Our Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
Key Stage 3
At Gulf English School, the Key Stage 3 curriculum is broad, balanced and fully aligned with the English National Curriculum, providing students with a strong academic foundation across the core subjects alongside humanities, languages, creative arts, technology and physical education. Carefully sequenced programmes of study develop subject knowledge, key skills and learning habits, while literacy, numeracy and oracy are reinforced across the curriculum. The curriculum reflects a strong British educational ethos while being responsive to our international context, enabling students to engage confidently, make secure progress and prepare successfully for the challenges of Key Stage 4.
Key Stage 4
The Key Stage 4 curriculum builds on prior learning and is closely aligned with English National Curriculum expectations and internationally recognised GCSE and IGCSE pathways. Students follow a broad and rigorous programme that combines core subjects with a wide range of optional choices, allowing them to pursue individual interests and strengths. Teaching and assessment are designed to deepen understanding, develop independence and support effective exam preparation, while careers guidance, enrichment opportunities and pastoral support ensure students are well prepared for post-16 study and future pathways.
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5, students benefit from an aspirational and flexible curriculum aligned with English National Curriculum principles and internationally recognised A Level qualifications. Programmes of study are designed to promote academic depth, critical thinking and independent learning, preparing students for success at university and beyond. Alongside strong academic provision, students are supported through enrichment opportunities, leadership roles and comprehensive university and careers guidance, ensuring they leave Gulf English School as confident, well-rounded young adults ready for the opportunities and responsibilities of global citizenship.
Assessment
At Gulf English School, our assessment and reporting practices are designed to enhance student performance through clear communication and strategic progress tracking. We align our procedures with the school’s commitment to British education and core values to ensure every student is appropriately supported and challenged.
Approach to Assessment
We use a balanced evaluation system to ensure all results are fair, valid, and transparent.
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Formative Assessment: Frequent methods like quizzes and feedback focus on an ongoing dialogue for improvement.
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Summative Assessment: Formal evaluations occur at the end of units and through termly/end-of-year exams.
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Grading: Academic grades are recorded on a scale from A1 to E3.
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Moderation: All exam scripts undergo internal moderation to ensure accuracy and consistency across the school.
Grade Composition
Report grades are calculated using a weighted balance of exams and classwork / quizzes.
Attitude to Learning (ATL)
We also assess student engagement and resilience using a four-point scale:
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Outstanding: Exceptional effort and initiative.
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Good: Positive attitude and well-organised.
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Below Expectation: Inconsistent effort or engagement.
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Requires Improvement: Lack of effort or responsibility.
Reporting and Communication
Reports are issued 4 times per academic year, supplemented by three Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Half-Term 1: Grades and ATLs.
Term 1: Grades, ATLs, and Comments.
Term 2: Grade and ATLs.
Term 3: Grades, ATLs, and Comments.