ART

Departmental Introduction
Seeing is our cornerstone.  When we teach children to draw, we teach them to see.  The Art Department at the Collegiate aims to develop students' observation skills in an orderly and systematic manner, using a wide range of media.  We believe that by doing so, we will both enrich their lives and help them to achieve success.  They will develop self-discipline, creativity and confidence, in addition to an awareness of personal and social heritage.  The Turks & Caicos Islands are populated by a multinational community, and we therefore consider it important that students should be made aware of other cultures, to help foster understanding and respect.  We aim to develop inquisitive minds, and eyes that constantly question and revaluate the world they encounter.  How sad it would be if we went through life without noticing the potential beauty in a blade of grass.

Teaching
Years 6 to 9 -  In the early years, students investigate and create Artwork in 2 and 3 dimensional media.  Themes are drawn from Western and wider cultures.  It is important that students make a personal response in the given style or context.

Years 10 and 11 -  In these years, students follow the IGCSE syllabus offered by the Cambridge board (CIE).  They initially pursue a 'History of Art' course, which follows a linear timeline from Byzantine Art up to Twentieth Century Abstraction.  Each period requires a related written and practical piece.
The IGCSE requirement is for students to submit one large unit of study, in addition to a final timed practical examination.  The study entails a one-year (minimum) investigation which should be sketchbook based. For this we encourage the students to make a personal response to an artist's work, through which they can relate their own lives and interests.

Years 12 and 13 - In these years, students elect to follow the A/AS programme offered by the Cambridge board (CIE).  The Advance Subsidiary (AS) is studied in the first year and, if continued into the second year, will form 50% of the assessment weighting of the full Advanced Level.  AS can either be taken as a discrete qualification or as part of the full A Level course.

Accommodation and Resources
The Art room is a well equipped air-conditioned space with large work surfaces and two large sinks.  It has excellent natural lighting and a number of large display boards.  The room is approximately 550 sq. ft., and is positioned next to the IT Laboratory.  The facility was extended at the beginning of the 2002 academic year to accommodate pottery and 3D studio.  A high specification graphics computer, and large format colour printer were added in June 2005.

Staff
Ms Layla Kitson is responsible for delivering the Art programme to all year groups (including Advanced Level). 

BUSINESS

Departmental Introduction
The Business Studies Department at BWIC is staffed by two specialists.  Business Studies is taught as a specialist subject  at International GCSE and Advanced level. The Department’s philosophy is one of combining theory and real-life case studies to allow the students to understand the way in which business works at the local, national and international level. Students are encouraged to pursue their own research, using the internet and subject periodicals. The Department is also active in organising visits so that the students may be able to see business theory in action.

Teaching
There are basic skills that all students studying business must learn. These are an understanding of business theory and a realisation that this theory can not be applied to businesses in an unmodified form i.e. the realisation that each business is unique. Case studies and visits facilitate this understanding.

Years 10 and 11 - These are the years when students follow the International GCSE, the UK’s 16+ examination. The syllabus followed is set by the University of Cambridge Board (CIE), with examinations at the end of Year 11 and no coursework.  The main areas of study are: People and Organisations; Introduction to Business Practice; Finance and Accounting; Business in a World Context; Motivation and Staff Development; and Business Mathematics.

Years 12 and 13 - These are the Years when the students follow the International Advanced Level Programme (also CIE).  At the end of Year 12 the students sit two examinations for the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) part of their Advanced Level.
At the end of Year 13 they sit two more examinations as for the A2 part of their Advanced Level. Successful completion of these allows the student to be awarded the full Advanced Level. The course followed is the same as that for the IGCSE, only with a much greater degree of difficulty.

Staff
Mr Michael Connolly is Head of the Business Studies Department and sole subject teacher.  He teaches the subject by virtue of the elements of Economics and Business Studies in his Bachelor of Education Degree, and utilizes both his qualifications and diverse work experience in his teaching of Business, to give students a greater awareness of the wider world in which businesses operate.

Accommodation and Resources
The Department has its own base room which is air-conditioned and large enough to accommodate any of the classes.  The Department has access to a range of central resources such as projectors, televisions and video cassette recorders. Each student has his/her own textbook for each topic, and each has access to many other resources. In addition, the Department has several CD-ROMs which can be used by students in this highly computer literate school.

ENGLISH (including DRAMA)

Departmental Introduction
We aim to enable all students to use and understand English to their full ability. This means developing skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, as well as spelling, grammar and handwriting. These are bound together and their interaction creates language competence. Our teaching approach is therefore holistic and integrated. The English Department follows the English National Curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4, adapting the programmes of study to reflect the international composition of the students and the nature of the islands.

Teaching
Years 6 to 9 - In Key Stage 3, students are exposed to a wide range of literature including poetry, prose and drama. Students are encouraged to read as widely as possible, and for this reason, lower school students are given a private directed reading period. In addition, less able readers are paired with older students who read with them at regular times during the term. Reading is seen as integral to the development of all students, in all subjects, enhancing their understanding of the wider world and enabling them to communicate effectively.
Students’ understanding of the different ways in which meanings are conveyed is also developed through drama and the media, areas that encourage close analysis of language in real situations. Students are given many opportunities for speaking and listening. These take the form of paired analysis of poems, presentations and debates, and role-plays and discussions. Teachers try to make English lessons lively and enjoyable, and relevant to students’ lives. The nature of English lessons means that students are often exposed to a variety of themes and topics. Freedom of expression is encouraged, as is tolerance of others. We aim to create considerate, articulate, thoughtful and curious students, capable of engaging with the deepest of ideas and able to express opinions clearly and with confidence. We aim to encourage at an early age the ability to critically evaluate experience, preparation for the higher demands of Key Stage 4.

Years 10 and 11 - At Key Stage 4 students follow the curriculum for IGCSE.  Students are entered for both Language and Literature with Cambridge (CIE). Evaluation is made through a combination of coursework and examination, as is often the norm.
IGCSE Language students learn how to analyse, interpret, evaluate and criticise. Students write in a variety of styles for different audiences and purposes. Presentation skills, including the use of computer applications, are given a high priority. Over the two-year course students produce a folder of their own writing (informative, creative, argumentative etc.), and sit an examination at the end of Year 11. This examination tests the students’ ability to read with understanding and to write in a variety of styles.  Students are entered either for the Core Paper - a 2 hour examination on which they may attain grades C-G; or the Extended Paper - a 2¼ hour examination, on which A* to E may be attained.
For Literature it is typical that students read a novel, a play and a selection of poems for both coursework and examination. They are required to write essays on these texts, including more critical and imaginative responses to literature. Texts come from a variety of cultures and periods, covering pre-20^th century classics as well as modern authors.  Students write a final external examination at the end of Year 11, which lasts 2¼ hours, on which they may attain grades A* to G.
Students make extended contributions to group or class discussions and also improvise roles from stories and poems. At IGCSE level, they express opinions with increasing sophistication. Topics for discussion vary widely and involve the development of argument and evidence. Activities include formal debate and speaking to a range of audiences.

Years 12 and 13 - At Advanced Level, students can choose to study AS Language for one year, and/or Advanced Level Literature for 2 years. AS Language builds on the skills of IGCSE, requiring students to critically evaluate the style and techniques of various authors and to write their own pieces in a variety of styles. Assessment is made solely through examination. Many of the Year 12 students are involved in the Reading Mentor Programme.  
Advanced Level Literature is a two-year course, though a one-year AS is available. We follow the Cambridge (CIE) syllabus, which provides a great deal of choice in the literature studied. Recent authors studied at Advanced Level include William Blake and Sylvia Plath, Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Margaret Atwood and Chinua Achebe. Students are taught ways of analysing texts for style, technique and language.
Students may also receive help in preparing for SAT testing for American colleges and universities.

Staff
Dr Simon Brittan, the Head of Department, and Ms Sarah Wilson, currently deliver the Secondary English programme. Both offer various areas of expertise, which allows for the development of strong cross-curricular links between English and other subjects.
Mrs Nicole Brittan, our Librarian, is responsible for the Year 6 English curriculum. The whole Department is responsible for running the Reading Mentorship Programme.

Accommodation and Resources
The English Department is well resourced with a good selection of literature, both modern and classical. Resources are wide and varied, and are continually updated to make lessons stimulating, topical and reflective of the wider world, and appealing to different student groups. The Department boasts a multi-system VCR, TV, a large library of videos which complement literature study, and an OHP and screen to facilitate presentation. English classes are taught in one of the two classrooms within Brayton Hall, which enables access to a fully equipped theatre, and enhances dramatic and media study.  Extensive display boards highlight student work throughout the Department.

DRAMA

Drama at the Collegiate is taught from Years 6–9. Students not only learn about the history of the theatre and the skills of acting, but also learn to co-operate effectively. Because of the close links with English, many units complement each other.

The syllabus focuses on improvisation skills and group work.

Drama is an active subject that rarely requires a pencil. What is asked for is enthusiasm and commitment, a willingness to take risks. It is used as a tool to learn about ourselves and others and it is a way to deal with issues as they arise. Through role-plays, students are encouraged to empathise with others. They are encouraged to work together, to improve language skills, to use their bodies to exert control. Drama is also used to approach sensitive issues pertaining to the life of young people, and is often used in PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Development) because of this.

Staff
Ms Penelope Thompson, who is also our Music Teacher, is primarily reponsible for teaching Drama, which is timetabled for Years 6 to 9 only.

GEOGRAPHY

Department Introduction
The Geography curriculum is designed to build on knowledge, understanding and skills established by the National Curriculum of England and Wales.  Geography is taught throughout all age levels and is a specialist subject at the International GCSE and Advanced Level. The Geography Department aims to integrate a wide range of geographical skills and to provide recent articles from newspapers, journals, and television to allow students to understand that Geography is a dynamic subject with views and terminology that change constantly. 

Teaching
The Geography department seeks to expose the students to the process of geographical inquiries and mapping techniques to prepare them for a higher level of education.  The syllabus has a balanced coverage of physical, human and environmental aspects of Geography.  Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge to a variety of structures, giving examples at local, national and international levels.

Years 6 through to 9:  In these years, students follow Key Stage 3 components set out by the curriculum.

Years 10 and 11:  In these years, students follow the International GCSE.  They follow the syllabus set by the Cambridge University Board (CIE) with the examinations at the end of Year 11. No coursework element is included.

Years 12 and 13:  In these years, students follow the Advanced Level programme set by CIE.  In Year 12 the first set of examinations is taken for the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) part of Advanced Level. At the end of Year 13 they sit examinations for the A2 part of their Advanced Level.

Staff
Mrs Gabrielle Connolly is responsible for delivering the Geography programme to all year groups (including Advanced Level). Ms Daphne Roots specialises in the teaching of Physical Geography to Advanced Level groups.

Accommodation and Resources
The Geography Department has its own classroom, large enough to house 25 students and equipped with various resources. It is equipped with a TV and DVD player, and numerous wall maps, atlases, globes and DVD/CDs.  Each student is provided with their own textbook, as well as access to the resources found in the Geography classroom and Library.

HISTORY

Departmental Introduction
The History covered within the various year groups stretches from Classical  History, right up to the modern day. History is taught as a specialist subject from Year 6 through to the Advanced Level. The Department’s philosophy is one of instilling a life-long love of the subject in the students, so that they may continue to appreciate the World's diverse cultures and to understand the nature of global conflict.

Teaching
There are basic skills that all students studying History must master. These are an understanding of cause and consequence, empathy and the ability to analyse and evaluate Historical evidence.

Year 6 - During this year the students are introduced to the study of Classical History. The civilizations of Rome, Egypt and Greece are covered. The approach is one of interesting the students in the period and bringing it to life for them as much as possible. This is not difficult with such an exciting period that is so often linked to myth and legend. Students are encouraged to seek parallels between their own time and that of the Classical World.

Year 7 - This is the year when the students begin the British-based National Curriculum. The main topic under investigation is Medieval Britain, roughly 1066 to 1500. In addition, students will study the Italian Renaissance.

Year 8 - During this year students undertake an investigation of the period 1500 to 1750, with an emphasis on Britain. They will examine the making of the UK and will focus on particular studies of the important Historical characters of the day, as well as social History. Additionally, they will look at the role of African Americans in the war of 1861-65.

Year 9 - During this year, we will look at causes, nature and consequences of the First World War, and will complete the first Core Unit of the IGCSE programme. Students will also complete a special case study on The Holocaust.

Years 10 and 11 - These are the years when students fully focus on the IGCSE, the UK’s 16+ examination. The syllabus followed is the Modern World in Conflict, set by the Cambridge University Board (CIE), with three examinations at the end of Year 11 and no coursework. In Year 10 the students will study the period between the First and Second World Wars and international diplomacy of the time, with a special investigation into the League of Nations; the build up to the Second World War; the Cold War and the USSR’s relations with Eastern Europe. In Year 11 the students follow one depth study: Germany 1919 to 1945. The IGCSE examinations are source-based, and source skills will be stressed throughout.

Years 12 and 13 - These are the years when the students follow the International Advanced Level Programme. This is again set by the Cambridge University Board (CIE). In Year 12 the students study the French and Russian Revolutions; nineteenth century Liberalism and Nationalism; Italy, Germany and Russia in the period between the First and Second World Wars; and a document topic on the Origins of the First World War. At the end of Year 12 they sit the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) examination – a three hour paper. In Year 13 the students study US History from 1840-1941.  This includes examining the Westward Expansion, the causes and nature of the Civil War, the Great Depression and Civil Rights. Again, they sit a three hour examination at the end of the year. This is called the A2 and combines with the AS of the previous year to make a full Advanced Level qualification in the subject. Both of the examinations are primarily essay based.

Staff
Mr Richard Burt is Subject Head and sole History teacher. Mr Burt pursued his passion for History at the University of Cambridge, from where he graduated with both a BA (Hons) and an MA in History, in addition to a Postgraduate Teaching Certificate (PGCE). He has taught History for almost 30 years, almost exclusively in UK based schools. Mr Burt is also Deputy Head of the Sixth Form.

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Departmental Introduction
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is increasingly becoming a dominant aspect of modern day living.  From our waking moment to the end of the day, each of us will have a dozen or so brushes with technology.  Its revolutionary control over our lives is further reflected in commercial activity, where hardly a single profession or business survives that has not fully embraced ICT.  It is mainly because of this pervading influence that, where practicable, the Collegiate strives to integrate Information Technology with other curriculum subjects, so that for students at the Collegiate it becomes a seamless aspect of school life.  This is particularly true in the junior years where the curriculum may be more flexible.  In the examination years (IGCSE and Advanced Level) students develop knowledge of the wider application of ICT and build skills through the analysis, design and implementation of solutions to real business/administration related problems.

Teaching
All Students - Practical skills are developed using mostly Microsoft Office based products (Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Frontpage, Powerpoint).  Wider and alternative applications are explored and introduced where appropriate.

Years 6 to 8 - Students at this level are provided with foundation skills and knowledge to help them make the most of the software and hardware tools they encounter.

Years 9 - Focus is on skills, knowledge and work practices that best prepare students for the coursework and theory they will face at IGCSE in Year 10.

Years 10 and 11 - Students follow the IGCSE ICT syllabus (0417) set by the University of Cambridge (CIE).  This comprises two coursework elements each worth 30% of the overall mark, and one theory exam worth 40%.

Years 12 and 13 - Year 12 students follow the AS Level syllabus in Applied ICT (9713) set by CIE.  This comprises a Practical Test worth 60% of the overall AS mark, and a theory examination worth 40%.  The A2 structure for Year 13 students is the same, with both practical and theory elements building on skills and knowledge developed during the AS year.

Staff
Having taught ICT at the Collegiate prior to the arrival of Mr David Edwards in September 2000, Mrs Sandie Dickens returned to take up the position of Head of ICT in September 2008. In addition to whole-school ICT responsibility, Mrs Dickens is responsible for teaching ICT to students in Years 6-9 and Years 11 and 12 (AS). Mr David Edwards, Vice Principal, is responsible for Years 10 and 13 (A2).

Accommodation and Resources
The IT Lab is spacious and well equipped.  The area comfortably accommodates 24 student stations around the perimeter, leaving plenty of space in the centre of the room to seat a similar number of students at tables for theory sessions.  All computers are networked (including internet access) and share both colour and b&w printers.  A digital camera and scanner are used for multimedia integration.  The great majority of students (and islanders in general) have internet access at home.  Access to the Internet at school is therefore restricted (other than to Sixth Form students), and promoted primarily as a research tool.  Student email is not encouraged in school, other than for global educational initiatives and communication.  A digital projector facilitates teacher demonstrations and student presentations.
As a result of a successful fundraising initiative, the installation of a new suite of 24 computers complete with flat screens was completed in January 2004, thus future-proofing the laboratory for another 3-5 years.  Visit the News page to see the list of donors.

LIBRARY

Introduction
The Library of the British West Indies Collegiate supports and enriches the education and research of students by providing access to, and instruction in, the use of Library resources.
The extensive Library collection focuses not only on academic programmes followed within the Collegiate, but includes a wide and varied range of texts totalling approximately 4500 books in English, Spanish and French, as well as newspapers and subject related periodicals that compliment the established texts.  The reference section includes a large collection of Art books, atlases, encyclopaedias and dictionaries.  The non-fiction section offers a wide variety of reading material accessible to a range ages and abilities.  New books and periodicals are purchased on a regular basis.
Part of the library accommodates a sixth form work and seminar area, accessed exclusively by Year 12 and 13 students for private study purposes.  This area is equipped with three modern networked PCs linked to the internet to facilitate research.  It is in this part of the library that a range of multinational college and university prospectuses are housed.
The library is also in the process of developing a career centre to inspire and inform students, and to assist them in planning for their future.
The library uses the Dewey decimal standard, and the booking system is completely computerised utilizing a barcode scanning system.  A photocopy machine and other resources are also available to older students during school hours.
Students in the lower and middle years are timetabled for at least one dedicated library lesson each week.  They are encouraged to read books, instructed in the use of library resources and taught how to research school assignments and projects.  Special emphasis is given to preparing them to use modern college library resources.
All students are allocated library cards, and are allowed to borrow five books at a time for a period of two weeks, which can be renewed if they wish.  The library is also open during lunchtime for students to read or exchange books, peruse magazines, or carry out research.

MATHEMATICS

MODERN LANGUAGES

MUSIC

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

SCIENCE

Departmental Introduction
The aim of the Department is to induct students into the scientific method of thinking. The restricted class sizes in all year groups enable Science staff to engage with students in small groups and thus provide students at all levels with individual attention.

Teaching
Year 6 - General Science is taught for four periods a week with the emphasis on developing basic scientific skills including observing, measuring, recording and developing problem solving skills through experimental investigation. This programme of learning provides a firm foundation for more in-depth studies in the discrete Sciences in Years 7 to 9.

Years 7 and 8 - From Key Stage 3 onwards, students follow the British-based National Curriculum (the National Strategy for Science). The subject is taught as three discrete Sciences, namely Biology, Chemistry and Physics. With class groups typically of the order of 10 to 12 students it is possible for the subject specialists to give detailed support to each student, thus enabling them to make full use of the laboratory accommodation and Science apparatus available within the department.

Years 9, 10 and 11 - At Key Stage 4, Year 9 students begin the Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE course of study, for which they are examined at the end of Year 11. This course consists of three written papers, all of which are compulsory, in addition to a practical-based examination. Biology is in the list of core subjects and Chemistry and Physics are optional subjects. Therefore students may choose either one Science subject; namely Biology, two Sciences or all three Sciences. The group sizes are small and all teaching is in specialist laboratories. As in the lower school, the emphasis is on the acquisition of scientific skills and knowledge through experimental investigation.

Year 12 and 13 - Students can take any combination from one to two or three of the Science subjects at AS and A level. They are entered for the Cambridge Board's (CIE) International AS and A level examinations at the end of Year 12 and 13 respectively. Both qualifications consist of a core syllabus and in A2 two options examined in written papers. As well as the theory, there is a practical examination at the end of Year 12, and a practical-based written examination in Year 13. The small group sizes and generous time allocation enable students to achieve a high level in terms of practical skills.