Secondary School (age 11-18)

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Secondary School, IGCSE and A-Level Pathway

The Secondary School curriculum at WIST provides a clear academic pathway from Key Stage 3 to Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A-Level study. Students develop subject knowledge, English language skills, independent learning habits and the confidence needed for further education.

In Key Stage 3, students follow an internationally adapted version of the English National Curriculum. In Key Stage 4, students study Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel courses. In Key Stage 5, students progress to AS/A-Level courses that support university preparation and future academic pathways.

Key Stage 3

(Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9)

The first three years of secondary education at WIST, form Key Stage 3 (KS3) of the English National Curriculum. Students study a range of subjects, with an emphasis on the development of English Language skills. KS3 is an academically challenging course that prepares students for the IGCSE course in Year 10 and Year 11. The subjects covered at KS3 are:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Science
  • Humanities
  • Computing
  • Music
  • Art
  • Drama
  • Physical Education
  • Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE)
  • Russian
  • Uzbek Culture
  • Uzbek History
  • Uzbek Language

Throughout KS3 student learning is assessed in a variety of different ways, including essays and other forms of written work, presentations, artistic representations of learning, research tasks, problem solving activities etc.

Key Stage 4 (IGCSE)

Year 10 and Year 11

Key Stage 4 (KS4) is for students in Years 10 and 11, usually aged 14 to 16. During these two years, students study a range of Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel subjects. Some subjects are compulsory, while others are selected as optional choices according to students’ interests, strengths and future academic plans.

The subjects covered at Key Stage 4 include:

Compulsory Subjects

  • English
  • Mathematics               
  • Science (Combined or Coordinated Science)
  • Physical Education
  • Russian
  • Uzbek Culture
  • Uzbek History
  • Uzbek Language

Optional Subjects

  • Art
  • Business
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Geography
  • History
  • Information Technology
  • IGCSE Physical Education
  • World Literature

It is recommended that students choose a broad range of subjects to keep their options open at A-level. Students should be encouraged to choose subjects which they enjoy as they are most likely to achieve higher grades in these subjects.

More detailed information about IGCSEs may be found on the Cambridge International website (www.cambridgeinternational.org), or the Pearson Edexcel website(https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html).

Cambridge IGCSE

Most Key Stage 4 subjects lead to IGCSE examinations, apart from Uzbek studies and PSHE. These examinations are set by recognised international examination boards, including Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel.

IGCSE qualifications provide an important academic foundation for further study. Strong IGCSE results help students progress confidently to AS/A-Level courses in Sixth Form and support future university preparation.

Through the IGCSE pathway, students develop subject knowledge, academic English, examination skills, independent study habits and the confidence needed for more advanced learning at A-Level.

Key Stage 5 (AS/A-Level)

(Year 12 and Year 13)

In Key Stage 5, students in Years 12 and 13 study AS/A-Level courses within WIST’s Sixth Form. Our Y12 and Y13 students play a leading role in the school community while studying internationally recognised A-Level qualifications. The A-levels we offer are certified by Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel, the same as our IGCSEs. More detailed information about the AS/A-Levels may be found on the Cambridge International website (www.cambridgeinternational.org), or the Pearson Edexcel website (https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html).

What are A-level courses?

AS/A-Level qualifications are two-year courses studied by students in Sixth Form. They are widely recognised by universities around the world and allow students to specialise in subjects connected to their academic strengths, interests and future study plans.

Studying AS/A-Level courses helps learners develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:

                  Independent thinking

                  Applying knowledge

                  Handling and evaluating information

                  Thinking logically and presenting coherent arguments

Making judgements, recommendations and decisions

Presenting reason explanations

Communication

Examined Subjects 

We currently offer the following subjects at AS/A-Level. Students usually choose either 3 or 4 subjects to study, depending on their academic goals and university plans. Many universities consider three strong A-Level subjects as part of their entry requirements, although requirements vary by country, university and programme.

  • Art
  • Biology
  • Business Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • English Language
  • Geography
  • History
  • Literature
  • Maths
  • Media studies
  • Physics
  • Russian

Further Subjects

At WIST Uzbek students in Y12 and Y13 will continue their Uzbek school so that they can pass the Uzbek diploma. They will have lessons in the following.

  • Russian
  • Uzbek Culture
  • Uzbek History
  • Uzbek Language

University and Careers Guidance

Students in Y12 and Y13 will receive personalized advice and guidance from our experienced teachers throughout Y12 and Y13. We will assist the students in finding the right place in university for them.

Student Learning and Assessment

At WIST every student is an individual and we endeavour to create activities that can access all our students. Throughout KS3-5 student learning is assessed in a variety of different ways, some examples include essays and other forms of written work, presentations, artistic representations of learning, research tasks, problem-solving activities, examination etc.

Life at WIST

The secondary section at WIST has a lot to be proud of:

  • we have an increasing selection of sports teams that compete with other schools in the Tashkent area.
  • we participate in the Model United Nations (a complete mock-up of a real United Nations Conference where students are expected to make decisions about real-life world issues and present their ideas to their peers for discussion).
  • there are opportunities to develop your creative skills through opportunities to participate in school productions, performances and a wide range of after school activities.

English Support

The process of acquiring English is supported by the English as an Additional Language (EAL) department. If students arrive at WIST with limited English, they are required to take additional English classes as part of their school day. As the level of these students’ English improves, they are taken off the EAL programme and integrated fully into the mainstream. Over time all of our students acquire an excellent level of academic and spoken English. Students completing Year 13 receive guidance when applying to universities in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and other destinations.