PRIMARY CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The Foundation Stage: FS1 and FS2

As in the UK, during your child’s first few years (aged 3-5) at SRS we offer the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Key to our success in the early years is a bilingual approach where British and Arabic teachers work side by side to facilitate the best learning for your child.

The Early Years Foundation Stage has 7 pillars of learning and development:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

There is an emphasis on learning through active play, with children encouraged to build on their individual needs and interests. We all learn best when we are motivated, interested and happy, engaged in experiences that both fascinate and challenge us. We provide the children in our care with a safe, secure and happy environment where they can play and develop their natural skills of enquiry, creativity and critical thinking, thus laying the foundation for success in their future education.

As a parent, you can feel assured that our Early Years staff recognise your child’s needs and are committed to meeting these and ensure that your child’s time with us is safe and happy.

More about Foundation Stage (FS)

KEY STAGE 1:Years 1 and 2

In Years 1 and 2 children follow an enriched and tailored British National Curriculum alongside an innovative Arabic and Islamic curriculum.

Guided by our SRS Student Profile, children study English, Arabic, Islamic, Maths, Science, IT, IPC, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths – an applied approach), the Arts and PE. Following seamlessly on from the Foundation Stage we have a holistic, cross-curricular and enquiry-based approach to learning where each individual builds the skills and knowledge relevant for the 21st century. We place great emphasis on the skills of collaboration. Our integrated approach is supported by the International Primary Curriculum, a thematic framework that enhances a child’s natural curiosity thus developing an enthusiasm for lifelong learning. In Key Stage 1 all science concepts are fully taught through the context of the IPC. Children also study personal, social, health and citizenship education. These areas are woven into our topics, subjects, assemblies, monthly themes and extra-curricular activities. A focus on these areas is key in developing independent, confident, tolerant and responsible young people who have a deep understanding of the world in which they live. Student’s progress and attainment are tracked closely during their time in KS1 through formal tests (SATs in Year 2) and, more importantly, through on-going teacher assessment. These processes allow both the teachers and the students to know where they are in their learning, where they need to go and how best to get there.

KEY STAGE 2: Year 3-6

In Key Stage 2 we build on the excellent work that has gone before to further develop skills of collaboration and enquiry through creative schemes of work. Similarly in KS2 we study English, Arabic, Islamic, Maths, Science, IT, IPC, STEM, Social Studies, the Arts and PE. Science continues to be linked to the IPC but there are times when it is taught discreetly to ensure full curriculum coverage is achieved. As students progress towards the end of the Key Stage the focus moves towards our end of phase examinations, namely SATs where students revise concepts they have developed a deep understanding of through their time in primary. We have an increasing bank of technology and are excited by the impact our iPad initiative has had on children’s learning. We use these mobile devices to create books, design, edit and collaborate on a regular basis. In addition to this they support our online reading program Litpro.

In KS2 our pupils continue to learn vital and sophisticated life skills that will stand them in good stead for life in secondary school and beyond. SRS aims to develop the leaders of the future by having consistently high expectations of their attitudes and behaviours. The focus remains on developing independent, confident, tolerant and responsible young people who have a deep understanding of the world in which they live.