ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
The secondary school section, comprises educational key stage 3 and 4. The key stage 3 is a three years junior secondary/upper basic school programme (Year 7-9). The key stage 4 is a three years senior secondary school programme from (Year 10-12)
The academic programme of the school is based on the national curriculum, as developed and obtained from NERDC. There is also a plan to introduce I.G.C.S.E curriculum to enables our student and our qualifications to be at par with the best in the world.
JUNIORS: EDUCATION KEY STAGE 3
Following our entrance examinations, students join us in Year 7 from other schools. The same ethics of excellent relationships between our learning facilitators and students, high quality feedback and a disciplined but happy atmosphere is sustained.
Curriculum:
The curriculum for students in Years 7 is broad, balanced and challenging; targeted to ensure that students of all abilities make the maximum progress possible. We offer two modern languages, French and/or Chinese, to all students in addition to subjects outlined as minimum requirement by the state’s universal basic education board. Importantly, we have our uniquely designed co-curriculum classes adapted from the core curriculum subjects but specifically skill based.
We are also keen to develop effective learning habits in our students. We encourage them to be confident, socially adept, flexible, resilient learners who can communicate articulately, work independently and engage with their learning enthusiastically.
Students understand what their target grades are and are encouraged to make progress towards achieving them. We talk about learning and what success might look like for each individual student. Regular assessments take place across the subjects so that students have a good idea about how well they are achieving and what their next steps will be in order to make further progress.
Every holiday, curriculum overviews are sent home for each of the subjects so that parents are aware of the programmes of study for the year.
Lifelong Learning:
Regular homework is set every lesson. The homework timetable is given out to each student and is also sent home so that parents are aware of expectations. We reinforce that homework should always be given in and on time, and completed to the best of our students’ ability. In the boarding we explore the advantage of the prep hours for students to revise what was taught using the robust digital library resources, and then they proceed to tackling their homework as well as assess the contents of the next day’s lessons.
Extracurricular Activities and Opportunities:
JMA is home to some of the finest sporting facilities. Every term an extracurricular activity programme is produced with a variety of opportunities for different year groups, updated regularly. These can include sports, performance, creative and academic. We have a Talented Programme that offers enrichment opportunities to the most able students in school, and this is coordinated by the SENCo. Every year we hold Drama showcases, Art exhibitions and musical events. Private lessons with visiting music instructors are available in a number of instruments including: guitar, piano and singing. Speech and Drama lessons from professional institutions.
Many trips take place related to the curriculum over the year. We are keen for students to have a rounded and rewarding experience of learning, and this takes them out of the classroom on many occasions. This usually includes trips. Trips make the most of our location, including visits to art galleries, theatres, museums, and National landmarks as well as local places of interest.
Leadership:
There are opportunities within school to become involved in the School Board or to be a House Captain. We value the contributions the senior students make to the school and we are keen to start early to develop the juniors – their leadership and team building skills.
SENIORS: EDUCATION KEY STAGE 4
Curriculum:
We offer a broad, balanced and challenging curriculum in Years 10, 11 and 12 for students working towards their SSCE and other external examinations. All students sit a core of SSCE subjects: English Language, Mathematics and ICT. This is in addition to other SSCE subjects.
Year 10 students are given an Assessment Profile at the end of the first term identifying working grades and aspirational grades based on current performances. Parents meetings, further written feedback and target tracking is also used to guide performance.
Lifelong Learning:
Homework becomes more challenging to reflect the demands of the SSCE courses, and students can expect to complete about 1.5 hours homework per night. Support is given for revision through booster classes after school or during lunchtime. The curriculum is differentiated and challenging. With it is developing explicit thinking skills, fostering a collaborative partnership between facilitators and students, so that students talk about their learning, take initiative and progress towards success.
Extracurricular Activities and Opportunities:
Educational trips, extracurricular activities and the opportunities for extension and support continue to be a feature of school life. Furthermore students can take on leadership responsibilities as Prefects and House Captains or members of the School Council.