WELCOME TO THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Primary School challenges young children to learn in a myriad of ways through an enriching, captivating and developmentally appropriate program. We provide children with opportunities to explore, experiment and discover, while they learn the fundamental skills appropriate to their stage of development and we prepare them for further academic growth.

Our young children are tomorrow’s leaders. They need a good foundation in a caring environment, where they can thrive and develop at an appropriate pace, to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Kindergarten to Grade 2

For kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade children, the program builds on the skills already developed and children continue to learn in a nurturing and hands-on learning environment, that introduces progressively more structured teaching of the basic subjects.

There is a strong commitment to the whole child, with the program fostering each child’s intellectual, physical, emotional, social, cultural and artistic growth within a rich and stimulating environment.

We help children to:

- develop a positive view of themselves, their classmates and the educational experience
- develop their natural curiosity and creative expression through art, music and dramatic play
- appreciate diversity in others
- broaden their perspective through visiting authors, performers and artists
- learn to make responsible decisions and develop good character

Primary School is a comfortable place for children to learn through exploration, while instruction becomes increasingly more structured as each child develops and matures. One of our major goals is for children to find joy in learning while developing specific skills, applying concepts, and exploring ideas.

Continuing a philosophy of developmentally appropriate teaching, the program emphasizes the development of language, writing, and arithmetic skills, while integrating science, social studies and health.

In addition to learning core academic subjects, children need to grow in other areas that are equally important in the development of a well-rounded individual. Teachers who have been specially trained in their subject area provide an enriching experience to all children through a curriculum that includes regularly scheduled classes in Mandarin, computers, art, music, physical education, and swimming. Kindergarten children also receive regular classes in perceptual motor.

Classroom activities in a rich environment are supplemented by a variety of additional experiences that may include

• visiting artists, performers, and authors
• field trips
• drama, role-playing and story-telling
• cooking
• library activities
• extracurricular opportunities

Parent volunteers are encouraged to participate regularly both in and out of the classroom throughout their child’s Primary School experience.

Primary School children have an opportunity to participate in a number of after-school activities offered either through the Elementary After School Activities (EASA) program or through community organizations such as Scouts, SACAC and others. Most activities are offered on campus.