The Secondary Department of SCIS is one of the finest in the region. Students begin with the Checkpoint programme of the University of Cambridge in Years 7, 8 and 9. This is followed by the University of Cambridge IGCSE programme.
CIE Checkpoint
Years 7, 8 and 9 are important years in any child's development. Students are maturing both mentally and physically at a very fast rate. As well, they are beginning the process of narrowing their choices of future careers.
At SCIS, great importance is placed on providing a learning environment that allows each individual student to reach his or her own potential. As such, teachers are committed to ensuring that each student receives instruction geared to their abilities. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the development of the whole child in academics, sports, and personal interests.
Prior to selecting subjects for the demanding IGCSE exams, we believe that students should have the benefit of a wide range of experiences. Thus, to foster an interest in and an understanding of a variety of disciplines, students take the following courses:
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Download Checkpoint Schemes of work click here
Course planning and delivery are done according to the standards set by the Checkpoint programme of the University of Cambridge (English, Mathematics and Science). Other subjects follow the contents of the National Curriculum of England. Where possible and practical, however, curriculum is adapted to the realities of living in East Africa. For example, in Geography, rather than learning about the "limestone landscapes of England" and the climate patterns of Europe, students learn about the "volcanic landscapes of Tanzania" and climate patterns of East Africa. Furthermore, Swahili is a required course allowing students to develop their fluency in the lingua franca of East Africa.
Chemistry Lab Biology Lab
Lastly, all students take Career Guidance, Computer Studies, and P.E./ Swimming. Career Guidance is essential for developing an awareness of the different employment opportunities. In Computer Studies, students develop their skills and knowledge of computers as tools in this the Computer Age. P.E./Swimming is important for developing physical fitness and a sense of teamwork and sportsmanship.
The University of Cambridge IGCSE Programme
For many years now, the University of Cambridge has been recognised world wide for course syllabi and examinations of the highest calibre. SCIS is proud to be a Cambridge International Centre.The International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) is demanding, broad in scope, and international in focus. All students take subjects to qualify for an International Certificate in Education (ICE). To achieve this, students must complete a minimum of 7 courses spread over 5 subject groups:
I. Languages: English 1st Language or English 2nd Language, plus one of French or Swahili
II. Humanities and Social Sciences: Economics, History, Sociology, Geography, Literature
III. Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
IV. Mathematics: Mathematics
V. Creative, Technical and Vocational: Accounting, Art & Design, Business Studies, Information Technology, Travel and Tourism.
At SCIS, we raise the standard further by expecting our Year 10 and 11 students to take 8 IGCSE courses. Students are also required to pursue Career Guidance and P.E./Swimming. We feel that to best compete in today's world, students must have a well-rounded education.
As teachers, we are not just educating students; we are preparing them for life in the world of work. It is because of this that SCIS offers the broadest range of IGCSE courses in the Sciences, Arts, Humanities, and Business and Vocational Studies.
Facilities
To best match the courses being offered, we provide up-to-date facilities dedicated to our Secondary students
· High Speed Internet lab with 45 computers
· Science Labs for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
These facilities are in addition to "the most beautiful campus in Arusha" which includes 2 outdoor pools - a 25m-competition pool and a learning pool - 3 multipurpose sports fields, volleyball, basketball and netball courts, and an Assembly Hall. Dormitory facilities are available for girls and boys as well as a Dining Hall, where a full, hot lunch is available everyday for students.
.CLUBS & SPORTS
During the week after school, all students are invited to take part in a club/sport sponsored by one of our teachers.
Sports are an integral part of student life. SCIS is involved in sports leagues with other international schools in Arusha involving football, netball, basketball, swimming, cross-country and athletics.
STAFFING
Head of School Mr. H. Gericke
Head of Secondary Studies Mr. C. Nderitu
All the teachers of academic courses in Secondary are specialists in their field in that they are degree holders. This is an important distinction on which we place great emphasis to ensure our students receive the highest quality of education. Our Year 11 IGCSE results bear out the fact that our students receive the highest calibre of education.