At Beaconhouse Newlands we value a learning environment that encourages independent thinking, academic rigour and a love for learning. Our facilities include:

• An air-conditioned campus designed to meet the needs of modern-day education
• Well trained and experienced expatriate and local teachers
• A blended learning environment, combining high-quality teaching practices with contemporary technology

State-of the-art learning facilities, including large, well-resourced ICT equipped classrooms, computer and science labs, art studio and a performing arts centre

A well-resourced library and learning centre with access to e-libraries

A full school day from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm

An extended curriculum including a variety of clubs and societies

Homework and subject clinics offered at school to support classroom learning

A safe and caring environment that promotes respect and positive traditional values for all students

A nutritionally balanced morning snack and lunch in the new Cafe

At Beaconhouse Newlands we believe that all students are unique and should be treated assuch. We recognise the individuality of each student and teachers use a wide variety of different approaches in their teaching to ensure high learning outcomes. In planning they ensure all students are given the opportunity to learn with confidence in a creative, imaginative and innovative environment. Teachers ensure that students are exposed to problem-solving activities, learn life skills, strategic reasoning and learn to have a flexible mind-set. Teachers evaluate learning through feedback, presentations and project work. Underpinning their teaching are the Mission and Vision of the Beaconhouse School System, the Beaconhouse Learner Profiles and our own aims in providing a holistic and rounded education. The curriculum emphasises breadth, balance and theintegration of learning areas, whilstpromoting a proactive, creative and inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. The curriculum also facilitates students’ personal growth by providing opportunities for students to learn about and act upon their responsibility to the community, and to reflect on the essential quality of traditional values, intellectual heritage and cultural aspirations of their own and other communities.

The curriculum of Beaconhouse Newlands will challenge all students to succeed to the best of their ability.

The curriculum of Beaconhouse Newlands will:

Provide a broad and balanced education for all students

Encompass the full range of knowledge, understanding and skills which are essential for today’s and tomorrow’s world

Build on the education a student has received in earlier years of learning

Be non- sexist and non-racist

Implement key areas of learning as prescribed by the curriculum standards set by theCambridge programme as well asteaching and learning pedagogy from the inquiry approach to learning

Fulfil the needs of national requirements and integrate elements of local areas of study where possible

The main essential learning areas of curriculum will be developed along the guidelines set by the Cambridge programme and the inquiry approach to teaching and learning. Beaconhouse Newlands offers the Cambridge Assessment International Educationat Primary, Lower Secondaryand IGCSE Levels. The University of Cambridge Assessment International Education(CAIE) is the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5-19 year olds. CAIE qualifications are offered in over 160 countries and recognised by universities,education providers and employers across the world. The CAIE programme aims to develop learners who are confident, responsible, innovative and engaged. It is flexible enough to allow teachers to design learning activities that meet students’ learning needs. It also provides guidance for curriculum development and classroom teaching and learning.

At primary and lower secondary levels (Year 3 to Year 9), CAIE enables teachers to assess student’s learning as they progress through their academic journey. These regular assessments help ensure that teachers keep track of students’ progress, and respond appropriately to their learning needs. At Beaconhouse Newlands the primary school curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in the following subjects:

Reception:

• Language and Literacy Development
• Mathematical Development
• Science
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World (History and Geography)
• Creative Development
• Bahasa Malaysia
• Physical Education
• Educational Technology
• Personal and Social Development

Years 1-6

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Bahasa Malaysia
• ICT
• Art & Design
• Performing Arts
• Mandarin
• Physical Education
• Global Perspective (World History and Geography)
• Citizenship & Thinking Skills
• Islamic Studies

Subjects offered at Secondary Level: Year 7 – 9

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Global Perspectives (World History and Geography)
• Bahasa Malaysia
• ICT
• Art and Design
• Performing Arts
• Mandarin
• PE
• Citizenship & Thinking Skills/Islamic Studies

IGCSE Year 10 – 11

Compulsory Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Science (Coordinated or Triple Science)
• Bahasa Malaysia

Optional Subjects (students choose 2 or 3)

• English Literature
• Additional Mathematics
• Accounting
• Art and Design
• Mandarin
• Business Studies
• Economics
• Sociology
• History
• Music
• Physical Education

Why do we need to assess?

Assessment is the gathering of information and analysis of student learning.  At Beaconhouse Newlands the aim of assessment is to stimulate learning and to identify what studentsknow and understand at different stages of their learning process. We use the criteria based assessment strategy in assessing our students. This means individual students’ work is compared to standards (assessment criteria) and not compared to other students’ work.

What are the principles of assessment at Beaconhouse Newlands?

Assessment is used to measure what students know and how they apply it in problem solving activities, in meeting each subject’s learning programmes.

The primary purpose of assessment at Beaconhouse Newlands is to improve student learning and the quality of the learning programmes.

Both formative and summative assessments are used which are on-going and provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning process; our assessment strategies investigate both the product of a student learning (summative assessment) and the process of learning (formative assessment)

At Beaconhouse Newlands, we use a wide variety of different assessment strategies to inform the student (and their parents) on what they know and need to know, and also how they learn. In addition to tests, quizzes and exams we use other assessment tools such as observation and follow up analysis, teacher – student conferencing, process journals, peer and self- assessment tools.

Students’ self- assessment is strongly encouraged. They will respond to oral and written reportsby setting smart targets and challenging theirachievements. Assessment tasks cater for different learning styles and are differentiated for different learning needs. We believe that assessment is ongoing, and students and parents are regularly informed as to the progress of their learning.

The reporting schedule involves 3 full written reports and 3 progress reports with a parent, teacher and student meeting each year.

An Enriching Experience

The extended curriculum at Beaconhouse Newlands includes a variety of activities, clubs and societies for students to choose from. Many of the activities are free and do not incur an additional charge. The programme changes each term to allow for expansion and development.

Sports Clubs

Students are coached in technique and there is the opportunity to represent the school in competitions. We hold an annual Sports Day for all students and regular inter house competitions. Sports clubs include: Athletics, Basketball, Soccer, Captains Ball, Futsal, Netball, Handball, Swimming and Badminton.

Literacy Clubs

Students work with the Librarian to publish a student magazine celebrating their achievements, activities and topical articles. There is also a book club where students meet regularly for book discussions. At film club students will look at the literacy influences of modern storytelling and will be given the opportunity to write their own storyboards. There are also skills and competitive game sessions for younger students to improve language, performance and leadership skills.

Art and Design

Students are able to use different media to produce their own designs and finished works of art. In Chinese Calligraphy the students learn the basic strokes and produce works of art celebrating this detailed and precise skill. Students can also enjoy beading and jewellery making.

Martial Arts

Students can join the Taekwondo or Karate class and learn self-discipline in addition to the martial arts techniques. They have fun keeping fit in these professionally led classes.

Technology

Students can develop their creative skills through technology. There is the opportunity to join the Apps development group as well as the Robotics class. Both allow the students to develop their problem-solving and thinking skills.

Academic Clubs

There is a Homework club where students can access the facilities to research their work as well as take advantage of the subject clinics. Clinics are run by staff to supplement the teaching and learning and to assist students in their understanding. Public Speaking, Drama, Sudoku clubs and chess are also available.

Music

Students are able to access individual or group music lessonsin guitar, piano, drums,ukuleleand voice. In addition there are choirs and bands that the students can join in order to use their skills in collaboration with others.

Duke of Edinburgh International Award Scheme

Students who are aged 14 and over will have the opportunity to join this scheme and develop their leadership skills. There is an opportunity to participate in community service, physical activities, expeditionsand to learn new skills whilst linking with students across the globe.