Admission
Discipline
The aim of AFEEL is to create a social climate that is encouraging and positive in response to the needs of students. Keeping this in mind, we have implemented a set of rules. Please read.
Assessment
The AFEEL uses regular testing and assessment as ongoing activities in teaching and learning. In December and June there are formal examinations with test work done over a longer period. These examinations are an important feature of the school year. This allows teachers, parents and children to clearly see how much progress has been made. Report Cards are issued following the examinations and are collected on Open House Days when parents have the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress with the teachers concerned. There are additional Parent Teacher Conferences in October and March.
At the end of Key Stages One, Two and Three, the AFEEL uses the British Standard Assessment Tests in English, Mathematics and Science in order to make an assessment using recognised national standards.
(You may see in the British Press references to changes or even abolition of SATs in the near future. This is the result of an ongoing political debate about educational practice which has centred on the fact that SATs tests have been used to create ‘League Tables’ of schools. This obviously does not affect our use of the Tests.)
Curriculum
At AFEEL, we recognise that many of our pupils have been in different school systems in a number of countries. For parents who do not know the English school system we invite you to take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with its all-round structure.
Nursery, pre-school and kindergarten are known as the Foundation Stage. The lessons and activities are designed to encourage personal, social and emotional development. Here, the students learn the basics of communication, language; mathematical development; understanding of the world and also physical and creative development.
In England, compulsory education begins during the academic year (September – July) in which children celebrate their 4th birthday. This is known as the Reception Year and the children follow a programme of learning and activities similar to those in the Foundation Stage.
The formal programme of studies begins with Year 2 during the academic year in which the child has its 6th birthday. The English system of studies is divided into four key stages
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today
Primary and Secondary School
PrePrimary School
Key Stage 1 – Years 1
Primary School
Key Stage 1 – Years 1 & 2
Key Stage 2 – Years 3, 4, 5 & 6
Secondary School
Key Stage 3 – Years 7, 8 & 9
Key Stage 4 – Years 10, 11, 12 & 13 (IGCSE & A Levels)
We teach the following subjects under IGCSE:
English has the become the world lingua franca. As such, students must learn to communicate effectively in English through enhanced speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
Through Literature in English, students reflect on the experiences of people from many countries and times. Students learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama as well as non-fiction and media texts. They gain access to the world of knowledge that reading opens up. Along with English language, Literature become a vital vehicle in the transmission of the world’s cultures.
KEY STAGE ONE
In the first two years of primary school, students learn the principles of how to speak clearly, fluently and confidently. They begin to understand the importance of diction and intonation. Listening skills are learned as students acquire the capacity to concentrate, remember specific pieces of information and recognise simple sound patterns such as rhyme.
Through drama and simulation, they begin to explore how situations, moods and characters can be conveyed through role play and acting. Using the phonic method, students are taught the basics of writing: the alphabet, recognising words and common spelling patterns. They learn the principles of word order and sentence structure. Simple composition exercises help the students learn the skills of sentence structure and appropriate communication. The basic rules of grammar and punctuation (question marks, commas, full stops, and capital letters) are taught at this stage.
KEY STAGE TWO
In Years Three, Four, Five and Six, English classes build on the basic skills acquired in Key Stage One through intensive use of literature, spelling, grammar, comprehension and creative writing.
Speaking skills include the use of humour, exaggeration, persuasive language and vocabulary to communicate complex meanings. Listening skills develop the student’s capacity to identify the key points and details of a discussion and to follow up ideas with appropriate questions. They learn how to differentiate between language which is for instruction, entertainment or persuasion.
Through group discussion activities, students learn the difference between exploration of ideas, making comments, evaluating, judging and qualifying ideas. They learn how to accept varying points of view and deal with them politely while attempting to reach agreements and move the debate on.
Drama and script writing provide opportunities to develop techniques in exploring character and issues as well as conveying themes and emotions to an audience. Language skills include the recognition of Standard English and dialect forms in addition to the variations between transcription, direct and indirect speech. Reading skills are developed using the phonic method and detailed study of grammatical structures.
Vocabulary skills are developed through comparison of explanation, instruction and description and the use and effect of specialist vocabulary. This is achieved by reading myths, legends, traditional stories, diaries, autobiographies, letters and both modern and classical poetry to familiarise students with a wide variety of writing. Writing and composition skills are essential for success not only in English but in many other subjects.
KEY STAGE THREE
The emphasis in all subjects is upon exploring ideas and questions; challenging ideas and assumptions, analysing information and making informed judgements which are clearly and cogently argued. Skills and ability in language will be constantly reviewed and assessed by all teachers. Speaking and listening skills include the preparation of formal presentations and debate as well as the use of improvisation in drama. At this stage, students will become familiar with the styles of journalism, travel writing, literary non-fiction, polemic, commentary, essay and short story.
In writing, students are encouraged to develop ideas, use imagery, and create settings and characters in composition. They learn to become more confident in using appropriate vocabulary to analyse, evaluate and develop their skills in logical and persuasive writing.
English is a global language and it is important that students learn to recognise how Standard English varies in both its spoken and written forms across the world. Similarly, they also become aware of how the language is developing and changing in response to cultures and technologies. There are many ways in which you can help your child to succeed in English. Pease ensure that your home has a Standard English dictionary. Oxford, Cambridge, Collins and Longman publishers have a wide range of dictionaries for all ages and purposes. The AFEEL has a stock of Primary and Secondary School dictionaries which may be purchased. We are aware of the lack of printed English material available locally but the school does possess a library and you should ask your child regularly about what he or she is reading beyond class texts and assigned work. Listening to the BBC World Service and reading the BBC News website will be of invaluable help not only in developing vocabulary, reading and listening skills but will also help your child become more knowledgeable about Current Affairs, Politics, Economics, Science, Geography and Culture.
In addition, there are hundreds of educational websites which may be used to help with and to supplement school work. Some of these include:
The BBC sites cover all subjects in the curriculum from Foundation Year to GCSE examinations. There are lots of interactive activities as well as information sheets. Just follow the links to the appropriate year and subject.
This site has interactive exercises for grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. for Primary School children.
This site is suitable for Upper Primary and Lower Secondary classes.
These sites contain plenty of materials for parents who wish to work through exercises with their children.
This is an online dictionary which you will certainly find useful and informative.
This is the website of a Primary School in Kent which has put online materials (including web links) for all subjects.
NOTE: If you surf the net for material and activities use www.google.co.uk and then click on ‘search for pages from the UK’. Otherwise you will fall upon thousands of sites from America which will not necessarily use standard British spelling.
French Curriculum
Language is a tool of communication and we believe that it is very important that our students be able to express themselves and understand what others say using French, one of the official languages of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The emphasis is on learning how to speak the language fluently. Classes are conducted in French and as little English as possible is used. French is not a compulsory subject in many English Primary Schools but for the reasons outlined above it is taught at the AFEEL from Year 1 onwards.
KEYS STAGES ONE AND TWO
In the Primary School years, the emphasis is on oral communication (using correct pronunciation and intonation) and listening skills (being able to distinguish sounds and meanings). Reading and writing in the foreign language are introduced slowly and gradually. Students learn the vocabulary and grammatical structures to be able to talk about themselves and their family; where they live; their interests; their likes and dislikes.
Functional topics such as travel, shopping, eating and drinking, television and recreational activities are explored using basic vocabulary and simple grammatical structures. During these years, students will learn how to initiate conversation and learn how to ask and respond to simple questions: Who, Where and What. The use of English-French / French-English dictionaries will be encouraged. Students will also be introduced to aspects of culture and society in the various countries where French is the official language.
KEY STAGE THREE
The four linguistic skills: listening; speaking; reading and writing receive more detailed attention in Key Stage Three. This is achieved through a more formal approach to the teaching of grammar and its application. The range of vocabulary and idiomatic language covers the use of language in everyday practical situations. It is also extended to facilitate the expression of ideas, thoughts and feelings. As always, in modern language teaching, the emphasis is upon effective communication through dialogue, role play and creative writing. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between language and society. By looking at countries where French is spoken, they will learn to understand the finer points of other cultures, new ways of looking at the world and the diversity of life which makes up the human family.
- Numbers to 1000
- Addition to 1000 then 10,000
- Subtraction to 1000 then 10,000
- Multiplication and division by 2,3, 4, 5 and 10
- Fractions and decimals, Percentages
- Time, Money
- Number Properties
- Measures: Area, Length, Weight, Capacity
- 2D and 3D Shapes
- Position, Movement and Angle
- Data Handling
- Rational Numbers, their properties and their different representations
- Rules of Arithmetic applied to calculations and manipulations with rational numbers
- Applications of Ration and Proportion, Accuracy and Rounding
- Linear Equations, Formulae, Expressions and Identities
- Analytical, Graphical and Numerical methods for solving equations
- Polynomial Graphs, Sequences and Functions
- Properties of 2D and 3D shapes
- Constructions, Loci and Bearings
- Pythagoras’ Theorem
- Transformations, Similarity, including the use of scale points
- Units, Compound measures and Conversions
- Perimeters, Areas, Surface Areas and Volumes
- The handling data -Presentation and analysis of grouped and ungrouped data
- Experimental and Theoretical probabilities, including those based on equally likely outcomes
Accordion Content
Science Curriculum
The study of Science fires the student’s curiosity about phenomenon in the world around them and offers opportunities to explain the same. It engages learners at many levels, linking direct practical experience with scientific ideas. Students discover how scientific ideas contribute to technological changes affecting industries, business and medicine and how it improves the quality of life.
The curriculum is divided into Three Key Stages, with the topics as follows:
KEY STAGE ONE AND TWO:
YEARS 1, 2, 3, 4 AND 5:
- The human body, balanced diet, keeping healthy
- Using materials, forces, magnets
- Electricity, light, sound
- Study of plants
- Rocks and soils, changing states
YEAR 6:
- Interdependence and adaptation
- Micro-organisms (short unit), reversible and irreversible changes (short unit)
- More about dissolving
- Forces in action
- How do we see things (short unit)
- Changing circuits (short unit)
KEY STAGE THREE:
Year 7:
- Cells, reproduction
- Environment and feeding relationships, variation and classification
- Acids and alkalis, simple chemical reactions, particle model of solids, liquids and gases, solutions
- Energy resources, electrical circuits, forces and their effects
- The solar system and beyond
Year 8:
- Food and digestion, respiration, microbes and disease
- Ecological relationships
- Atoms and elements, compounds and mixtures
- Rocks and weathering, rock cycles
- Heating and cooling
- Magnets and electromagnets
- Light
- Sound and hearing
Year 9:
- Inheritance and selection
- Fit and healthy
- Plants and photosynthesis, plants for food
- Reactions of metals and metal compounds, patterns of reactivity, environmental chemistry
- Using chemistry
- Energy and electricity, pressure and moments
- Gravity and space, speeding up
- The human body, balanced diet, keeping healthy
- Using materials, forces, magnets
- Electricity, light, sound
- Study of plants
- Rocks and soils, changing states
- Interdependence and adaptation
- Micro-organisms (short unit), reversible and irreversible changes (short unit)
- More about dissolving
- Forces in action
- How do we see things (short unit)
- Changing circuits (short unit)
- Cells, reproduction
- Environment and feeding relationships, variation and classification
- Acids and alkalis, simple chemical reactions, particle model of solids, liquids and gases, solutions
- Energy resources, electrical circuits, forces and their effects
- The solar system and beyond
- Food and digestion, respiration, microbes and disease
- Ecological relationships
- Atoms and elements, compounds and mixtures
- Rocks and weathering, rock cycles
- Heating and cooling
- Magnets and electromagnets
- Light
- Sound and hearing
- Inheritance and selection
- Fit and healthy
- Plants and photosynthesis, plants for food
- Reactions of metals and metal compounds, patterns of reactivity, environmental chemistry
- Using chemistry
- Energy and electricity, pressure and moments
- Gravity and space, speeding up
Geography curriculum
Studying geography will help students understand how our planet exists and how we live on it. It helps them become more responsible in their human activities by caring about the world (questions of environment and ecology) and being more aware of the many different ways of life that people have around the globe.
At all stages, students will constantly develop their skills in asking and answering the fundamental questions of geography: what/where is it? What is it like? How did it get there?
KEY STAGE ONE
- Learning about where we live: Lubumbashi (around the school and the locality) Daily life in India and England
- Transport, commerce, housing, the weather and climate. Places we go on holiday: countryside (hills, mountains, and rivers), seaside (cliffs, beaches and seas), cities (tourist attractions), and nature reserves (animals and outdoor activities)
KEY STAGE TWO
- Understanding the world around us: the earth in the universe (planets, atmosphere, days and seasons)
- Town and village life in Africa, Asia and Europe (population distribution)
- Economic activity and environmental issues (farming and industries), river systems, seas and oceans, mountain building, earthquakes and volcanoes
- Food and water around the world
- Introduction to detailed mapping using a variety of Atlas, images, and ordnance survey
KEY STAGE THREE
YEAR 7:
- A detailed study of the United Kingdom – physical and economic geography including changing patterns of industry, climate, coastal management and environmental/ecological issues
YEAR 8:
- European geography including weather, rivers, farming, energy, glacial erosion, water and detailed studies related to France, Germany, Sweden, the UK and Spain
YEAR 9:
There are hundreds of websites which are useful for developing geographical skills and knowledge. In addition to the usual online encyclopaedias, here are just a few of them:
Has games, activities and articles to supplement class work.
Includes maps, photos and satellite images. The latest version includes undersea images.
This is the site associated with the well-known review and television channel.
A general interest site with links to specialist geographical organisations.
As the title suggests, it contains information on fire, smoke and lava from under the crust of the earth.
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Contains everything you need to know about what causes earthquakes, where they have happened and most importantly, why they are happening.
Look up the five-day forecast for New York or Manchester or search through the sites for interesting articles on all aspects of the weather and climate.
Has every square inch of the British Isles ordnance survey online.
Environmental News Network WWF Panda
These sites are excellent for up-to-date information on wildlife, agriculture, ecosystems, energy, climate and pollution.
This is a good starting point for issues concerning human beings such as population, food and water resources, wealth distribution and the impact of economic activities.
History Curriculum
The study of history will help students learn about how societies developed and to understand why certain events happened. They will gradually come to understand how events in the past had different causes and results and how the way we live today is a result of what happened in the past. Recognising that our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds we will make every effort to study topics from the history of Asia, Africa and Europe.
KEY STAGE ONE
How people lived in the past:
- Childhood and family life in ancient, medieval and modern times
- Housing, transport, agriculture and food through the ages
- Clothing and fashions
- Religions and cultures
- Famous people from the past
KEY STAGE TWO
- Ancient civilisations: Tigris and Euphrates; Egypt; Indus Valley; China; Greece and Rome
- Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Tudor and Victorian Britain
- Empires and kingdoms in the Congo: Kongo, Luba, Chokwe, Lunda, Songe
- Hindu society in ancient India
- Mohammed and the development of the Muslim world
KEY STAGE THREE
- England from the Norman Conquest to the 14th Century: Politics, Religion and Society
- Elizabethan and Stuart England: the religious settlement, foreign policy, the civil war and the Hanoverian succession
- The Industrial Revolution in the United Kingdom
- The growth of the British Empire
- Islamic Spain
- The Mughal Empire in India
- Ancient African kingdoms: Sahel, Nigeria, Central Africa
The internet is an invaluable source for reading materials: online encyclopaedias such as Wikipedia, Britannica, Love To Know, Absolute Astronomy are very useful, not only for history but for all subjects. We recommend:
This has games and activities for every subject, including history, at every level from foundation level to key stage three.
This colourful and easy-to-follow website can be used as a starting point for many aspects of British history.
This is a wonderful site that puts online articles and illustrations from their collections which come from all over the world from antiquity to modern times.
This is a fascinating site for children and adults who want to know more about Egyptology, dinosaurs, rocks and minerals. Manchester has the best Egyptology section outside of Cairo, so log on if you want to see the inside of a mummy or ancient Egyptian surgical instruments.
