Primary

The Primary Curriculum

Star International School, Umm Sheif follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales. This broad and balanced curriculum is enhanced by the provision of Arabic, Islamic Education (for all Muslim children), Social Studies and French. Our curriculum is designed to offer motivating and inquiry-based learning opportunities.

Our expectations are high and we endeavour to instil within our children respect for others and a sense of pride in their achievements. We strive to ensure that our children are confident and responsible members of their class and school community. We believe that the children should learn to enquire, question, hypothesise and use their imagination to develop their skills across the whole curriculum.

Literacy

The children in Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1) follow a synthetic phonics scheme ('Read Write Inc.') which provides a structured programme that provides speaking and listening opportunities and ensures reading, writing and spelling success. The children in Years 3-6 (Key Stage 2) follow a literacy programme that builds key reading, writing, speaking and listening skills using a range of genres.

Speaking and Listening

We believe that speaking and listening underpin the development of children's reading, writing and mathematical skills. These skills also support learning across the curriculum. Our children are taught to be attentive listeners and to sustain conversation with others.

Reading

Class libraries provide a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. All children are provided with a reading book that is selected to match their reading ability. These books are read both at school and at home. We feel it is very important that all of our children are motivated to read for pleasure and for information. All children visit the school library and have the opportunity to borrow books.

Numeracy/Mathematics

In Years 1 to 6 the children are encouraged to develop and apply their numeracy skills through practical activities, discussion and problem-solving activities. Abacus Evolve, our Mathematics scheme, is used to support the children's learning and provide assessment opportunities throughout the year.

Science

Science lessons in Years 1 to 6 are often dynamic and interactive as teachers endeavour to bring Science to life. Science concepts are presented in contexts designed to motivate children to apply their skills and develop their understanding.

ICT

ICT (Information Communication Technology) is taught as a specialist subject where children are given the opportunity to develop the key skills involved in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, control technology, graphics and drawing packages. ICT also supports a range of other curriculum areas.

Physical Education

The children participate in five lessons of P.E. every week. During this time they cover a wide and varied range of activities including individual, creative and team sports. The primary objectives are to develop their core physical skills and motor control, and to provide them with an understanding of the importance of an active lifestyle. This allows the children to experience the enjoyment that competition and sport can offer.

Years 1 and 2 Term 1 PE Curriculum

Years 3 and 4 Term 1 PE Curriculum

Years 5, 6 and 7 Term 1 PE Curriculum

Art

The children at Star International School excel in art. They are provided with stimulating challenges that develop their creativity and imagination and enhance their skills and techniques. All children in years 1 to 6 follow an art programme that encompasses drawing media and techniques, 3D modelling, printing, textiles, craft and appreciation of the work of a range of famous artists.

Music

All children in Years 1 to 6 follow a broad and balanced musical programme which includes singing songs and learning about music from around the world. The children are provided with opportunities to listen to, compose, perform and appreciate a variety of music from different periods and genres.

Geography

Our programme provides a progressive skills based scheme that covers physical, human and environmental geography.

PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)

Our PSHE programme takes the best current thinking and provides the children with information which encourages them to become more confident, healthy and independent. We believe these attributes contribute to higher self-esteem and ultimately our children will have a better chance of growing into adults who feel positive about their place in society.

Workshops

There will be a number of workshops throughout the year to inform parents about our various programmes e.g. Reading, Writing, Numeracy and the use of Interactive Whiteboards.

Important!

It is very important that Parents do not purchase the School Schemes, such as Oxford Reading Tree or 'Read Write Inc.' books, since this can be de-motivating for the children when they have to 'repeat' the work at school.