Yew Chung International School of Beijing Key stage 3 Introduction gives an overview of how an international curriculum can be implemented in order to fulfill all students' necessary requirements at this age level and to ensure appropriate knowledge is gained as students move towards examinations in further education.

1. Introduction of the
Key Stage 3 Programme
at YCIS Beijing

2. What is the KS3 Programme?
•
The KS3 Programme is based on the National Curriculum for England.
•
Compliments and builds on the KS2 curriculum while also preparing the
students for the international exams at IGCSE (UK) and IB.
•
The programme gives students a solid academic base while also continuing
to develop their social and moral character.

3. The Weekly Subject Curriculum
Core Study:
6 periods of English
5 periods of Chinese
4 periods of Maths, Science and Humanities
Additional subjects:
3 periods of PA (Music and Drama)
2 periods of PE, Design & Technology, Art and Character Education
1 period of ICT and integrated use throughout the curriculum
© IBO September 2000

4. English Language Programme
Year 7:
Writing autobiographies, reading and analysing a novel, empathetic writing
Year 8:
Analysing and writing short stories, studied advertising language and digitally
created their own magazines
Year 9:
Examining travel writing and creating their own travelogue, exploring the origins
of language through Chaucer, writing modern adaptations

5. Chinese Language Programme
Y7 First Lang.- reading comprehension skills and writing of different types of
articles.
Y8 First Lang. - learning to analyse and write fables, prose, novels
and argumentative writing.
Y9 First Lang. - read, write, think and speak in both modern and classical Chinese
styles.
Chinese as an Additional Language (CAL)-Four proficiency levels of students from
mixed year groups. Develops similar skills as the First Language course but at a
more accessible level.

6. Science Programme
Biology:
Cells and Reproduction
Environment and feeding relationships
Variation and classification
Chemistry:
Acids and alkalis
Simple chemical reactions
Particle model of solids, liquids and gases
Solutions
Physics:
Energy resources
Electrical circuits
Forces and their effects
The solar system and beyond

7. Mathematics Programme
• KS3 maths builds on the work done in Y6 to increase
students mathematical skills, understanding and
knowledge.
• Key areas covered in Y7 include number patterns,
decimals, fractions, geometry, symmetry,
probability, formulas, coordinates, graphs and
associated data analysing and interpreting skills.
• Opportunities to be involved in international maths
competitions such as UKMAT and AMC

8. Humanities Programme
•
Humanities is the grouping of the geography and history subjects. Sometimes units
of study are taught separately, other times the subject material is combined.
Referenced to the KS3 National Curriculum for England, and internationalised to the
YCIS context.
•
It embeds the learning objectives and assessment standards required for a secure
foundation leading into IGCSE.
•
Units of study are progressive across the year groups and teach analytical and
reflective skills through a choice of topics such as:
– Past, present and future issues
– China, changing styles of world governments, globalisation
– Environmental impact of the industrial revolutions
– International conflicts

9. Character Education Programme
• We use a variety of activity based lessons to help
students develop their character and to address
some of the key issues faced by young people today.
In KS3 these include: bullying, decision making,
responsibility, sensitivity, empathy and emotional
health.
• We continue to have a character trait of the month
and this is the focus of Homeroom sessions.

10. Assessment
Assessment is continuous with unit tests for every topic, plus
daily in-class assessments including questioning, participation,
discussion, homework, collaboration, …
Report Cards:
2 progress reports (Sept and April), 2 full reports (Jan and
June). There are also 2 organised parent/teacher interviews. If
needed, parents are free to make appointments with
Coordinators and teachers throughout the year.

11. Why Choose KS3 at YCIS?
• World recognised international school model e.g. accredited by CIS,
NEASC and quoted by universities and researchers.
• We have a tailor-made KS3 programme which is under constant review in
order to keep it innovative and internationally competitive.
• Emphasis is on developing not only a solid knowledge base but also
students with the desired transferable skills to learn effectively anywhere
in the world e.g. hardworking, reflective learners, caring citizens,
confident, team players, leading balanced lives, etc…
• We have an integrated humanities programme allowing a smoother
transition into the humanities options at IGCSE.

12. Why Choose KS3 at YCIS?
•
•
•
KS3 has a rigorous and demanding international assessment approach.
Expectations are high and communication between home and school is key.
YCIS has a wider curriculum to support and enhance the core curriculum.

13. Extra-curricular Opportunities
Sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Handball, Tennis, Track and
Field, Cross Country and Sports Council, Beijing inter-school competitions
Performing Arts: Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Drama Productions and PA
Council
Other: Student Council, Chess Club, Rubik’s Cube club, Mentoring/Buddy
system, Assemblies, Roots and Shoots, Model United Nations, subject specific
competitions eg. UKMT

14. YCIS offers more…
Trips:
• Local: Subject specific trips in and around Beijing
• Experiencing China - Each Year Level visits a different location in China.
• World Classroom (optional)
• Y7 choices – Hawaii, California, Seattle and Portland or Washington DC
• Y8 choices – Italy, Spain or Greece
• Y9 choices – Moscow and St Petersburg, Czech Republic, Austria and
Hungry

15. YCIS offers more...
ICT:
•Integrated into the curriculum in every subject area.
•Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities e.g. school
wide WIFI.
•Homeroom projects also utilise ICT skills throughout the year.

16. YCIS offers more...
Pastoral Care:
•Dedicated homeroom time everyday and one
extended homeroom period per week.
•Male and female secondary counsellors.
•Character Education programme tailored for year
level specific development. This includes a focus on the
key values of respect, care, diligence, tolerance,
communication, right + wrong, decision making etc…

17. YCIS offers more...
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Multiple concerts and performances
Sports competitions
Scholars Cup
Poetry Slam
Film Festival
Charity Fund Raising Events by SC
Subject specific and cross-curricular projects e.g. visiting guest speakers,
student workshops plus much more…

18. Enrichment Programme
• One week in June where learning takes place off timetable and is
integrated into projects and themes. Such as: Art Day, Science Day,
Beach Day, Sports Day, Shakespeare Production. Optional sign-up
activities based on topics that aren’t subject specific e.g. The Amazing
Race and Who Killed JFK?
• Opportunity for students to see how they can transfer skills and develop
their character.