Introduction
If you’re looking at English schools in Sharjah and want to know exactly how the British curriculum plays out year by year, PACE British School (PBS) in Muweilah runs a clear three-stage secondary pathway: Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) on the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum, Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) leading to IGCSEs through Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge, and Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13) delivering A Levels through Pearson Edexcel. Combined with its Foundation Stage and Primary years, the school covers FS1 through Year 13 in full.
Here’s how each stage works, and what subjects and exam boards are actually involved.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Cambridge Lower Secondary Foundations
Years 7 to 9 follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum. Pupils study a broad subject base — English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic (with separate provision for native and non-native speakers), Islamic Education, Moral Education, Social Studies, History, Geography, Computer Science, PE, French, Art and ICT. This breadth is deliberate: rather than narrowing subject choice early, Key Stage 3 keeps pupils across most academic areas so that option choices made later, for IGCSE, are based on two to three years of actual classroom experience in each subject rather than a guess. Guidance for IGCSE subject selection begins in Year 9, preparing pupils for the choices they’ll make as they move into Key Stage 4.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): IGCSE Through Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge
Years 10 and 11 are the IGCSE years, with pupils following both the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE curriculum and the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum depending on subject. At this stage, pupils take responsibility for selecting their own option subjects, which typically include additions like Economics, Business Studies and Psychology alongside core subjects. IGCSE examinations take place in May and June of Year 11.
Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13): A Level Study and Subject Choices
Years 12 and 13 follow the Pearson Edexcel A Level curriculum. Students typically study three or four subjects, with a substantial independent-study expectation — the school notes roughly four to five hours of independent study per subject each week. Subjects on offer include Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Psychology, Physics, Computer Science and Art, alongside Mathematics and English Literature, plus Ministry-required subjects according to year group and pupil eligibility. Islamic Education and Moral Education are separate subjects.
How Subject Choices Build Toward University and Career Pathways
Because A Level subject combinations are chosen individually rather than following one fixed track, families can shape a pathway suited to a specific university course or career direction — for example, pairing Biology, Chemistry and Physics for a science-focused route, or Business, Economics and Psychology for a social-science direction. It’s worth discussing subject combinations with the school’s Sixth Form staff well before Year 12 begins, since some university courses have specific subject requirements. If you’re still comparing PBS’s structure against other schools, our guide to matching a British school with your preferences covers what else to weigh up.
Affiliations and Standards
PACE British School holds affiliations with several recognised international school bodies, including AOBSO, BSME, COBIS and BSQ. These affiliations relate to the standards and networks the school participates in, alongside its SPEA registration, which is standard practice for private schools operating in Sharjah.
Staying at One School Through Every Stage
Because PACE British School covers every stage from Foundation through Key Stage 5 on one campus in Muweilah, families don’t need to manage a school move at the points where transitions are often most disruptive — moving from Primary into Secondary, or from Key Stage 4 into Sixth Form. Subject familiarity, exam-board continuity and pastoral relationships built up over earlier years carry through rather than resetting, which is one practical advantage of a through-school model over switching schools partway.
Inclusion Support and Exam Access
PACE British School describes itself as an inclusive school “supporting learners of all abilities to engage, contribute and thrive in school life.” Pupils who may need extra support are assessed individually, covering learning, language and social-emotional needs, and an Individual Education Plan is developed with specialists for pupils identified with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
For exam-stage pupils, PBS also offers Exam Access Arrangements consistent with what examination boards permit — including scribe provision, reader support, word processing with the spell-check disabled, and up to 25% extra time, depending on a pupil’s history of need and standardised assessment scores. Eligibility is based on evidence such as prior school records, teacher referrals, medical documentation or parental concerns, combined with formal testing carried out by the school’s designated specialist assessor. Full details are on the school’s Secondary Inclusion and Exam Access page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What examination boards does PACE British School use?
Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge for IGCSEs in Key Stage 4, and Pearson Edexcel for A Levels in Key Stage 5.
When do IGCSE exams take place?
IGCSE examinations are sat in May and June of Year 11.
How many subjects do A Level students take?
Typically three or four subjects, each requiring a significant amount of independent study alongside timetabled lessons.
Does PACE British School go all the way through to Sixth Form?
Yes — the school covers FS1 through Year 13, including the full Key Stage 5 A Level programme.
What subjects can students choose at A Level?
Options include Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Psychology, Physics, Computer Science and Art, alongside Mathematics and English Literature.
Does PBS support pupils with additional learning needs?
Yes — the school assesses learning, language and social-emotional needs individually and develops Individual Education Plans with specialists, alongside Exam Access Arrangements such as extra time or reader support where eligible.
Is Arabic compulsory throughout the school?
Yes — Arabic is taught throughout, with separate provision for native and non-native speakers, alongside other Ministry-required subjects.
Speak to Admissions
If you’d like to discuss subject choices, entry requirements for a particular Key Stage, or arrange a visit to PACE British School in Muweilah, Sharjah, contact the admissions team directly. For a full breakdown of fees at each Key Stage, see the school’s official fee structure.
