Our Primary curriculum is comprehensive, thematic and creative, with clear learning processes and specific learning goals
It is based on the English National Curriculum and enhanced through a topic-based approach. This ensures a learning programme that is academically rigorous, but is also exciting, active and meaningful for children. It encourages personal learning - cooperation, communication, resilience, thoughtfulness and respect - and promotes international mindedness – a respect and understanding of other perspectives, cultures and languages.
5 or 6-week units cover a range of themes which are relevant and appropriate for different age groups. For example, learning in Years 1 and 2 may include topics such as ‘Holidays’ or ‘Toys’ which enable children to draw on their own direct experiences. Older children study more complex topics, such as learning about ‘Weather and Climate’ or finding out about ‘The Human Body’.
The information below gives an outline of the Key Stages in Primary school and shows which Key Stage your child would be in at BISL.
Primary Curriculum
Years 1 and 2
Key Stage 1 (KS1) is taught with a special emphasis on developing the core subjects of literacy and numeracy, ensuring that the building blocks of children's learning in these core areas are fully developed and understood. Combined with activities to develop these core curriculum areas, specialist teachers introduce the students to French, Slovene, dance and music. Extra support is also given to students through our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme where needed, to ensure they can have full access to the mainstream curriculum as quickly as possible.
Each class has a low teacher to student ratio. This allows each student to get the attention they need to optimise their development.
Years 3 to 6
Key Stage 2 builds on the strong foundations laid in Key Stage 1, preparing the students for the next stage of their education. The subject content and approach to teaching guarantees continuity of learning and a smooth transition from Key Stage 1.
Throughout Key Stage 2, students continue to be given experiences in, and the opportunity to learn and make progress in, linguistic, mathematical, scientific, human, social, physical, aesthetic and creative education. While the core subjects of Maths and English are further developed, the Key Stage 2 curriculum also provides breadth to focus on other skill and subject areas including the introduction of French as a modern foreign language.
Extra support is also given to students through our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme where needed, to ensure they can have full access to the mainstream curriculum as quickly as possible.
Your child will be regularly assessed in a discreet manner using standardised materials published in the UK, which measure a student’s attainment in English and Mathematics against UK expectations for their age. At every step of their development, we are aware of the areas of their learning that need additional support to ensure they are always challenged and are progressing. Students with particular gifts and talents are also identified and provided with additional opportunities to flourish in their areas of strength.
