Lower School

Lower school consists of Forms 1 to 3.

Forms 1 and 2: the aim is to help students feel secure in their new surroundings, offer a broad curriculum and ensure that firm foundations are in place in key disciplines. The programme helps students adapt to having specialist teachers, moving between lessons, and handling homework (prep) as well as allowing them to develop effective study habits. All classes are mixed-ability, apart from beginners French in Forms 1 and 2. Each student is assigned a Tutor to oversee their progress and offer guidance.

Form 3: introduces choices in the Creative Arts and Languages based on the interests and abilities of the students. Art, Drama, Music and siSwati become optional whilst Spanish is introduced as a possible extra second language (for able beginners). French is taught in mixed ability groups. In Mathematics, the top third begin an accelerated programme to prepare them to take the International Mathematics IGCSE a year early in Form 4; this course only became available in 2008.

Please click here to view the Lower School Booklet.

Subjects offered

English French SiSwati Drama Spanish (Form 3 onwards)

IT History Geography Mathematics General Science

Art Music Life Skills Physical Education

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

At Waterford, we are proud to be offering the Cambridge IGCSE qualification. The programme is taught in Form 4 and 5. Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, and is an international passport to further progress and success. Developed over 25 years ago, it is tried, tested and trusted by schools worldwide.

The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers a variety of routes for learners with a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English. The IGCSE curriculum is built around learners specific needs. Starting with a foundation of core subjects, it is easy to add breadth and cross-curricular perspectives. Encouraging learners to engage with a variety of subjects, and make connections between them, is fundamental to Cambridge’s approach. For Waterford staff, the IGCSE offers a flexible and stimulating curriculum, supported by excellent resources and training.

For WK learners, Cambridge IGCSE helps improve performance by developing skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving. It is the perfect springboard to advanced study and develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• Subject content
• Applying knowledge and understanding to new and unfamiliar situations
• Intellectual enquiry
• Flexibility and responsiveness to change
• Working and communicating in English
• Influencing outcomes
• Cultural awareness.

Waterford, along with other schools worldwide, has been involved in the development of Cambridge IGCSE. The syllabuses are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. They have been created specifically for an international student body and avoid cultural bias.

Subjects offered

Drama French SiSwati English Spanish

History Geography Mathematics General Science Business studies

IT Art Music Economics Physical Education

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) is more than its educational programmes and certificates. At our heart we are motivated by a mission to create a better world through education.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma programme, offered in the senior school, is the programme that fits the WK vision and mission best. Like Waterford, the IB firmly believes that a truly educational programme must offer more than a series of academic subjects. Activities, sports, global concerns and a real engagement with the local community are as much the key to a successful completion of the Diploma programme as intellectual ability and academic achievement. Like WK, the IB believes that the purpose of any education must be to help young people embrace diversity and difference. The IB vision clearly aligns with that of both the UWC and Waterford itself. The IB Diploma programme offers schools a wide range of subjects to choose from. Please click here to see the IB Learner profile.

Subjects offered at Waterford

Music Science History SiSwati A English A and B French B and Ab initio Spanish B and Ab initio Environmental Systems and Societies School supported mother tongue Languages

Biology Physics Theatre Chemistry Geography Economics Anthropology Global Politics Environmental Systems and Societies

Psychology Visual Arts Mathematics Business Management Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations

Diploma Programme Core

In addition to studying six subjects, an IB Diploma student is required to undertake the Theory of Knowledge course (TOK) and write an Extended Essay (EE). Theory of knowledge (TOK) is assessed through an oral presentation and a 1 600-word essay. It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know. The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. A further and important part of the IB Diploma is the Creativity, Activity and Service programme (CAS) which requires students to take part in a range of experiences and at least one project.