Senior School

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9) is a period of significant growth and development - physically, socially, pastorally and academically. During these years, your child will build the strong foundations needed for success, while enjoying a broad and stimulating range of subjects.

Year 7 marks a time of great transition. As your child moves from Primary to Senior School, they will learn to become more independent, organised and resourceful, developing the confidence to meet new challenges and adapt to new expectations.

Year 8 is a time for students to build on their growing confidence and independence. Well settled into Senior School life, they are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom; from extra-curricular activities to developing early leadership skills.

Year 9 is a time of preparation and increased maturity as students start to think ahead to their GCSEs, taken at the end of Year 11. They are encouraged to take on greater responsibility within the school community, whether by leading activities, engaging in community service or supporting their House.

Throughout Key Stage 3, we place equal importance on academic progress, personal development and pastoral care. Our aim is to guide every student as they grow into confident, independent and compassionate young people, well prepared to take the next step into Key Stage 4.

In KS4 (Years 10 and 11), students begin in earnest their academic study for GCSE.   

The GCSE years can be a bit of a shock to the system! It can be a rollercoaster at times, juggling coursework, controlled assessments, homework, class work, lessons, revision, mock exams all before the real exams begin during May and June of Y11.

However, it is not all work and no play. There will be many enjoyable experiences to get involved with; plays, concerts, International Award trips, clubs, sports days, art exhibitions to name but a few.

In all areas of school life, students are supported by an excellent group of professionals; teachers, form tutors and mentors. Staff are caring and dedicated, they will guide and lead through both times of success and uncertainty. Academically, you can expect students to be challenged in all areas of the curriculum with extension or reinforcement work where appropriate.

Every student’s progress is tracked and monitored closely throughout the GCSE courses. A calm, purposeful and caring environment is created through mutually respectful relationships between staff and students.

GCSE Subjects available at BSS

As the school grows we are continuing to expand our GCSE options.

In 2022 we welcomed our first post-16 students - those beginning Advanced Level (A Level) study. At this stage, students choose 3 academic subjects to study, preparing them for education beyond school.  At the end of two years they will undertake their final A Level exams, before leaving us for college and university, both in Oman and across the world.

A Level subjects available will vary according to demand each year. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

FlexEd is open to students living in Salalah who want to study towards their GCSEs and A Levels and wish to study a subject not currently taught in person at BSS. With the support of teachers from British School Salalah and British School Muscat, students can access a mix of face to face lessons, live online classes and independent study using world class platforms to learn their subject. This is the first time a programme of this quality has been available to students in Salalah.

The FlexEd Programme allows students at British School Salalah to access high quality British international education anytime, anywhere. It is an innovative educational programme delivered by British School Salalah in partnership with British School Muscat, with its established history and reputation for delivering an exemplary British Education in Oman.