Curriculum Handbook · 2026–2027
Lower Secondary
Years 7 – 9
A guide for students and families — discovering who you are and where you’re going.
Welcome
“At Esara, we believe every young person arrives with a spark. Our job is to help that spark grow — into confidence, character, and a clear sense of purpose.”
Years 7–9 are some of the most exciting — and most important — years of your child’s education. They arrive as children and leave ready to take on the challenge of IGCSE. Along the way, they discover their strengths, build real friendships, and develop the habits that will carry them through life.
This handbook is your guide to what we teach, how we teach it, and why every subject matters. Please read it together as a family, keep it close, and never hesitate to reach out to us.
This handbook is your guide to what we teach, how we teach it, and why every subject matters. Please read it together as a family, keep it close, and never hesitate to reach out to us.
Head of School · Esara International School
• Confidence
• Character
• Purpose
• Curiosity
• Community
• Excellence
About Years 7–9
Lower Secondary at Esara is built on a simple idea: if you understand why something matters, you’ll learn it much more deeply. Every subject is taught through enquiry and real-world questions — not just facts to memorise.
Small classes, big impact. Our class sizes are intentionally small, so every student is known by name, their progress is tracked individually, and no one slips through the net.
Year 7
Foundation & Exploration
Students settle into secondary school life, build strong study habits, and explore the breadth of the curriculum. We focus heavily on collaboration, communication, and curiosity.
Year 8
Deepening & Connecting
Students begin to see how subjects connect to each other and to the real world. Independent thinking, research skills, and creative problem-solving come to the forefront.
Year 9
Challenge & Preparation
The final bridge year before IGCSE. Students begin to stretch into IGCSE-style thinking and have the opportunity to begin BTEC vocational qualifications, giving them a head start.
What We Teach — Core Subjects
Every student follows a broad and balanced curriculum across Years 7–9. Here’s what’s on offer.
📖
English
Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills through a wide range of texts — from classic literature to contemporary writing. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing all woven together, preparing students well for IGCSE English.
🔢
Mathematics
We organise Maths into five core concepts: Practical, Construction, Analysis, Patterns, and Prediction. All year groups study the same concept at the right challenge level — so no one is held back or left behind.
🔬
Science
Students study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — structured around big questions that deepen each year, such as “How do chemicals react?” and “What is our universe made from?” Science is hands-on and inquiry-led.
🌍
Humanities
History, Geography, Global Perspectives, and Business Education come together in our integrated Humanities programme. Students explore real-world issues, learn to evaluate evidence, and develop informed opinions.
🌐
Global Citizenship
Students learn about rights, responsibilities, global challenges, and cultural diversity — developing empathy, critical thinking, and the confidence to engage with the world around them.
🇪🇸
Spanish
Tailored to each student’s starting level, our Spanish programme focuses on real communication. Culture is front and centre: music, traditions, and the Hispanic world bring the language to life.
🇨🇳
Chinese
Available as a foreign language, second language, or first language pathway. Students develop strong communication skills and cultural knowledge in one of the world’s most important languages.
🎨
Art & Design
Two main strands: Making Art (practical work) and Knowing About Art (art history and critical response). Builds directly toward IGCSE Art and Design, with a strong emphasis on creative thinking.
💻
Computer Science
Students learn computation, programming, and digital systems. They write real code, design solutions, and think logically — skills valuable in every walk of life.
🔧
Design & Technology
Working with plastics, metals, and wood, students design and build real things. Creative thinking, technical skill, and problem-solving all combine — with a clear pathway into IGCSE D&T.
🎭
Performing Arts / Drama
A practical, collaborative subject where students develop as performers and creators — exploring the roles of actor, director, and designer, and building real leadership and creative confidence.
🎵
Music
Students listen, analyse, perform, and compose across a wide range of genres. Solo and ensemble performance, digital composition tools, and close listening all feature. Joyful, rigorous, and open to everyone.
⚽
Physical Education
From health-related fitness to invasion games, students develop physically and as leaders and collaborators. Commitment, teamwork, and creative thinking are just as important as athletic ability.
💚
Learning for Life (PSHE)
Our personal, social, health, and economic education programme helps students understand themselves and their world — covering mental health, relationships, financial literacy, and future readiness.
Elective Subjects
In addition to the core curriculum, students choose from a range of electives that reflect their interests and support their development.
🇹🇭
Thai Language & Culture
For students living in Thailand, understanding Thai language and culture is a gift for life. Students develop practical communication skills and a genuine appreciation of Thai traditions and society.
Learning Enhancement & ESOL
We provide personalised support for students who need help with English as an additional language, or who would benefit from extra learning support. Built into our timetable — not bolted on.
We provide personalised support for students who need help with English as an additional language, or who would benefit from extra learning support. Built into our timetable — not bolted on.
BTEC Level 2 — Year 9 Opportunity
Year 9 students have a unique opportunity to begin a BTEC Level 2 Foundation qualification — a nationally recognised vocational qualification that gives them a head start before IGCSE.
What is BTEC? BTEC qualifications are practical, project-based courses recognised by universities and employers worldwide. Assessed through coursework and real-world projects — not just exams.
Available from 2026–27:
🎨 Art & Design
Fashion, graphic design, photography, and more. A broad introduction for creative thinkers who want to explore the full range of the sector.
Fashion, graphic design, photography, and more. A broad introduction for creative thinkers who want to explore the full range of the sector.
💼 Business & Enterprise
Marketing, logistics, entrepreneurship, and core business skills — ideal for students who want to understand the world of work and enterprise.
Marketing, logistics, entrepreneurship, and core business skills — ideal for students who want to understand the world of work and enterprise.
Coming from 2027–28 onwards — we plan to expand our BTEC offer significantly. Additional courses under development include:
• 🎭 Performing Arts
• ⚽ Sport
• ✈️ Travel & Tourism
• 🩺 Health & Social Care
• 📱 Creative Media
We’ll keep families informed as courses are confirmed.
• 🎭 Performing Arts
• ⚽ Sport
• ✈️ Travel & Tourism
• 🩺 Health & Social Care
• 📱 Creative Media
We’ll keep families informed as courses are confirmed.
A Typical Week
Our timetable gives every subject the space it needs — without overwhelming students.
Subject Area
Approximate Weekly Time
Notes
English
4–5 lessons
Core
Mathematics
4–5 lessons
Core
Science (Bio, Chem, Physics)
4–5 lessons
Core
Humanities
3–4 lessons
Core
Language (Spanish / Chinese)
3 lessons
Core
Arts & Creative (Art, Drama, Music, D&T)
3–4 lessons
Core
Computer Science
2 lessons
Core
Physical Education
2 lessons
Core
Learning for Life (PSHE)
1 lesson
Core
Electives
2–3 lessons
Chosen
BTEC (Year 9 only)
3 lessons
Optional
*Final timetable allocations may vary. Your child’s form tutor will share full details at the start of term.
Support & Pastoral Care
We take our responsibility for every student’s wellbeing seriously. Esara is a warm, close-knit community — no student ever feels alone.
🏫 Form Tutor
Every student has a dedicated form tutor who knows them personally — the first point of contact for any concern, academic or personal
📚 Learning Support
Additional support available in class and through personalised programmes for students who need extra help with English, learning, or specific subjects.
💚 Wellbeing & Counselling
Our wellbeing team supports students through any challenges — whether academic pressure, social situations, or personal concerns.
👨👩👧 Parent Partnership
The best outcomes happen when school and home work together. Regular parent consultations, and teachers always reachable by email.
Looking Ahead — IGCSE Preparation
Everything we do in Years 7–9 is designed to set students up brilliantly for IGCSE — and for life beyond school. By the end of Year 9, your child will be:
• A confident, independent learner
• Skilled at analysis and evaluation
• Experienced in research and enquiry
• Ready to choose their IGCSE pathways
• Resilient and self-aware
IGCSE Subject Choices: During Year 9, students and families meet with our academic team to discuss pathway choices. We guide every student individually to ensure they choose the combination that best fits their strengths, interests, and future goals.
