English program
We offer a broad English curriculum and aim to give the children the skills they require for speaking and listening, reading, writing, spelling and handwriting and also we encourage the enjoyment of reading using a wide range of reading materials. Students also have access to the school library as a whole class.
Listening and speaking is developed through story telling, assemblies, drama and roleplaying.
Discussion in large and small groups and learning to follow instructions are important at all ages. All classes are encouraged to do a drama production for parents once a year.
Opportunities are provided for the children to write from their own personal experience, to record accurately and to extend their imaginative writing. Emphasis is placed on comprehension, grammar and vocabulary skills for which many support materials are used.
Accuracy is expected in spelling. Children have weekly spelling tests and/or dictations. We encourage our students to develop a good, clear, legible, proficient joined up style of handwriting. We use a recognised cursive handwriting scheme, which is introduced in Reception. Fountain pen is used from P3. Pride in good presentation of work is encouraged throughout the school.
There are three libraries on the campus, two of which are maintained by a trained librarian. The main library services classes from P1 – 6, there is a second special library geared for our youngest students aged 3 - 5. The third library is a FLE [French second language] library organised by our FLE teachers.
Mathematics
Using the latest successful strategies in Numeracy and supported by the Heinemann Maths Scheme we encourage our students to approach all aspects of Mathematics with confidence. Teaching is done through mathematical topics. Children are expected to know all their tables by the end of P3 and these are practised regularly together with mental arithmetic and problem-solving skills.
Practical mathematics and investigative work increases the children’s enjoyment, understanding and self-confidence, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills to everyday life.
Science
A specialist science teacher teaches all classes from P1 – P6 and she works in close collaboration with the class teacher. We teach scientific skills, concepts and knowledge through a variety of approaches. Investigations are carried out both individually and cooperatively and the children are encouraged to question and form hypotheses about the topics, which they are investigating, and to relate these to everyday surroundings and experience.
The classes make use of our specialised Primary Science laboratory for at least one lesson per week. The older students from P5 and 6 get double science lessons. All students are encouraged to take part in the ‘Star award scheme’ which rewards students for asking and answering scientific questions in class.
Wherever possible children are taken out into their natural surrounding on science walks to do discovery and environmental work.
Social studies (start from 2009/2010 school year)
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