Core Curriculum

Literacy

We believe that literacy, which encompasses both reading and writing, is the cornerstone of education. It empowers students to access knowledge, express themselves, and engage with the world around them.

Our structured literacy approach is carefully embedded within our learning programmes providing a systematic and explicit method for teaching reading and writing. 

Our comprehensive Literacy framework guides students on a journey from 'learning to read' to 'reading to learn,' focusing on vocabulary development and reading for meaning. By mastering word recognition and language comprehension, students achieve reading comprehension. In writing, we emphasize that sentences are the building blocks of effective communication. Our curriculum integrates sentence construction with content, accuracy, and structure, alongside essential skills in planning and revising. This comprehensive approach ensures students become confident and competent readers and writers.

By fostering a love for reading and writing, we prepare our students for lifelong learning and success in an ever-evolving world.

  • Structured literacy is an instructional approach to teaching reading that is explicit, systematic, and sequential. It focuses on teaching the structure of language, including phonology, orthography, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Here are the key components of structured literacy:

    • Phonology: Understanding the sound structure of spoken words.

    • Orthography: Learning the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters and letter patterns.

    • Morphology: Studying the smallest units of meaning in words, such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

    • Syntax: Learning the rules that govern sentence structure.

    • Semantics: Understanding the meaning of words and sentences.

    • Explicit Instruction: Concepts are taught directly and clearly.

    • Systematic and Sequential: Instruction follows a planned scope and sequence, starting with the simplest concepts and gradually progressing to more complex ones.

    • Diagnostic Teaching: Ongoing assessments are used to inform instruction and provide targeted support based on students' needs.

    • Cumulative Review: Previously learned concepts are continually revisited to reinforce learning.

    Structured literacy is particularly effective for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties, as it provides clear, consistent, and comprehensive instruction that addresses the foundational skills necessary for reading and writing.

  • The Code Spelling Programme by Liz Kane, is a structured literacy approach designed to enhance spelling skills through a systematic, phonics-based method. 

    The key features of the programme include:

    • Phonics Emphasis: Teaches the relationship between sounds and letters.

    • Sequential Learning: Progresses from simple to complex spelling patterns.

    • Multisensory Techniques: Engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning.

    • Regular Practice: Provides ample opportunities for reinforcement.

    • Ongoing Assessment: Monitors progress and offers targeted feedback.

    • Morphology Focus: Explores word construction through prefixes, suffixes, and root words.

    Ideal for all students, especially those with dyslexia, this program builds strong, foundational literacy skills.

Mathematics

What is PR1ME Mathematics?

PR1ME Maths is a comprehensive mathematics programme designed for primary and secondary students, based on the top-performing Singapore Mathematics curriculum. 

The acronym ‘PRIME’ stands for Problem-solving, Reasoning, and Interactive Mathematics Education. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through a structured approach that includes problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world applications.

The programme emphasizes mastery of key concepts through concrete-pictorial-abstract (CPA) methodology, ensuring students build a strong foundation in basic facts and skills while engaging in rich mathematical investigations and practices. PR1ME Maths also includes explicit teaching strategies and regular assessments to track progress and tailor instruction to individual student needs.

    • Problem-Solving Focus: Encourages students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging and challenging math problems.

    • Reasoning Skills: Promotes logical thinking and reasoning abilities, helping students understand the why behind mathematical concepts.

    • Interactive Learning: Incorporates interactive teaching methods and tools to make learning mathematics more engaging and effective.

    • Curriculum Structure: Provides a well-structured curriculum with a clear scope and sequence, ensuring that students build on their knowledge systematically.

    • Differentiated Instruction: Offers strategies and resources for differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.

    • Assessment and Feedback: Includes regular assessments to monitor student progress and provide targeted feedback.

    PRIME Mathematics aims to create a strong foundation in mathematics for students, preparing them for practical application in everyday life.

  • A balanced maths programme integrates investigations, basic facts, explicit teaching, problem-solving, and practice to foster a comprehensive learning experience.

    Investigations encourage curiosity and deep understanding by allowing students to explore mathematical concepts and patterns. Mastery of basic facts provides the foundational skills necessary for more complex problem-solving.

    Explicit teaching ensures clear, direct instruction of key concepts and strategies, while problem-solving activities develop critical thinking and application skills. Regular practice consolidates learning, reinforces skills, and builds confidence.

    Together, these elements create a robust and engaging mathematical journey that supports all aspects of student learning and development.