The Academic Curriculum
At Belair High School we believe that education should be a transformative experience. Academic interests should be kindled and developed, while areas of challenge may be strengthened so that they never present a roadblock to success.
Our programme is based on a diverse curriculum that develops students’ core skills and knowledge for success in college and beyond. Small classes, research-driven teaching strategies, explicit skill instruction, and clear learning objectives, coupled with a belief that all students learn differently, form the foundation of our academic programme.
Grades 7 – 9 Curriculum
In 2016/17 school year the National Standards Curriculum (NSC) was instituted at Belair High. The new curriculum is aimed at improving the general academic performance, attitude and behaviour of students. It places direct emphasis on project-based and problem-solving learning with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) or Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) integrated at all levels. It also allows students more hands-on experiences that are similar to real-world situations, making the learning experience less abstract and more concrete. The NSC encourages the partnership of parents, students, teachers and the community.
Construction of new knowledge through the integration of technical vocation will cause learners to appreciate new content as they connect and move from the known to the unknown. Subject areas such as Geography and History have been separated from Social Studies and are being offered separately starting at grade 7. Chemistry, Biology and Physics have been separated from Integrated Sciences, and are offered separately at grade 9. Business Basics have been broaden and rebranded as Introduction to Business.
Other subjects offered at this level are, Industrial Technique, Home and Family Life Education (HFLE), Physical Education, Family and Consumer Management, Agriculture and the Environment, Spanish, English Language, English Literature, and Mathematics.
Grades 10 and 11 Curriculum
Belair High offers a two year programme in preparation for the CXC: CSEC examinations and the City and Guilds London examinations.
Grades 12 and 13 Curriculum (Sixth Form)
The sixth form curriculum is a two year programme in preparation for the CXC: CAPE examinations leading to higher edu-cation study at home or abroad. It centers on the broad themes of Scholarship (intellectual pursuits), Leadership and Service. Students are allowed to do a minimum of four (4) CAPE subjects. Each student at this level are also required to sit Research Methods, as an audited course