Al Ain English Speaking School

Secondary School 

Key Stage Three

By Year 7 the transition to a fully timetabled curriculum taught by specialists has been completed, although the range of subjects covered remains constant, enabling students to build on their experience in the previous Key Stages.
In Year 7 students are asked to undertake the study of an additional Modern Foreign Language so they can explore their linguistic capabilities to a fuller extent. They will then be able to make an informed choice as to whether they are going to be a one or two foreign languages student at KS4 and beyond. Year 7, 8 & 9 students have a choice of French, Arabic and Spanish. One other development is in Science, which is separated into the three parent disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics from Year 7 onwards.

Year 7
AAESS aims to deliver a broad base of subjects so that the choices pupils will have to make later on in their education can be as informed as possible. French and Mathematics are taught in ability sets. In addition to the core subjects (Mathematics, English and Science) eight other subjects are taught, including a mix of creative and more practical activities. One lesson a week of PSHE and two lessons of Physical Education are included as part of the curriculum
Year 8
We continue to deliver a broad base of subjects. Pupils choose to study French or Spanish, as well as continuing to study French. PSHE is delivered within the timetable once a week. Mathematics and languages are taught in ability sets. In all other subjects students are taught in four mixed ability groups, thereby maintaining small class sizes.
Year 9
Pupils continue with a broad base of subjects in order that the choices they make for GCSE may be as informed as possible. Science is now divided into three separate science subjects - Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils are taught in ability sets for French, their second language, English and Mathematics, and in mixed ability teaching groups for all other subjects. PSHE focuses on Citizenship, and is timetabled for one period per week, as are lessons of Physical Education.
Prior to deciding on their options for GCSE subjects, students receive guidance during a special assembly, and from subject teachers, including Careers. Parents are invited to attend an Options Evening, with their child, to discuss choices openly with teachers. Options need to be made, normally by the February half term.
 

All students entering Year 10 at AAESS will study for GCSEs in mathematics, English language, English literature and a science. In addition, students must  make five further subjects choices from a range of options. At AAESS we offer a broad and balanced curriculum.

The compulsory core of English, math's, science and at least one modern foreign language is designed to ensure that all GCSE students at the AAESS follow a broad and balanced curriculum in Years 10 and 11. We would advise that students look to maintain breadth, by choosing a wide variety of subjects when making the final four selections. There are however no further restrictions in choice at this stage and students should make their selection based on their interests, ability and, if they already have a clear career plan, their future study and career.

1 Arabic
2 Art & Design
3 Business Studies
4 Drama
5 Economics
6 English Language/Literature
7 English as Second Language
8 Geography
9 History
10 ICT
11 Islamic Studies
12 Mathematics
13 Music
14 Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) (French & Spanish)
15 Physical Education
Science
16 Biology
17 Chemistry
18 Physics
19 Travel & Tourism

 

Post 16 Education

The Sixth Form at AAESS is a very special place indeed. It is an honour to welcome students into what will be one of the most challenging, and rewarding, eras of student life. The Sixth Form at AAESS has recently undergone a huge transition to commensurate with the changes in the real world, to present our students with an educational provision that will prepare them fully for their own individual futures.

6th Form students follow AS / A level courses which qualify them for entrance to universities throughout the world. The transfer of students from AAESS to the UK and other countries is straightforward, and is supported by our Universities and Careers Guidance Counsellor.

6th Form students have a large number of options available to them, depending upon their (I)GCSE grades. Studying at A level is academically demanding and acceptance on a particular course will be subject to a student having achieved at least five (I)GCSEs, including English Language and mathematics, at grade C or better and a minimum grade B in the option subjects. Teacher recommendations will also be taken into account when deciding whether or not a student is accepted onto a particular course.

All subjects at AS / A level are now modular. Advice on the choice of course and subjects is available from the Head of 6th Form.
The dedicated Sixth Form Centre is a dynamic workplace, uniting different learning environments to provide our students with the variety of study areas that they may need. Collaborative learning is encouraged in a collegiate atmosphere of team work between staff and students. There are areas for independent learning and group work, for relaxing and for reflection, all backed by underlying principles suitable for young adults of today.