International Curriculum
Our international students receive the same opportunities and participate in the same lessons as all other pupils as part of the School Day, ensuring a smooth, welcoming integration into life at Barney.
English as a Second Language (EAL)
Prior to their arrival, international students are tested when applying for a place at Barney in both Mathematics and English. The Head of English then decides whether the student’s language skills are sufficient to follow mainstream lessons. If not, the student is then allocated lessons within the School’s EAL department.
Students in Years 7-9 receive EAL lessons and are tested in accordance with the School Exam Policy, which are usually based on CEFR and an appropriate test is offered and supported by the Head of EAL, Mrs Lucie Nicholson. In GCSE year groups (10 and 11), students are given the opportunity to study towards an IGCSE in English as a Second Language. Further information can be found in Barney’s GCSE Course Information brochure, here. In the Sixth Form, international students are entitled to up to two EAL lessons each week, with the cost included in their overall School fees.
EAL is an important part of the School’s provision for international students as it offers not only language development, but also a platform to discuss any cultural issues they may encounter. Our comprehensive curriculum for international students affords them the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the English language, while at the same time, providing linguistic support and access to other subjects and activities offered by the School through the development of transferable skills.
GCSE – Years 10 and 11 (age 14-16)
The core subjects are:
English (with most adding English Literature)
Mathematics
One Modern Foreign Language from French, German and Spanish
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Pupils also select three option subjects from the following:
Art, Business Studies, Classical Civilisation, Geography, History, Information & Communications Technology (ICT), Latin, Music, Physical Education, Religion, Ethics & Philosophy, French as a second modern language (if they have chosen German or Spanish as their core language).
All pupils are entered for OCR Level 1 for IT users. From Year 7-11, all pupils are also offered a programme of Personal, Social and Health Education to broaden their views on contemporary issues.
AS and A Level – Lower and Upper Sixth (age 16-18)
Pupils usually study three subjects in the Sixth Form and complete an Extended Project Qualification. Students benefit from being taught in small seminar-type classes, typically of fewer than ten students.
The course options are: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classics, Computing, Drama and Theatre Studies, Design Technology, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Latin, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish), Music, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Quantitative Methods and Religion, Ethics & Philosophy.
In the Sixth Form, students are supported in their university application and attend enrichment lessons. They also benefit from a series of inspirational talks by guest speakers from politics, industry, media and the arts.
