Key Stage 1 comprises of Years 1 and 2.
Education in Key Stage 1 is an important stage in student’s development. The school follows the National Curriculum of England
for Key Stage 1. However, this established curriculum is adapted to better meet the needs of the pupils by making the best use of the local and international context. The objectives are set by an external curriculum, which are met through a variety of resources, activities, learning approaches, order and pace which are flexible in order to allow teachers to meet the needs of the students.
The school curriculum develops enjoyment and commitment to learning. It builds on students' strengths, interests and experiences and develops their confidence to learn and work independently and collaboratively. The curriculum equips the students with the essential learning skills of literacy, numeracy, information and communication technology, and promotes an enquiring mind with a capacity to think rationally. It also develops the students’ physical skills and encourages them to recognise the importance of healthy living and keeping themselves safe. This stage prepares students for the next steps in their education and empowers them to make informed choices. It further aims to develop their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their own and different beliefs and cultures, and how these influence individuals.
As well as equipping students with the essentials skills for learning, education in Key Stage 1 is about students experiencing the joy of discovery, problem solving, being creative and developing their self confidence as learners to grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. At The British School we strive to achieve excellence in teaching and enjoyment of learning in all that we do.
The well planned curriculum gives each year group control over how the teachers execute their curriculum and ability to plan in a cross-curricular way. Teachers meet twice weekly to reflect upon the effectiveness of their planning. Collaborative Planning by the teachers takes into account a variety of learning experiences and learning styles in order to meet the needs of individual students.
The focus in Key Stage 1 is to provide continuity and progression in learning for all students as they move from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1. This transition is a challenging one for students as they progress from child-initiated play to more structured learning experiences. Literacy and Numeracy are fundamental but we combine these with a rich and exciting curriculum through cross-curricular links established through the areas of Humanities (History and Geography), Science, PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). The skills of independent learning and co-operation with others are developed along with attitudes and values.
Information about learning expectations are shared with students in every lesson and with parents through the semester curriculum map, fortnightly newsletters, Parent-Teacher Conferences and the Weekly Bulletin. Student progress is communicated to students through lesson feedback and with parents through extensive twice a year reports, Parent-Teacher Conferences, notes in the school diary, meetings, targets and profile sharing.
Assessment of learning is an ongoing process. Assessment of specific skills are recorded consistently in Literacy, Numeracy and humanities through and after every unit, these assessments are then used to inform planning and differentiation on a daily and unit basis. Transition meetings are held between year groups in the last term and transition documents and assessments are handed over with the class. The online standardised test analysis is used to set class and whole school targets in Literacy and Numeracy which are shared with the parents.
Partnership with parents is a powerful tool and we ensure parents are kept well-informed of their children’s learning at all times. We welcome and appreciate parental involvement with the student’s learning and school life. It is our endeavour to help make your child’s transition to Key Stage 2 a smooth one.
Download detailed curriculum and handbook for Key Stage 1.
