Also known as kindergarten, nursery or pre-school

Whether it is your first, second or third child, starting school is always a momentous occasion in the life of any family. Our aim at The British Academy in Sweden is to make the first steps of your child’s school adventure as smooth, positive and happy as possible.

The Foundation Stage

The first chapter of your child’s education at The BAS begins here and includes children aged between 3-5. During these formative years of the Foundation Stage, a carefully integrated two-year programme of learning is provided which covers seven key areas:

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
2. Communication and Language
3. Physical Development
4. Literacy
5. Mathematics
6. Understanding the World
7. Expressive Arts and Design

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)

This stage consists of three core subjects Mathematics, English and Science together with Computing and the foundation subjects of Geography, History, Design Technology, Art, Music and Physical Education. In addition to these subjects, we also teach Swedish from Year 1 which continues through all Key Stages.

Children in Key Stage 1 are taught through a ‘topic approach’. During these first two years of Junior School life, students are encouraged to learn both practically and academically and all work is monitored to ensure that students are making the desired progress. We encourage children to take pride in their achievements and adopt an independent and self-reliant approach to school and particular attention is given to the social and emotional development of all children.

 Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)

Key Stage 2 is made up of the same core and foundation subjects covered in Key Stage 1. During Years 3 and 4 much of the work is ‘cross-curricular’, meaning that one theme is covered by several subjects. Topics are structured to allow children the freedom to explore new subjects in a stimulating way, encouraging a natural enthusiasm for more independent learning. In Year 3 the reading and spelling homework experienced in the previous year is supplemented with written work, which increases in Year 4.

Throughout Years 5 and 6 a greater degree of autonomy and independence is expected of the children, during which they are softly encouraged to accept new levels of responsibility and demonstrate leadership skills.

During the latter part of Key Stage 2, subject teaching becomes more defined especially in the core subjects of English, Maths, Science and Computing. As students enter Year 6 they are prepared for the subject-oriented approach of the Senior School and are expected to become more independent in planning and completing their studies. The level of homework increases to three half-hourly sessions per week, plus spelling and nightly reading. Swedish continues throughout Key Stage 2 and in Year 6 students receive lessons in Spanish, French and German with one language covered per term across the year. These lessons are taught by specialist language teachers from the Senior School who visit each Year 6 class once a week.

Transition to Senior School

Moving up from Year 6 in Junior School to Year 7 in Senior School is a big step for both students and parents. All of the staff who work closely with the students appreciate the challenges they face in making the adjustment. The teachers in Year 6 help the students to develop the increased level of independence and organisational skills necessary.

The BAS has a transition team made up of key staff, involved in the transition process, from the all stages. The team meets regularly throughout the school year to plan and review the transition process. A thorough programme of transition activities are planned to prepare the children for the move and curriculum progression is catered for through the meetings of various groups of staff.

This transition to Senior School can also be tough for parents too, who must adjust to a more structured, independent learning environment for the students. Thankfully, the Family Association Welcome Team recognises that you do not have to be new to Sweden to be new to Senior School and they help parents settle into this new routine with lots of good advice and support.

The academic programme at the Senior School is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales but has been adapted to meet the needs of our international student body. At age 16, students sit the internationally recognised qualification of General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs).

Post-age 16, students can choose to follow either English A-Levels, BTECs, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP).

The BAS is the only international school in Sweden to offer this choice. Both staff and students at the Senior School have considerable experience in helping those who transfer into the school to settle in quickly and become part of the community.

 At age 16, students sit the internationally recognised qualification of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs). Post age 16, students can choose to follow either English A Levels, BTECs, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme.

Our qualifications are highly regarded by universities around the world, and are recognised entrance requirements for almost all higher education institutions. It is always best to check exact entry requirements for specific universities or further educational establishments – our Careers Department and Sixth Form Team are also on hand to give valuable support and advice.