An Introduction to our Lower School Curricula
In our Lower School at British International School of Boston, students use a unique combination of the National Curriculum of England and the International Primary Curriculum, offering a core structure in their academic subjects as well as areas of personal development, creativity, and global awareness.
Through the English National Curriculum and International Primary Curriculum, we personalize learning — challenging and supporting our students in the ways best for their personal growth, while engaging them in an interdisciplinary approach across subjects, so they make connections across all areas of their learning, think critically, and develop problem-solving skills early on.
An Introduction to the National Curriculum of England
The National Curriculum of England is valued by thousands of schools around the globe for its well-conceived structure. It allows your child's progress to be tracked individually, freeing our teachers to offer your child the right combination of support and the challenge they need. The curriculum also shapes an environment that makes your child an active participant in — and integral part of — their learning journey.
Our core subjects of math and literacy are taught using the National Curriculum of England.
An Introduction to the International Primary Curriculum
At the British Internal School of Boston, Lower School students also use the International Primary Curriculum, a project-based, cross-curricular, thematic approach to learning. This curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a hands-on, exciting manner.
The International Primary Curriculum is one of the fastest growing curricula in the world, used in more than 1,600 schools and 92 countries. Rooted in an understanding of how your child's brain is developing, it lays a foundation for future success and an appreciation of the greater world.
The International Primary Curriculum uses a thematic approach, which weaves together a variety of subjects in an integrated and interesting way that your child will love. Topics such as "Chocolate," "Myths and Legends,” “Brainwave," "Going Global," and "Making the News" will bring learning to life as your child studies history, geography, science, art, music, technology, and more through these themes.
With international mindedness imbedded throughout, this program also allows your child to develop a deep awareness of other cultures and heritages. We give equal focus to the development of individual qualities essential to 21st century success, including morality, respect, adaptability, and perseverance.
Rounding out your child's experiences, we have specialized lessons in physical education, music, computer skills, art, and science. Additionally, your child will have weekly French or Spanish lessons throughout the Lower School, and beginning in Year 3, they will also study Spanish each week.
Below, we’ve outlined our curriculum guides for Years 1 and 2 (also known as Kindergarten and 1st Grade of Elementary School). For an in-depth look, we encourage you to also download our Curriculum Guide PDF at the bottom of this page.
Year 1 (Kindergarten) Curriculum Guide
- Literacy
- Reading
- Comprehension
- Writing and Composition
- Spelling
- Vocabulary
- Handwriting
- Mathematics
- Number and Place Value
- Calculation
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Science
- French or Spanish
- Music
- Physical Education
- International Primary Curriculum
- Art
- Geography
- History
- Technology
Year 2 (1st Grade) Curriculum Guide
- Literacy
- Reading
- Comprehension
- Writing and Composition
- Spelling
- Vocabulary
- Handwriting
- Mathematics
- Number and Place Value
- Calculation
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Science
- French or Spanish
- Music
- Physical Education
- Computing
- International Primary Curriculum
- Art
- Geography
- History
- Technology
