We focus on developing children’s speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through the framework of the National Literacy Strategy. This provides a clear and progressive structure through which children develop language and literacy skills. Teaching is structured in three closely interrelated strands of work: word level, sentence level and text level. Word level work concentrates on phonics, word recognition, vocabulary extension and handwriting. Sentence level work focuses on grammatical awareness and sentence construction. Text level work develops reading, comprehension and writing skills. Each child is taught at his or her own individual level, using methods suited to his or her ability. Our aim is to teach children to communicate effectively through the use of speech and written text, in ways appropriate for different occasions and purposes; to listen attentively and with understanding; to acquire information from various sources and to record information and findings in various ways, and to read fluently and accurately, with understanding and enjoyment.
In Mathematics, a balance is created between activities that develop knowledge, skills and understanding and those that develop the ability to tackle practical problems. Children are taught to write, read and order numbers up to 100, to develop a range of strategies for solving mental and written calculations and word problems, and to become confident in using and applying mathematics to everyday situations. In accordance with the National Numeracy Strategy, each lesson comprises a mental arithmetic activity, a main activity differentiated to each child’s ability and an evaluation of the learning that has taken place.
Science, Geography, History, Art and History are all covered within I.P.C. time. The I.P.C. is an internationally minded, thematic, cross curricular teaching structure used in international schools in over 50 countries. It is a 21st century curriculum which extends knowledge, skills and understanding, develops personal attributes and supports an international prespective in a way that responds to revised ideas about learning. Download the flyer entitled “10 things parents should know about the IPC” or visit the I.P.C. website.
All children have regular access to a multimedia computer and other technological equipment. In Information and Communication Technology, they are taught to use hardware and software confidently and purposefully to communicate and handle information and to support their problem solving.
Physical Education makes a unique contribution to a child’s education as it is the only area of the curriculum concerned with the development of gross motor skills and learning through movement. At The Children’s Academy, we encourage children to experience a variety of physical activities (including games, swimming, gymnastics and dance) that will enable them to recognise and value the benefits of participation while at school and throughout life.
Personal and Social Education has a fundamental part to play in promoting the spiritual, moral, cultural and social development of children. At The Children’s Academy, the teaching of Personal and Social Education aims to help children develop an awareness of self and sensitivity towards others; to develop habits of self-discipline and acceptable behaviour and to acquire a set of moral values and the confidence to make and hold moral judgements.
Music forms an integral part of the Key Stages curriculum at The Children’s Academy. Our aim is to encourage involvement, creativity and the development of individual musical ability. Music is taught by specialist teachers and opportunities are provided for the acquisition of listening, singing, instrumental and simple composition skills as children progress through school.