International Primary Curriculum
The International Primary Curriculum is thematic and creative, and employs specific goals for learning in each subject as well as for personal development. The curriculum applies a global approach that helps children connect learning to where they are living now and view learning from the perspectives of people in other countries.
To aid learning, teachers choose themes, like Animals and Clothes. They ensure a varied and exciting curriculum that follows an appropriate progression of skills and helps children reach their highest potential.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children at birth to age five. It ensures children’s readiness for Primary School and provides a broad range of knowledge and skills that form a strong foundation for future progress through school and life.
EYFS integrates four guiding principles that shape learning:
- Every child is a unique child, constantly learning and resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
- Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
- Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there’s a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers.
- Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.
As part of EYFS, children play, explore, create and think critically through a variety of activities shaped by seven Areas of Learning and Development. We use these inter-connected areas to promote children’s individual interests and unique learning needs. The three Prime Areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.
Learning in the three Prime Areas is strengthened and applied in the four Specific Areas. The activities, stories and games through which learning takes place in each area are challenging, exciting and fuel progress towards learning outcomes. Through a mix of child-initiated and adult-led experiences that are relevant to the children’s lives, we also encourage effective listening and positive behavior.
Areas of Learning and Development
Prime Areas
As part of Early Years Foundation Stage, children play, explore, create, and think critically through activities shaped by seven Areas of Learning and Development. We use these inter-connected areas to promote children’s individual interests and unique learning needs.
The Prime Areas are crucial to igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building the capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. Learning is strengthened and applied in the Specific Areas. The activities, stories, and games through which learning takes place in each area are challenging, exciting, and fuel progress towards learning outcomes. Through a mix of child-initiated and adult-led experiences that are relevant to the children’s lives, we also encourage effective listening and positive behavior.
Communication & Language
Children experience a rich language environment and develop confidence and skills in expressing themselves while speaking and listening in a range of situations. We also spark interest in reading and writing. Children study French and Spanish as part of this area, learning greetings and introductions, and how to speak about colors, numbers, food, and transport. Children also explore the associated cultures.
Physical Development
Enjoying opportunities to be active and interactive, children develop coordination, control, and movement. They also learn basic principles of health and self-care, including the importance of physical activity and healthy food choices.
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
This area involves helping children develop a positive sense of themselves and others. They adopt social skills and learn about making relationships. We also learn how to manage feelings and demonstrate appropriate behavior. The overarching theme is self-confidence and self-awareness.
Specific Areas
Literacy
Development here involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters, and to begin to read and write. Children have access to a wide range of reading materials, including books and poems.
Mathematics
This area provides children with chances to improve skills in counting and understanding and using numbers. They calculate simple addition and subtraction, and learn to describe shapes, spaces, and measures. This area supports children’s understanding in different situations by providing opportunities to explore, practice, learn, and talk.
Understanding the World
Children make sense of their physical world and community by observing and learning about people, places, technology, and the environment. Learning is based on first-hand experiences that involves making predictions and decisions, and taking part in discussions.
Expressive Arts & Design
Here children use their imagination and work with various media and materials. They share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through art and music, take part in movement, dance, and role play, and explore design and technology. Through these activities, children learn to value their own ideas and those of others. This area particularly supports children’s curiosity and desire to play.
Assessment
Purpose of Assessment
Assessment is the gathering and analysis of information about student performance. It identifies what children know, understand, can do, and feel at different stages in the learning process; this information guides teachers in instruction. Assessment is an ongoing and daily part of school life, and the formative comments children receive develop their understanding of the skills and knowledge required to be successful in each course.
At BISC South Loop, the aims and purpose of assessment are to:
- Provide information to enhance and improve learning and teaching
- Provide information for target-setting for individuals, groups, and cohorts
- Share learning goals with students
- Involve students in self-assessment
- Help students know and recognize the standards for which they are aiming
- Raise standards of learning
- Identify possibilities for academic intervention
- Inform parents of their child’s progress
Academic Reports
Academic reports describe children’s academic and social development and list targets in all subjects for the child to concentrate on before the next report. Nursery and Reception teachers communicate with families about children’s achievement and progress in two academic reports, in December and June.
There are regular parent consultations with teachers scheduled during the school year. Sign-ups are facilitated with the child’s class teacher, and details are communicated in the weekly parent newsletter. Parents may also meet with teachers outside of the consultation dates.
Curriculum Guide
