Primary School Academic Program

 In September 2023, Primary Grade 1 opened (children aged 6-7). In September 2024, Primary Grade 2 will open. Every year, the school plans to open the next class up, growing with the age of its current students.

ACADEMIC SUBJECTS

Numeracy and mathematics 

Teachers will use every relevant subject to develop students’ mathematical fluency. Confidence in numeracy and other mathematical skills is a precondition of success across Our school curriculum. Teachers will develop students’ numeracy and mathematical reasoning in all subjects so that they understand and appreciate the importance of mathematics. Students will be taught to apply arithmetic fluently to problems, understand and use measures, make estimates and sense check their work. Students will apply their geometric and algebraic understanding, and relate their understanding of probability to the notions of risk and uncertainty. They will also understand the cycle of collecting, presenting and analysing data. They will be taught to apply their mathematics to both routine and non-routine problems, including breaking down more complex problems into a series of simpler steps.

Language and literacy 

Teachers will develop students’ spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject. English is both a subject in its own right and the medium for teaching; for students, understanding the language provides access to the whole curriculum. Fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects.

i. Spoken language 

Students will be taught to speak clearly and convey ideas confidently using Standard English. They will learn to justify ideas with reasons; ask questions to check understanding; develop vocabulary and build knowledge; negotiate; evaluate and build on the ideas of others; and select the appropriate register for effective communication. They will be taught to give well-structured descriptions and explanations and develop their understanding through speculating, hypothesising and exploring ideas. This will enable them to clarify their thinking as well as organise their ideas for writing. 

ii. Reading and writing 

Teachers will develop students’ reading and writing in all subjects to support their acquisition of knowledge. Students will be taught to read fluently, understand extended prose (both fiction and non-fiction) and be encouraged to read for pleasure. Our school will do everything to promote wider reading. We have library facilities and set ambitious expectations for reading at home. Students will develop the stamina and skills to write at length, with accurate spelling and punctuation. They will be taught the correct use of grammar. They will build on what they have been taught to expand the range of their writing and the variety of the grammar they use. The writing they do will include narratives, explanations, descriptions, comparisons, summaries and evaluations: such writing supports them in rehearsing, understanding and consolidating what they have heard or read.

iii. Vocabulary/Grammar development 

Students’ acquisition and command of grammar and vocabulary are key to their learning and progress across the whole curriculum. Teachers will therefore develop vocabulary actively, building systematically on students’ current knowledge. They will increase students’ store of words in general; simultaneously, they will also make links between known and new vocabulary and discuss the shades of meaning in similar words. In this way, students expand the vocabulary choices that are available to them when they write. In addition, it is vital for students’ comprehension that they understand the meanings of words they meet in their reading across all subjects, and older students will be taught the meaning of instruction verbs that they may meet in examination questions. It is particularly important to induct students into the language which defines each subject in its own right, such as accurate mathematical and scientific language.

Science

Students study a variety of scientific themes throughout the year and our philosophy is that students learn better through practicing the theory they learn. We support a hands-on approach to scientific themes to supplement the theoretical segment.

Geography/Gardening

Students are taught to recognise maps and essential geographical features. They are also encouraged to work outside in nature and enjoy gardening activities like planting and harvesting.

Global History 

Students are taught about the history of the world, both ancient and modern.

Computing

Computer literacy is taught, with special emphasis on online safety protocols for young learners who are now starting to surf the web and play online games.

NON-ACADEMIC SUBJECTS

Personal Social Health Education (PSHE)

We nurture a whole-child philosophy where children are encouraged to take risks, acknowledge areas to improve on and cultivate their intra and interpersonal skills, all in a safe and inclusive environment. A newly adapted Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) programme for our school based on the British National Curriculum guidance enables your child to further develop positive character traits and learn how to understand and respond to sensitive situations as they arise. Children have daily PSHE lessons, although these areas are also included across many areas of the curriculum. Topics include: bullying, emotional intelligence, discrimination, relationships, friendships, trust, personal safety, growing and changing, mental health, physical health, social issues, environmental issues, digital literacy, community responsibility, 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE)

Our Physical Education (PE) classes are fun, active and have an emphasis on participation. The skills acquired in PE will improve your child’s physical fitness, strength, agility, balance and coordination while they participate in different sports either on or off campus. This gives your child the lifelong skills they will need for an active and healthy life and to pursue sports that interest them if they wish. 

EXPRESSIVE ARTS

In terms of confidence building, the opportunity to perform on stage in front of an audience is invaluable! Our Expressive Arts programme delivers Art, Music and Drama, which encourages and helps your child express themselves creatively and nurtures individual talent. The excellent foundation that these subjects provide allows your child to work towards their artistic aspirations. Our small school ensures that an inclusive policy is always possible, with every child having the opportunity to be a member of the cast or choir if they so wish. Regardless of past knowledge or experience, all students have dedicated Expressive Arts curriculum time. 

CULTURAL INTERNATIONALISM

As part of our strive to ensure our students are active global citizens, Primary students also attend Internationalism lessons. These lessons ensure that our children and young people will be able to play a full and active part in society, to understand their role within the wider world and become an active future global citizen. At Our school children from different cultures learn to enjoy, work and play together in a truly international setting. We aim to develop the concepts of global citizenship and internationalism in all our students through curricular programmes and extra-curricular activities across all key stages. We expect, want and aim for all of our children to respect and care for those of other cultures, to understand their responsibility to the world and to have the confidence to face challenges in a multi-cultural society.

LIBRARY TIME

We have a library where students will go once a week with their teacher. In these times your child will learn about how to use the library and have ample opportunity to borrow books and read with their friends and teachers. The students will have a reading record to help the teacher keep track of all the books they have read.

HOMEWORK

Children who stay until 16.00 or 17.30 daily, complete their homework at school. The purpose of homework is to allow your child to practise and consolidate the work done in class as well as allowing preparation for future class work. The homework timetable is adjusted by each teacher in order to meet the different needs of each individual student or the class a whole. A small amount of additional homework may be given to the students at the weekend.