St Catherine’s British School is an international school in Lykovrissi, Athens, Greece. Founded in 1956, the school now teaches over 1100 children and young adults from all over the world and is staffed by more than 120 teachers and associated personnel. St Catherine’s follows the National Curriculum used in the United Kingdom, and lessons are taught primarily in the English language.
Education
In addition to teaching the National Curriculum for England and Wales, the school also offers courses leading to IGCSE and the diploma of the International Baccalaureate. At the ages of 7, 11 and 14 pupils undertake externally set and marked tests (obtaining papers and marking services through DCSF/ISN no: 1250043). The annual test results are published to parents and the international community in the prescribed manner. The school’s test results greatly out-perform national test averages for schools in England and Wales. Similarly, IGCSE results are in the upper range for independent schools in the UK. The average A*-C pass is 9 subjects per student This year the school’s sixth cohort of IB students will have graduated into university. In 2015 its students once again achieved a 99% diploma pass rate, with 94% of students entering their first choice university and 3% entering their second choice. The school teaches five modern languages: Greek, Spanish, French, German and English.
There is an extra-curricular programme on offer mainly, although not exclusively, aimed at pupils from the mid-primary phase and above. The school participates in sports matches with other schools in Greece and abroad. Debating, oration and drama competitions at both national and international level, take place throughout the year. Drama, dance and music opportunities are on offer to all. Pupils can learn virtually any musical instrument of their choosing and can study for graded music examinations. The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art examinations in speech and drama are also open to students of the school. A feature of the school is its International Award / Duke of Edinburgh Award. This links most appropriately to the C.A.S. element of the IB Diploma. Overseas trips are a regular part of school life, as is the exploration and discovery of the history and geography of Greece.
At St Catherine’s the curriculum taught is the National Curriculum for England and Wales, with additions that take into account the school’s circumstances. The school is divided into six departments, in line with legal requirements for England and Wales. These departments are:
•Foundation Stage – Nursery and Reception (ages 3 – 5 years)•Key Stage One – Years 1 and 2 (ages 5 – 7 years)•Key Stage Two – Years 3 – 6 (ages 7 – 11 years)•Key Stage Three – Years 7 – 9 (ages 11 – 14 years)•Key Stage Four – Years 10 and 11 (ages 14 – 16 years)•International Baccalaureate – Years 12 and 13 (ages 16 – 18 years) As per the National Curriculum, the following subjects are taught to all children over the age of five – English, mathematics, science, design and technology, information and communication technology, geography, history, art, music and physical education. The syllabi used are those published by the QCA. A modern language is an option for pupils from Year Two (Greek/French). Subject specialists are used throughout the school. Although some setting may take place within classes, all contain children of mixed ability. Work is differentiated and children who require extra help to enable them to progress are supported within their own classroom or withdrawn for individual attention. St. Catherine’s takes every opportunity to benefit from the rich heritage of Greece and every class looks at a different aspect of Greek history or culture, usually supported by educational visits. Specialist E.A.L. help is available for children needing to accelerate their proficiency in the English language.