of an academic year.  You will receive three written reports each year and will also be invited in to meet with your child’s form tutor and subject teachers. For further information please download our Parent Guide to Assessment as well as our Assessment Calendar for Parents.