Curriculum

What We Provide

At SEC, we offer a globally focused curriculum rooted in the British system, providing students with a strong academic foundation while embracing the rich cultural and environmental heritage of Zanzibar. Each classroom is supported by both an international and a Tanzanian teacher, ensuring personalised learning in small class sizes. Our dedicated staff and supportive community work together to create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive—both inside and outside the classroom—through a variety of extra-curricular activities.  Our goal is for all SEC students to learn and grow in a diverse, inclusive community that fosters respect, curiosity, and personal responsibility—preparing them to contribute positively to their local and global communities.

Early Years

Curriculum

We believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage plays a crucial role in developing a love of learning for our children, inspiring and providing them with opportunities to follow their interests and learn through play. We strive to ensure our children are happy, enthusiastic and confident learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need, to prepare them for future learning.

Our absolute priority is to develop a thirst for learning in our children, alongside confidence and self-esteem so that they know they are capable of absolutely anything!

We provide enriching environments which enable children to develop the characteristics of effective learning:

Playing & Exploring

Investigating and experiencing things with curiosity.

Active Learning

Concentrating, persisting through challenges and enjoying achievements.

Creating & Thinking Critically

Developing own ideas, making connections and strategising.

South East Coast International School Zanzibar pupils sat at a table playing with play dough

South East Coast International School Zanzibar pupils in the playground sat on the playground equipment

South East Coast International School Zanzibar student and teacher outside painting at a table

Primary

Curriculum

The impact of our curriculum approach is that it truly inspires learners, igniting a learning passion and developing ‘learning for life’. English and Maths are taught as discrete sessions in the morning, following the British National Curriculum. The wider curriculum at SEC is relevant and inspiring! We have given careful consideration to our children; their experiences and needs and developed a bespoke curriculum model that caters for them specifically.

Lower Secondary

Curriculum

At SEC, we follow the British Curriculum, offering a well-structured and globally recognised programme that supports our Lower Secondary students’ academic progress and personal development. Since expanding in 2022 to include Lower Secondary starting with Year 7, we now offer Years 7, 8, and 9 as of the 2025 school year, with plans to gradually introduce Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) as our school community continues to grow.

Our Lower Secondary programme combines traditional classroom teaching with a modern online learning platform. This approach allows students to benefit from international teaching expertise while remaining connected to our welcoming and close-knit school community.

Small class sizes, with an average teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6, enable personalised learning and focused support tailored to each student’s needs. This ensures that students receive the attention necessary to build confidence, develop independence, and cultivate critical thinking skills.  

By balancing familiar school routines with access to high-quality learning resources, we aim to prepare our students to grow steadily and responsibly—equipping them with the skills, independence and resilience needed to thrive both within Zanzibar and beyond.

Lower Secondary Subjects

Outdoor Pursuits

Reefs

Purpose: To take advantage of where we live and to develop swimming, snorkelling and diving skills.

Wilderness Warriors

Purpose: To develop life skills, independence, critical thinking and to work as a team when camping in the wilderness.

Plains

Purpose: To offer treks in mainly flat terrain. Here they will look at landscape wildlife and local communities.

Peaks

Purpose: To reach the various summits of Northern Tanzania. e.g. Lushoto, Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro

South East Coast International School Zanzibar lower secondary pupils sat in the classroom with laptops studying

South East Coast International School Zanzibar pupil smiling whilst painting

South East Coast International School Zanzibar pupil acting on stage

After School Clubs

Extra Curricular

Our After School Clubs programme is an important part of life at SEC, offering students the chance to explore new interests, develop creative and physical skills, and build friendships beyond the classroom. Carefully selected to reflect a range of ages, abilities, and passions, our clubs provide opportunities for both fun and focused learning in a relaxed, supportive environment. With options tailored to younger and older students alike, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Clubs are run by members of our school community and the wider local community. They run from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and cost 10,000 TSH per session, this goes directly to the club teacher.  

Please contact the school office for a detailed timetable showing which clubs are offered for each year group and on which days