Learning at Léman Chengdu Primary School
Our methodology at Léman International School Chengdu emphasises the needs and goals of each individual child. We encourage a positive mindset in our students so they can build their confidence and take greater steps towards success.
During Primary School, our students rigorously develop their skills in English and maths, while all other subjects are explored a variety of ways. We use a thematic approach to learning, as we believe that learning needs to be contextualised for children to make connections and make sense of the world. Therefore, we use a combination of the English National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). We teach some important aspects of learning in a stand-alone fashion. Our curriculum is rich with building knowledge and skills, while also putting a strong emphasis on building strong values and enjoyment towards learning. Our talented teachers use their judgement whether to take an enquiry-based, child-led, or project-based approach in a specific given lesson, but we generally always follow a child-centred approach and seek to inspire a lifelong love of learning.
The English National Curriculum is used by over 30,000 international schools in the UK and overseas, which brings reassurance to our parents and stability to our students – important factors, especially when moving between countries.
Our students are taught art, music, PE, and Mandarin by specialist teachers throughout Primary School. The PSHE learning during the year focuses on the emotional well-being of our children and ensures they remain healthy, happy, and ready to learn. We take a holistic approach towards each child’s education to ensure we’re producing well-rounded individuals, who are responsible citizens that show respect and make an effective contribution to society.
Our British Lower Primary School
The Lower Primary phase in our Primary School consists of three year groups: Years 1, 2, and 3. During Year 1, we build on our students’ previous lessons in the areas covered by the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in Nursery and Reception.
We then teach the key areas of Guided Reading, Phonics, and Mental Maths. We place a strong emphasis on the development of core skills in Numeracy and Literacy. Teachers ensure that these fundamental building blocks are incorporated throughout lessons and reinforced regularly.
We group other subjects – such as Science, History, Geography, Design Technology, and Computing – into topics within the context of the IPC. Teachers plan themes that reflect the interests of the children in each class, and balance creative and physical activities, ensuring that the curriculum develops the whole child.
We plan our Primary School curriculum carefully with long-, medium-, and short-term goals for our pupils. Our teachers take a creative and practical approach to develop our students’ natural curiosity and to foster their desire to learn, think, and take appropriate risks.
We strive to ensure that all our students are achieving at a high level. Thus, we carefully plan their learning and development around their individual needs and interests, using modern assessment methods so they make continuous progress. This includes Assessment for Learning (AFL) techniques, including self- and peer-assessment, as well as sharing criteria, so each child knows what to do to progress.
Our British Upper Primary School
The Upper Primary phase consists of Years 4, 5, and 6. As our students enter Upper Primary, we encourage them to be academically inquisitive and to continue to develop independently – showing initiative and leadership skills, remaining high-performing and motivated, and taking pride in their studies.
We support our students in reaching their full potential through an individualised approach to their learning, and we closely monitor their progress. We maintain high academic standards through the National Curriculum’s key objectives. We instruct our students in these subjects daily. They work in small groups, which allows them to be supported or challenged as appropriate.
Using the English National Curriculum’s best practices around the principles of the IPC, we teach Science, History, Geography, Design Technology, and Computing through topics, where learning is integrated into child-centred activities. Teachers ensure that the topics are broad and balanced to provide continuity and progression across the year groups. Teaching inspiring and exciting topics allows us to inspire our students’ curiosity. We encourage our students to become independent learners, taking ownership of their own learning and progress.
We create a learning environment where our students are pushed to challenge themselves in their learning; to analyse and reflect; to take risks; and to develop intellectual confidence. We strive to ensure that all children achieve at a high level. We plan learning and development around their individual needs and interests, using modern assessment methods to ensure their progress.
Upper Primary prepares and supports our students for the smoothest possible transition into Year 7 and beyond. Our students should leave their Primary years as highly engaged and self-motivated learners – well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to achieve their goals and to develop as global citizens.
Learning Outside the Classroom
We provide regular opportunities for our students to learn beyond the classroom and to develop new skills through their participation in productions, visits, themed days, after-school clubs, and residential trips. We also recognise the role of technology in the current and future lives of our students, so we create meaningful opportunities to learn, explore, and use modern technology across all parts of the curriculum.
In all aspects of learning, we encourage our students to develop their social confidence; to be self-reliant and self-disciplined; and to form positive relationships with other students and adults. We help them to become more globally aware and to understand the responsibilities of being part of a local and global community.
