Key Stage 3 Subjects

Thai Language and Culture

The Thai Language and Culture curriculum in Key Stage 3 aims to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of Thai national students as well as to broaden their knowledge and appreciation of Thai literatures. It also aims to prepare the student’s Thai language ability to the Thai IGCSE course in Key Stage 4. Lessons are primarily delivered in Thai language. 

Throughout the year, St. Stephen’s International School Khao Yai students will have an opportunity to experience and participate in Thai cultural traditions through four major events; Wai Kru, Loy Krathong, H.M. the King’s Birthday and Father’s Day and Songkran Festival.

English

English in Key Stage 3 focuses on developing the four key skills areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

In reading, students will learn to analyse information and concepts, and discuss how these are presented. They will develop an understanding and confidence to discuss a range of text, and how the authors present their ideas.

In writing, students will learn to write in a variety of styles, and develop their creativity in ways that allow them to express their ideas creatively and coherently to the reader.  

Students will learn to discuss ideas and concepts, both formally and informally. They will learn about debating, and have the opportunity to join in cross campus debating compeitions.

Mathematics

One of the key ideas in Mathematics at Key Stage 3 is to ensure a fluid continuation through Years 7,8 and 9 to allow for constant progression from each year in preparation for IGCSEs in Year 10.

The main focus of Mathematics at Key Stage 3 is to allow students to not only see the importance of Mathematics in school, but to also allow them to see how it is applied to real workd situations, and develop a better understanding of how to apply it effectively.

By creating a more defined appreciation of how Mathematics is applied, it allows students to use Mathematics in their other subjects and break down the common idea of Mathematics being a stand alone subject, that is only used within the classroom.

Science

Science at Key Stage 3 introduces the three sciences as separate subjects that are taught throughout the three years, while developing the student's understanding that, while they may be taught separately, they are more often, than not, interlinked together and that scientific enquiry can be applied to them all equally.

Key Stage 3 Science allows students to develop into inquisitive scientists, who will question and apply reason to the theories presented to them. It teaches them how to improve upon their scientific understanding, and their application of scientific methods. Students will learn to carry out fair and impartial investigations, that stretch their understanding of scientific concepts and theories.

History

History at Key Stage 3 focuses on giving our students the opportunity to study past events, analyse the beliefs and choices of past people and develop an understanding of the challenges  they faced. Students will learn to how to question events, interpret historical data and evaluate evidence.

Through looking at past events and interpretations of them, students are encouraged to think independently, critically and objectively about the world around them. By engaging with a wide range of historical narratives, students are encouraged to appreciate their place in the broad sweep of humanity; recognising a common experience which goes beyond national and temporal boundaries. History broadens horizons and promotes cohesion.

By engaging with complex and emotive issues in the past, students are led to draw relevant and contemporary parallels which challenge them to maintain open minds and confront prejudice.

Ultimately, by studying History, students can become better citizens.

Geography

Geography at St. Stephen’s Khao Yai  is all about exploring connections between people and their environment, whether that be in the Thailand, UK, or further afield. We use an enquiry approach which means lessons include practical exercises, group work, problem solving and role play. We also use lots of different resources including books, magazine articles, maps, aerial photos, ICT and the internet.

At Key Stage 3 we follow the British National Curriculum; this includes the development of geographical skills and appreciation of the values and attitudes of others as well as the study, in a variety of countries, of tectonic and geomorphological processes, weather and climate, ecosystems, population distribution and change, changing settlements, the changing distribution of economic activity, development, globalisation, environmental and resource issues.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Key Stage 3 ICT students should be taught to:

• use software applications [Web browsers, Word Processors, Spreadsheets, Presentations, Databases and Website Authoring] and apply the knowledge in real-world problems
• use two or more programming languages to solve a variety of computational problems
• understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT], understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers
• understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
• understand a range of ways to use technology safely, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns
• understand the term computer networks [LAN, WLAN and WAN]

KS3 ICT aims to develop:

• knowledge of ICT including new and emerging technologies
• autonomous and discerning use of ICT
• skills to enhance work produced in a range of contexts
• skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems
• skills to consider the impact of current and new technologies on methods of working in the outside world and on social, economic, ethical and moral issues
• ICT-based solutions to solve problems
• the ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use safe, secure and responsible practice

Art and Design

Art and Design at Key Stage 3 teaches our students to develop their creative skills through modern and contemporary Art from around the world. They will have the opportunity to learn to interperate as well as express their views and thoughts on different artists and their work.

Music

Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A highquality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon.

Key Stage 3 Music aims to have all students:

• perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians
• learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence
• understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.

Mandarin

All students in Key Stage 3 must take Mandarin as a modern foreign language.

Learning Mandarin gives students the opportunity to develop their speaking, reading, listening and writing skils, and teach them how to communicate with confidence in another language. Students will develop the skills necessary to analyse the structure of Mandarin, and put it to use in the classroom.

Design and Technology

Design and Technology embraces the school’s philosophy of ‘Learning by Doing’.

Through the medium of projects, from woodwork to textiles, and cookery to electronics Key Stage 3 students learn the elements of design and use a range of hand and machine tools. Students are encouraged to generate their own design ideas, or modify a project to their own taste or requirements. This ‘hands on’ approach also permits them to consider the materials and manufacturing processes needed to convert an idea into a completed artefact.

Physical Education (PE)

Physical Education at St. Stephen's Khao Yai is concerned with good healthy lifestyles and physical fitness, and the participation in a range of physical activities designed to satisfy the needs, abilities and interests of individual students. We firmly believe that a positive attitude to health and exercise will lead to the strong physical development of our students, and a long, healthy life.

At St. Stephen's Khao Yai, we have the benefit of fine facilities, thus giving the students maximum benefit and resources for enjoyable, vigorous, purposeful and regular exercise. We have tennis courts, basketball courts, and a very large area of sports fields. We also make full use of the swimming pool every week.