CURRICULUM

Academics

Our curriculum is designed to challenge students while also accommodating diverse learning styles and interests. Following both the Cambridge Programme and the Zambian curriculum, English, Maths and Science are complimented with ICT, Social Sciences, Languages (such as Chitonga and French) and Music and the Arts. Our rigorous academic standards ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in higher education, career, and beyond.

ABOUT OUR CURRICULUM

At Acacia School, our commitment to blending the Cambridge International Curriculum with the Zambian National Curriculum ensures that your child receives a well-rounded, high-quality education. Our integrated approach prepares students for success, both in Zambia and on the global stage.

For more information or further questions, please feel free to contact our school office. We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s education!

Acacia School: Where Local and Global Learning Meet

How We Map the Cambridge International Curriculum with the Zambian National Curriculum

The Cambridge International Curriculum is globally recognised for its rigor, flexibility, and focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Meanwhile, the Zambian National Curriculum ensures that students are grounded in local contexts, values, and knowledge.

At Acacia School, we align the two curricula by focusing on the core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies, blending the strengths of both systems to ensure that our students are well-prepared academically, both locally and internationally.

GENERAL APPROACH

Foundational Skills: Both curricula emphasize foundational skills, particularly in literacy and numeracy, making integration seamless in the early years.
Inquiry-Based Learning: We incorporate Cambridge’s inquiry-based approach, which encourages students to ask questions, think critically, and apply their learning to real-world contexts.
Local Relevance: Zambian culture, history, and geography are embedded into the curriculum, allowing our students to stay connected to their local context.
Global Standards: The Cambridge curriculum sets high international standards, helping students to achieve academic excellence and develop skills that are applicable globally.

Subject-by-Subject Breakdown

1. Mathematics

In Mathematics, both the Cambridge International and Zambian National Curricula emphasize problem-solving, understanding patterns, and building logical thinking skills.

Cambridge Approach: The Cambridge curriculum emphasizes deep understanding of mathematical concepts, mastery of skills, and applying these in a variety of contexts, both familiar and unfamiliar. It uses real-world applications to show students how maths is relevant in everyday life.
Zambian Approach: The Zambian curriculum focuses on the importance of mathematical literacy in everyday life, and on applying mathematics in local and practical situations. It also promotes a strong foundation in core mathematical skills such as arithmetic and measurement.
How We Blend: At Acacia, we ensure that students meet both international and local standards by emphasizing core mathematical concepts through Cambridge, while grounding them in practical, local applications from the Zambian Curriculum. This balance ensures that students can perform well in both international and national contexts.

2. English Language

English is a core subject in both curricula and the medium of instruction at Acacia School.

- Cambridge Approach: Cambridge’s English curriculum emphasizes reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It promotes a rich understanding of various genres of literature and a focus on creative writing.
- Zambian Approach: The Zambian curriculum prioritizes the development of functional language skills to ensure that students can communicate effectively. It also emphasizes reading for understanding, grammar, and oral communication skills relevant to the Zambian context.
- How We Blend: Our Cambridge-aligned English curriculum promotes critical thinking, creativity, and global communication skills, while also ensuring that students meet the Zambian National Standards in grammar, reading, and speaking. We include local literature and contexts in the curriculum to ensure students are connected to their own culture and environment.

3. Science

Science is vital for developing problem-solving skills and fostering curiosity in students.

- Cambridge Approach: The Cambridge Science curriculum emphasizes an inquiry-based approach to learning, encouraging students to explore scientific phenomena through experiments and observation. Students develop analytical skills and are introduced to global scientific concepts and challenges, such as climate change.
- Zambian Approach: The Zambian Science curriculum focuses on building foundational knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with an emphasis on environmental science and issues directly affecting Zambia, such as agriculture and water conservation.
- How We Blend: We combine the experimental and inquiry-driven Cambridge approach with a focus on Zambia’s local environmental and social needs. This ensures that students not only grasp global scientific principles but also understand and appreciate local ecological and environmental issues that are relevant to their daily lives.

4. Social Studies

Social Studies is a key subject in helping students understand their world, both locally and globally.

- Cambridge Approach: Cambridge promotes a global perspective in its Social Studies curriculum, focusing on international history, geography, and citizenship. It helps students develop a broad understanding of how societies and systems function around the world.
- Zambian Approach: The Zambian curriculum emphasizes the history, culture, geography, and governance of Zambia. It ensures that students have a deep understanding of their national identity, traditions, and responsibilities as citizens of Zambia.
- How We Blend: At Acacia, we integrate the global focus of Cambridge with the local relevance of the Zambian curriculum, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of both their Zambian heritage and international citizenship. This balance fosters a well-rounded worldview in our students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How does the blended curriculum prepare my child for further studies?

Our approach ensures that your child is prepared for both national and international academic pathways. They will be ready to excel in local examinations as well as internationally recognized qualifications, like Cambridge Progression Tests and Checkpoint Exams.

Q2. Will my child learn about Zambian history and culture?

Absolutely! While the Cambridge curriculum provides a global perspective, we carefully integrate Zambian history, culture, and values into Social Studies and other relevant subjects to ensure students remain connected to their heritage.

Q3. How are assessments conducted?

We use a combination of Cambridge assessments and Zambian examination standards. This helps us track the progress of each child against both international benchmarks and local expectations, ensuring that students are on track for success in both national and global contexts.

Q4. Will my child need extra tutoring to meet both curricula standards?

No, our teachers are trained to deliver the integrated curriculum effectively. The overlap between Cambridge and Zambian standards ensures that students meet the requirements of both systems without additional tutoring.

Q5. Does the school offer extracurricular activities that complement the curriculum?

Yes, we offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that complement our blended curriculum, from sports and the arts to clubs and after school activities, helping students apply what they learn in class to real-life situations.

Need more information?

To enquire about school fees and any other information regarding Acacia School, please feel free to reach out to us via email at office@acaciaschool.com or fill in the contact form below.

Get in touch.

CONTACT US

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Cell: (+26) 095 031 8656

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Tel: (+26) 021 3 327 950