Coming into Secondary
Our students want to be Leaders – whether in their country, abroad, or in their own home – and they are excited about learning in an atmosphere where they can make friends and have fun, while they acquire knowledge for their future.
Our parents want to see their children in a friendly, thriving community with a team of tutors providing a rigorous, yet supportive environment for these all-important final years of their education.
This is a crucial time and parents welcome the all-round person their child becomes through our Round Square activities and enjoyment, tempered with balanced discipline, so our students become self-motivating and develop the ability to be trusted to study unsupervised.
We place great emphasis on frequent, detailed communication between all parties and treasure our teachers who, between them, encompass a wealth of international teaching experience so our students have an excellent chance to achieve their full potential.
Students in Years 7 – 9 follow set departmental curriculum guidelines. From Year 10 to 13 learning is based on IGCSE and the Cambridge International A Level curriculum. The main aim of the curriculum at St. Constantine’s International is to raise standards, making sure all children have a broad and balanced education up to the age of 18 and to ensure that there is continuity and cohesion from the Primary School to the Secondary School.
The curriculum specifies what children must study and what they are expected to know at different ages or year of study. Computer-based testing through the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring at Durham University allows us to set realistic, yet challenging targets for students in their examination years.
In addition to the formal academic curriculum, PSHE is taught throughout the Secondary School. An extensive after-school co-curricular programme supplements academic life. Students are given the opportunity to participate in sports, music, performing and visual arts, and drama to further explore their physical, intellectual and creative potential.
Through Round Square our students are exposed to more than academics. We ensure students receive a rich educational experience through opportunities for adventure and school trips to a range of places, participating in exchange programmes and Round Square conferences around the globe.
The Curriculum at Year 7 – 9 includes English, Mathematics, Science, Art and Design, ICT, History, Geography, French, Kiswahili, Business Studies, Drama, Music and Physical Education. Studies at this point prepare students for studies at IGCSE level. While embracing all fields of study we emphasise proficiency in literacy and numeracy. An exposure to a broad curriculum provides students with an opportunity to have a taste of everything before they can eventually make their choice of subjects at higher levels.
Students in Years 10 and 11 [IGCSE] have to study English, Mathematics, and either Swahili or French as their core subjects. Elective subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, English Literature, Economics, Accounting, Business Studies, Art and Design, Music, Drama, ICT, Computer Science and PE. Students select subjects that will lead them to their future studies and those that they excel in. Students are expected to study eight subjects and in their choices, they must have subjects from different groups (Mathematics, English, Foreign Language, Science, Humanities and Vocational subjects). This allows students to have a broad-based course of study while creating flexibility for studies of their choice in future.
A-levels 12 and 13 – It is not an automatic right for a Year 11 pupil to move into Year 12. It is a privilege that must be earned. We want students in our 6th form who not only have the ability to cope with their chosen courses, but also have the right attitude to work. We have therefore introduced a Framework for Student Progression as follows:
- A student must have tried their best and cooperated fully with teachers
- A student must have achieved a minimum of 5 IGCSEs including Maths and English at grade C or above
- A student must re-sit Maths and English in Year 12 if taken without them, depending on their other results, what they want to study and how hard they tried during Years 10 and 11
At Year 12 and 13 students choose four courses at AS (Year 12) and three courses at A2 (Year 13). We have a wide variety of subjects to choose from to accommodate interests of all students across the board. They include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, English Literature, Economics, Accounting, Business Studies, Art and Design and AICT.
BTEC courses will be available for those with a more practical preference. It is better to be motivated each day, do well than be unhappy and unsuccessful in A-level. At Year 12 and 13 [A Level] students choose four courses at AS (Year 12) and three courses at A2 (Year 13). We have a wide variety of subjects to choose from to accommodate interests of all students across the board. They include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, English Literature, Economics, Accounting, Business Studies, Art and Design and AICT.
BTEC is a National Qualification equivalent to one A-level and allows the student to study with greater emphasis on employment. It offers the opportunity for continual assessment rather than an examination on completion.
Academic Transfer and Transition – Secondary
All students who enter St. Constantine’s International will undergo an interview and assessment process, conducted by the Head of Primary or Secondary, as appropriate. A set of interview criteria, appropriate for each year group, is available and should be used to help in determining the entry year group of the student.
During the interview, the prospective student should perform the required tasks in front of the person who is conducting the interview and usually not in the presence of the parent. The student should be able to complete all tasks on the assessment form; otherwise, additional support may be recommended, or the child may be considered for a different year group to the one applied for.
As each country has different education systems, and Tanzania has differing visa requirements depending on country of origin, each international student is assisted personally after acceptance. Your requirements will be discussed at the interview, but to date we have not had any students rejected once they meet all the school’s academic prerequisites.
Further, we have an active EAL department to assist those who do not have English as a first language, and we operate a ‘buddy’ system, where newcomers are assisted by someone who shares their language. See Special Needs students
Our aim is to support and encourage all students, so they can successfully transition through the St. Constantine’s International School, make well-informed career and tertiary study plans and progress to build and manage successful, fulfilling careers.