The school journey is divided into three distinct areas, programmes approved by the International school’s Law in Latvia are followed throughout the school journey. Our programmes are recognised by member states of the European Union or member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
All of our programmes are taught in line with the requirements of Section 7 in the Latvia International School Law. Meaning that Latvian studies is implemented and included as part of the International Programme.
The table below shows how our programmes are delivered within the age phases of the school.
King’s College Year Group | Phase Name | Latvian Education Stage | Programme followed | Exams taken |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pre Nursery | Pre School | Pre school | Development Matters UK Foundation Stage Curriculum | NA |
Nursery | Pre School | Pre school | Development Matters UK Foundation Stage Curriculum | NA |
Reception | Pre School | Pre school | Development Matters UK Foundation Stage Curriculum | NA |
Year 1 | Key Stage 1 | Pre school | National Curriculum for England | NA |
Year 2 | Key Stage 1 | Pre school | National Curriculum for England | NA |
Year 3 | Key Stage 2 | 1st Class | National Curriculum for England | NA |
Year 4 | Key Stage 2 | 2nd Class | NaNational Curriculum for Englandtional Curriculum for England | NA |
Year 5 | Key Stage 2 | 3rd Class | National Curriculum for England | NA |
Year 6 | Key Stage 2 | 4th Class | National Curriculum for England | NA |
Year 7 | Key Stage 3 | 5th Class | National Curriculum for England | NA |
Year 8 | Key Stage 3 | 6th Class | National Curriculum for England | NA |
Year 9 | Key Stage 3 | 7th Class | National Curriculum for England | NA |
Year 10 | Key Stage 4 | 8th Class | National Curriculum for England |
International InternationalGeneral Certificate of Secondary Education Cambridge Board (IGCSE) |
Year 11 | Key Stage 4 | 9th Class | National Curriculum for England |
International InternationalGeneral Certificate of Secondary Education Cambridge Board (IGCSE) |
Year 12 | Key Stage 5 | 10th Class |
International Baccalaureate Programme |
International Baccalaureate Diploma |
Year 13 | Key Stage 5 | 11th Class |
International Baccalaureate Programme |
International Baccalaureate Diploma |
In the Early Years the children are encouraged to learn through play; for example, in Nursery one of our topics is ‘Toys’. This involves learning about shapes, counting, listening to stories about toys, singing songs, using cameras to take photographs, using drama and role play to make performances with toys and finding out about toys from the past and comparing them to today’s toys.. This interactive learning process gives children first-hand experience while encouraging them to enjoy learning and talk about their learning with their teachers, friends and their family. All these learning experiences also help them to develop a rich vocabulary.
As the children move on to Key Stage 2 (ages 6 – 10), we begin to broaden their experiences. The children study a particular topic, for example, ‘Light and Shadow’, and use that topic across a range of subjects, including Science, Maths, History and even Literature. The study of “the 1960s” in year 4 will include learning about key events in History, as well as Art and Design in through designing and making their own clothes for a class fashion show. All of our teachers are trained to create lessons that stimulate children to apply ideas from a range of subjects. We know that this helps them to consolidate their learning in their core subjects and to build their intellectual abilities.
At every step in our learning journey we believe as a Benjamin Franklin once said “ Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
As the students progress from Primary and into Secondary the teaching becomes increasingly subject focussed. Students take nine IGCSEs in Year 11 and then complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme during Year 12 and Year 13. For those starting new to the school in Year 12 the school offers a pre IB pathway which allows students to transition for a year before beginning the Diploma Programme.
More about the IGCSE Programme
The IGCSE programme is developed and examined by Cambridge International Examinations, (http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/) The programme is recognised as a leading international curriculum.
Students are examined in individual subjects and receive certificates to show the level they have achieved. Cambridge IGCSE examinations are awarded a numerical grade from 1 to 9. Our goal for all our students is to achieve a numerical grade of 4 or above.
Examples of the exam certificates can be found below.
View example IGCSE Examination Certificate
View Certificate of Registration
More about our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
In May 2023 King’s College, Latvia was authorised to offer the IBDP programme.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a globally recognised educational program for students aged 16 to 19, it is completed in the last two years of school. Developed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) organisation, the IBDP aims to provide a challenging and comprehensive education that fosters critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a global perspective.
The IBDP curriculum is divided into six subject groups:
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts
Students must choose one subject from each group, with some flexibility to choose a second subject from groups 1-5 instead of a group 6 subject. Courses are offered at two levels: Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL).
In addition to subject courses, the IBDP includes three core components:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK):- A course that explores the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.
- Extended Essay (EE):** An independent, self-directed research project, culminating in a 4,000-word essay.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS):** A program that encourages students to engage in artistic pursuits, physical activities, and community service.
Assessment in the IBDP is a combination of internal assessments (evaluated by teachers) and external assessments (graded by external IB examiners). This includes written exams, essays, oral presentations, and practical work, depending on the subject.
Each subject is scored on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. The core components can contribute up to 3 additional points, making the highest possible score 45 points.
- Academic Rigor:- The IBDP is known for its challenging curriculum that prepares students for university-level education.
- Holistic Development:- Emphasis on extracurricular activities and community service fosters well-rounded individuals.
- Global Recognition:- The diploma is widely recognized by universities around the world, often facilitating smoother admission processes.
- Interdisciplinary Learning:-The TOK course and the Extended Essay encourage students to make connections across different subjects and develop research skills.
Overall, the IBDP aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed and contribute to a more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.