Secondary
(11-16 years)
Secondary
In Years 7–9, students follow a broad and balanced curriculum including English, Mathematics, Science, Languages, Humanities, Art & Design, Music, Performing Arts, ICT, Physical Education and Farm. Learning combines direct instruction with inquiry, practical work, collaboration, independent projects and meaningful real-world experiences.
In Years 10–11, students move into more specialised pathways designed to prepare them for internationally recognised qualifications. Esara is currently working towards approval to become a Pearson Edexcel centre and a Pearson BTEC centre. Planned pathways include Pearson Edexcel International GCSE qualifications and Pearson BTEC International Level 2 qualifications. Proposed subject options include English Language A, Mathematics A, Science (Double Award), History, Geography, Economics, English as a Second Language, Spanish, Chinese, Global Citizenship, ICT and Art & Design, alongside planned BTEC pathways in Business and Performing Arts.
Throughout Secondary, students are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their learning while developing the academic knowledge, practical skills, emotional maturity and personal responsibility needed for the next stage of their education.
Goals
Environment
Key Areas of Learning
GOALS:
• Build a strong foundation in essential mathematical concepts
• Develop logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities
• Build confidence in applying mathematical operations to real-world situations
Learners move from simple memorisation towards more complex mathematical theory. Progress is self-monitored, and learners practise both individually and in teams. This hands-on approach builds real, lasting understanding – often taking learners well beyond a conventional curriculum by the time they reach year 10.
In Montessori education, history is a study of the vast connections between humans and their environment. The curriculum expands students’ understanding of the history of life on earth, focusing on the origins of the universe, the development of civilizations, and significant events that shaped the modern world. By exploring the timeline of human progress, they gain insight into the cause-and-effect relationships that have driven social, cultural, and technological change.
Goals:
- Foster an appreciation for culture, history and anthropology
- Develop critical thinking through the exploration of key historical events and their implications.
- Encourage curiosity about how past events influence present-day life.
The study of history at the middle school level builds off of key events in the ancient world, leading up from the formation of societies and modern-day cultures to more advanced subjects of historical significance. Middle schoolers engage in research, storytelling, and projects that bring history to life, helping them understand their place in the human narrative.
Science in Esara covers biology, chemistry and physics. Our science programme is very practical; learning by doing helps learners understand how to conduct experiments and supports accurate scientific report writing – active participation leads to deeper understanding. Time in the science lab begins with establishing the rules and learning how to use laboratory equipment correctly and precisely so learners can choose the right equipment for the job and work safely and effectively.
GOALS:
• Build awareness of the diversity and interconnectedness of life on Earth
• Develop an understanding of the structure and function of ecosystems
• Encourage observation skills and a scientific approach to experiments across a range of topics
Enjoyment is central to how Science is taught at Esara. Real experiments, real questions and real data build the scientific thinking learners need as they progress towards International GCSE Science.
Performing Arts brings music, drama and dance together as one subject, giving every learner a real stage and real tools to make and perform with. Music in Esara is a powerful tool for developing auditory skills, rhythm and coordination – learners build on their understanding of instruments, songs and rhythms with an introduction to more advanced music theory, exploring sound and developing an appreciation for music from different cultures and genres. Drama holds a special place too, allowing learners to explore self-expression through creative storytelling, role-playing and performance – learners often create original plays or skits based on topics they’ve studied, using drama as a way to internalise knowledge and present it creatively to others. Dance builds on both, developing rhythm, coordination and confidence in movement.
GOALS:
• Build confidence in public speaking, performance and self-expression
• Develop listening, rhythm and ensemble skills across music, drama and dance
• Encourage teamwork and collaboration through group performance
Whether through singing, rhythm exercises, devised drama or choreographed movement, Performing Arts sharpens concentration, memory and emotional expression. Performing in front of peers builds stage presence and ease in public situations – skills that benefit learners well into adulthood.
At Esara, Art & Design is woven into everyday learning while also developing as a subject in its own right. Learners explore a wide range of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography and mixed media. They are encouraged to experiment, develop ideas, document their creative process and make connections between art, culture and the wider curriculum.
As learners progress, they build greater technical skill and creative independence, learning to research, reflect and communicate ideas visually. Collaborative projects and exhibitions also help them experience art as both personal expression and a shared creative process.
GOALS:
• Develop creativity, imagination and confidence through a range of artistic media
• Build technical skills while encouraging experimentation and individual expression
• Develop visual research, reflection and the ability to refine ideas
• Encourage collaboration, problem-solving and appreciation of different artistic perspectives
Language at Esara covers English, Thai and a modern foreign language – Spanish or Chinese – alongside targeted ESL support where needed. English develops genuine communication, progressing from grammar, vocabulary and creative writing towards more advanced reading, writing and abstract thinking. Learners who require additional English support receive focused English as a Second Language (ESL) provision to strengthen their confidence, fluency and academic language.
Every learner studies Thai, with separate pathways for native and non-native speakers, developing an appreciation of Thai language and culture. Learners also choose Spanish or Chinese, building communication skills through culture, conversation and authentic content rather than isolated vocabulary drills.
GOALS:
• Build a passion for reading, writing and communication across varied, authentic content
• Develop confidence and practical communication skills across additional languages
• Strengthen grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening and comprehension
• Provide targeted ESL support for learners developing proficiency in English
Learners develop the language skills and confidence to communicate effectively in English, Thai and their chosen modern foreign language.
Music in the Montessori classroom is more than just a subject; it’s a powerful tool for developing auditory skills, rhythm, and coordination. Middle schoolers build on their understanding of instruments, songs, and rhythms with introduction to more advanced music theory, allowing them to explore sound and develop an appreciation for music from different cultures and genres. Whether through singing, rhythm exercises, or instrument exploration, music enhances their concentration, memory, and emotional expression.
Goals:
- Encourage a love for music through active participation and discovery.
- Develop listening skills and a sense of rhythm and timing
- Foster emotional expression and creativity through musical activities.
Music also serves as a bridge to other subjects, reinforcing lessons in mathematics (patterns and sequences), language (listening and articulation), and cultural studies. This cross-curricular approach helps children develop a well-rounded appreciation of the world around them.
Humanities brings together History, Geography, Global Citizenship and Business. In Esara, history is a study of the vast connections between people and their environment – the curriculum expands learners’ understanding of the history of life on Earth, from the origins of the universe to the development of civilisations and the events that shaped the modern world. By exploring the timeline of human progress, learners gain insight into the cause-and-effect relationships that have driven social, cultural and technological change.
GOALS:
• Build an appreciation for culture, history and anthropology
• Develop critical thinking through the exploration of key events and their implications
• Encourage curiosity about how past events influence present-day life
Humanities at secondary level builds from key events in the ancient world through to the formation of societies and modern-day cultures. Learners engage in research, storytelling and projects that bring the humanities to life, helping them understand their own place within a much bigger picture.borative art projects also teach the importance of teamwork and communication, fostering social and emotional development.
Physical Education in the Montessori environment is designed to promote both physical fitness and lifelong health. While learners remain active throughout the day through other activities, structured PE sessions are essential for aerobic activity and the development of coordination, skill and balance. Activities such as football, basketball, badminton and dance teach learners not only how to move their bodies, but the principles of teamwork, cooperation and sportsmanship.
GOALS:
• Build physical fitness and advance skill through structured activity
• Build personal confidence and body awareness through movement
• Teach the values of teamwork, cooperation and fair play
Physical Education at Esara is less about competition and more about building consciousness and control of movement. By focusing on skill development, learners gain confidence and learn to appreciate the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, well beyond their time at Esara.dle school students also enjoy PE classes involving group games, even playing games against the parents team at our school football pitch.
Drama holds a special place in Montessori classrooms, allowing students to explore self-expression through creative storytelling, role-playing, and performance. Students often create original plays or skits based on topics they’ve studied, using drama as a way to internalize knowledge and present it creatively to others. This hands-on approach to learning boosts public speaking skills and helps students develop self-confidence.
Goals:
- Foster self-expression and creativity through more advanced acting and role-playing.
- Develop confidence in public speaking and performance.
- Encourage teamwork and collaboration through group skits and performances.
Drama is more than just acting; it’s a dynamic way for students to learn about communication, empathy, and cooperation. Performing in front of their peers also helps children develop stage presence and ease in public situations, skills that will benefit them well into adulthood.
