Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme
The Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme is the curriculum programme that is offered to Global Indian International School (GIIS) Singapore students in grades 6, 7 and 8. These lower secondary years are critical for students, as they develop the educational foundation that they need in order to succeed in the later years of secondary school. Parents and students at GIIS appreciate the fact that this framework provides a challenging and exciting environment for aspiring lifelong learners.
The Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme: What You Need to Know
The Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme is an international curriculum designed by the Cambridge Assessment International Education. It was created specifically for students between the ages of 11 and 14, and is intended to lay the foundation for students prior to beginning upper secondary school. This innovative curriculum is available in 2,300 schools in more than 130 countries around the globe, making it one of the most prestigious and widely-recognised curriculum programmes for the middle school age group. The CLSP is anchored in the maths, science and English courses, but it also encourages students to go beyond memorisation and apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom in real-world scenarios.
Top Benefits of the CLSP at GIIS Singapore
Both parents and students will quickly realise many benefits from the CLSP curriculum at GIIS Singapore. These are just a few of the top benefits that students will enjoy:
● The CLSP Provides Students with a Solid Academic Foundation
As students begin secondary school, they often have an understanding of which type of educational path that they want to pursue. Those that are most interested in working on an international curriculum will be pleased to have the option of the CLSP at GIIS Singapore. The CLSP is an international programme that sets the foundation for the upper secondary school years. Students who are enrolled at GIIS will participate in syllabus-driven courses, which encourage them to work independently and remain disciplined in their studies. In addition, the coursework goes beyond basic facts and memorisation. Students are encouraged to think creatively, collaborate with their peers in order to solve problems and apply the knowledge that they have learned in real-world settings.
● CLSP Helps Students Transition to the Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum
GIIS in Singapore utilises the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum programme in its upper-level secondary grades. Students in the lower secondary programme become familiar with the CLSP, and then ultimately have an easier transition into the rigorous Cambridge IGCSE curriculum programme. When students begin their upper secondary years, they are already accustomed to reading a course syllabus and following the path toward success within the classroom. They recognise that their learning goes beyond reading textbooks and memorising data for exams, and they understand the power of inquiry-based discussions in a collaborative setting. Generally, students who complete the CLSP during their lower secondary programme have more success as they take on the Cambridge IGCSE in the final years of secondary school.
● CLSP Courses are Taught By Experienced Teachers
All of the teachers at GIIS Singapore have been carefully selected based on their credentials and their teaching methodology. Not only are these professionals some of the most dedicated educators around, but they are also uniquely qualified to teach CLSP courses. GIIS Singapore teachers are IGCSE certified, which means that they have been specifically trained to teach the courses offered in this curriculum. They understand that a different approach is necessary and that students will be required to go beyond the basics to succeed. They are focused on making sure that every student accomplishes their goals in the classroom setting, and they are always attentive to student progress.
● Students Can Explore a Variety of Subject Areas Within the CLSP
The courses that are included as part of the CLSP curriculum vary based on the student’s grade level. In grades 6 and 7, students can expect to participate in the following courses:
● English
● Mathematics
● Science
● English as a Second Language
● ICT
● Foreign Language
● Global Perspectives
● Digital Literacy
In grade 8, students will take on more challenging coursework in the same subject areas, but in addition, students will be able to choose an elective course based on their own strengths and interests. The elective courses available at GIIS Singapore include:
● Economics
● Business Studies
● EVM
● Design and Technology
● The CLSP Curriculum Complements the Holistic Framework at GIIS Singapore
Every stage of education at GIIS is anchored by the 9Gems holistic framework, which is designed to help foster personality development in students in age-appropriate ways. In addition to emphasising the importance of core universal values, the 9Gems holistic framework encourages students to seek sports excellence, to develop leadership skills and to explore the arts. The CLSP curriculum is the perfect complement to the 9Gems framework, because it empowers students to apply their newfound knowledge within real-life settings. As part of their CLSP courses, students are encouraged to ask questions, to be respectful and to contribute to society whenever possible. This curriculum programme naturally corresponds with the 9Gems framework that the students have become familiar with throughout their entire educational journey at GIIS.
● Campus Technology Enhances the CLSP at GIIS Singapore
GIIS Singapore features a SMART campus that was designed by some of the most innovative architects in the 21st century. Throughout the SMART campus, students can access the best educational technology that will enhance their learning experience without stifling their own imaginations and creative thinking skills. From virtual classroom areas to sustainable outdoor learning spaces, the GIIS SMART campus provides students with the educational experience that they need to be leaders in the global economy of the 21st century. With all of this technology in place, teachers and administrators can better implement the CLSP curriculum. GIIS students have access to the best resources as they delve into their courses during their lower secondary years.
● CLSP Assessments Focus on Knowledge Application Rather Than Memorisation
Traditionally, assessments were designed to evaluate a student’s knowledge acquisition during their course. However, over time, leaders in the educational industry realised that students didn’t succeed if all they did was memorise facts. They discovered that students had to be taught how to use the knowledge given to them. At GIIS Singapore, students in the CLSP programme are internally assessed to test whether they can apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom. These assessments, given by qualified professionals, are designed to help students understand their own strengths and weaknesses. The assessments help students develop their personalities and grow into the lifelong learners that they need to be.
Learn More Now About the CLSP at GIIS Singapore
The CLSP provides lower secondary students with the challenging academic environment that they need to prepare for their final years in secondary school. This innovative, inquiry-based curriculum programme is designed to set students up for success, as they learn that learning is more about applying knowledge and less about memorising facts and statistics.
To learn more about the CLSP at GIIS Singapore and how our SMART campus benefits our students, schedule a virtual tour today.
