Overview of the Secondary Department

Our Secondary Years programme aims to encourage our students to achieve the best of which they are capable whilst at the same time acquiring a sense of community, an awareness of the society in which they live, and an appreciation of the works of both human and natural creation.

The Department offers five years of education (Saltus Years 7 to 11) that are the equivalent of North American Grades 7 to 10, to students between the ages of eleven and fifteen years. In addition, The Saltus Graduate Years (North American Grades 11 & 12) provide two further years of college and university preparation.

Our Secondary curriculum is based on time-honoured Liberal Arts traditions. In their first three years, our students follow a broad introductory curriculum, studying English, Mathematics, a Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish), Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology), Information Technology, History, Geography, Business Studies, Accounting, Art, Design & Technology, Music, Drama, and Physical Education.

At the beginning of the Spring Term, Saltus 9 students select courses to pursue in the next two years at the GCSE/IGCSE level. Students continue to follow classes in English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, their chosen Modern Foreign Language and at least one Science selected from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Combined Science. The remaining four subjects to be studied at this level are arrived at by individual choice and in consultation with staff and parents. The curriculum provides a sound educational foundation and prepares students to take examinations set by external boards in the United Kingdom upon completion of Saltus 11 (US grade 10). Many students then elect to continue their education in the Saltus Graduate Years (SGY) programme.

The student-teacher ratio in the Secondary Department is approximately 1:12 and class sizes vary from as small as two students to a maximum of twenty-five.

The Secondary Department recognises that academic pursuits must be balanced with sport, recreation, hobbies and personal interests. There is an active Student Council, with an elected membership, which plans and sponsors various events including fund raising activities for a variety of local and international charities and food drives for the needy. Each year, Secondary students stage a theatrical production. The Music department rehearses a large wind band, string orchestra, smaller ensembles for brass and woodwind and a popular jazz band which performs at musical concerts throughout the year. The Department also offers students the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and our Debating Society has competed both locally and internationally.

You may access a copy of the Secondary Department Parent Handbook using the link below:

Secondary Parent Handbook

Whole School Policies