Secondary Years That Shape Confident, Capable Futures

Academic excellence, wellbeing and leadership — shaping confident, independent young adults from Year 7 onwards.

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Welcome From the Head of Secondary

Welcome to Secondary at Sunmarke — a dynamic, ambitious and future-focused environment where students grow into confident thinkers, compassionate individuals and globally aware young adults.

From Year 7 onwards, our students embark on a journey that not only challenges their intellect but also strengthens their character. We combine academic rigour with a strong wellbeing ethos, ensuring every learner feels supported, valued and inspired to achieve.

Our teachers are passionate specialists who nurture curiosity, guide students through key milestones and help them develop the independence and resilience needed for Sixth Form, university and life beyond school.

“ Secondary at Sunmarke is a place where remarkable growth happens — academically, socially and personally.”

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Mr Tariq Bell

Head of Secondary

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Our Approach to Secondary Education

Where ambition meets opportunity — and character drives achievement.

Secondary at Sunmarke is alive with learning, leadership and discovery. Across Years 7 to 13, students experience a rich blend of:

  • Academic excellence rooted in the British curriculum
  • Positive Education (PosEd) to support wellbeing, resilience and mindset
  • STEAM innovation with real-world challenges and project-based learning
  • Global citizenship through debates, outreach, Model UN-style thinking and cultural understanding
  • Leadership opportunities that begin early and grow each year
  • Guidance for university pathways that helps students understand their strengths, interests and aspirations

Students are encouraged to think independently, collaborate confidently, communicate effectively and reflect deeply — skills that prepare them not just for exams, but for the complexity of life beyond school.

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A Confident Step Into Secondary

A Smooth Transition to Secondary

(Year 6 → Year 7)

We know the move into Secondary is a significant moment, and our transition programme ensures students feel excited, informed and fully supported.

Our transition includes:

  • Visits by Secondary pastoral leaders to Year 6 classrooms
  • Taster lessons and tours of the Secondary building
  • Termly Parent Coffee Mornings to meet key staff and understand expectations
  • Ongoing communication with families and personalised support

By the time students enter Year 7, they feel confident, connected to their new environment, and ready to thrive.

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Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

Exploration. Foundation. Discovery.

Key Stage 3 provides students with a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum that lays the groundwork for future academic choices.

Students deepen their knowledge across English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, Computing and the Arts — while developing important learning habits such as:

  • independent thinking
  • collaboration and communication
  • resilience and perseverance
  • curiosity and research skills
  • critical and creative problem-solving

KS3 is also a time of rapid personal growth, where students develop social confidence, leadership skills and a strong sense of identity. Positive Education, wellbeing sessions and the school’s caring pastoral structure ensure every learner feels supported throughout their journey.

This stage sets the foundation for success as students move into GCSE, IGCSE or BTEC pathways in Key Stage 4.

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Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)

Specialisation. GCSE Success. Future Readiness.

Key Stage 4 is where students begin to specialise, choosing subjects that align with their strengths, passions and future goals. Sunmarke offers a wide range of qualifications — GCSE, IGCSE and BTEC — allowing every learner to follow a pathway that suits their academic style and aspirations.

Across two years, students receive:

  • Expert teaching in subject-specific disciplines
  • Personalised academic and pastoral support
  • Structured preparation for examinations
  • Guidance on extended study skills and time management
  • A curriculum rooted in STEAM, critical enquiry and real-world application

Core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic, Games, Moral Social & Cultural Studies) form the foundation. Students then choose four optional subjects from an extensive list that includes Humanities, Arts, Technology, Business, Sciences and more.

View our Options & Information Booklet for full details on the GCSE and BTEC core subjects and option blocks.

Our Key Stage 4 provision ensures that all post-16 pathways remain open — including IB, A-Level and BTEC Sixth Form options.

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