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The curriculum followed is the National Curriculum for England, with additional lessons in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies to meet the requirements of the UAE Ministry of Education.
The National Curriculum defines four 'key stages'; Key Stage 1 through to 4. In addition to offering education from Key Stage 1 through to 4, Al Yasmina offers Foundation classes for 3 to 5 year olds and will be offering post 16 provision for 16 to 18 year olds.
The National Curriculum Core subjects are: English, mathematics and Science. Foundation subjects are Design and Technology; Information and Communication Technology; History; Geography; Modern Foreign Languages (Year 3 upwards); Music; Art and Design; Physical Education and Citizenship. Due to Ministry of Education regulations in the United Arab Emirates, Religious Education is not taught. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught as per UAE Ministry of Education guidelines.
Staff plan on a weekly basis within the framework of the school's long and medium term planning. Lessons are carefully differentiated to allow classes of mixed abilities to progress and achieve a favourable learning outcome.
A Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme runs throughout the school.
The curriculum gives a complete learning experience to the pupil. It is not only the lessons and activities that are planned, organised and provided when at school, it is also the tone, standards, quality and discipline of the school and the attitudes and values it puts forward. This is often referred to as “the hidden curriculum”. The curriculum should be seen as much in terms of experience, as of the knowledge and skills we believe the pupils should acquire. It should also be thought of as being equally concerned with personal qualities, behaviour and conduct.
In planning the curriculum and putting it into practice, we ensure that excellence is pursued and valued, that lessons are challenging and have pace and direction and whether the pupils are taught individually, in groups or as part of a whole class, it meets their individual needs. Certain experiences, knowledge and skills that we promote, are essential to a well rounded development of every pupil and form the basis to future learning. Ongoing assessments take place in each Year Group, and at certain times of the year there will be more formal assessments.
A Whole School Curriculum Plan, based on the National Curriculum for England, serves as a framework for our teaching and learning and helps ensure consistency and continuity between and across classes and between Year Groups. Pupils are assessed soon after entry to the school and on an ongoing basis throughout the academic year. Assessments enable pupil's progress to be carefully tracked and for any difficulties to be managed before they become an obstacle to learning and achieving. At the start of each term, Primary school parents receive an overview of the curriculum topics that will be studied and additional information soon after the start of each term in the class “Welcome Letter”.
Subjects – Key stage 1
English
During their years at Al Yasmina School the pupils will be encouraged to develop their language abilities in the four key areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The aim is to improve the pupil's fluency in using spoken and written language for a wide range of purposes and to develop their understanding and critical appreciation of the language of literature and of daily life.
Spoken language comes naturally to most children, but there is a continuing need for development and improvement. Most of the talking young children take part in at home is casual and if they forget what they wanted to say, or fail to make themselves clear, then there is usually someone who will take over. As the pupils progress through the Key Stages, it is the school's policy to encourage them to put longer and more expressive units of speech together and to select a vocabulary and a style appropriate to the occasion. Much of this is developed through Drama and Speaking and Listening activities in Literacy and English.
A vital part of growth and personal development is learning to be a good listener. Pupils are helped to handle increasingly complex speech by their teachers and just as important, they are given opportunities for group discussion, for a variety of purposes, with other pupils. They will learn to plan and carry out an activity together, or to take into account the opinions and ideas of others. The ability to read is crucial to a pupil’s progress. At Al Yasmina we seek to foster in every pupil a willingness to read for enjoyment and for information and to progress towards the ability to skim and scan textbooks and reference books for relevant information at the same time as understanding the text. The vital foundations of this process are laid in the infant years. Parents can give tremendous support to their children by demonstrating the enjoyment of reading and taking every opportunity to stress how useful reading is, whether by pointing out the signs and symbols in the street or labels in the shop or at home. It is from this positive attitude to reading at home and in the school that successful reading habits become ingrained.
Learning to write is a much more deliberate and painstaking process than learning to speak; there are many things to think of all at the same time. A high priority is given to developing the ability of your child to learn to use English fluently and confidently, to receive and communicate facts and ideas freely with accuracy, sometimes creatively and with quality of expression. The excellent Library facility at the school is enjoyed by all pupils and provides an excellent learning resource.
Mathematics
The main aim of Mathematics teaching is to give the pupils the knowledge and skills to enable them to use Mathematics comfortably in everyday life. This means much more than 'doing sums' or being able to manipulate numbers and symbols, although these are important.
The pupils will be introduced to Mathematics in a practical way, using apparatus and material. The handling of Mathematics apparatus and the structured use of the immediate school environment will help the pupils gain essential concepts, whilst practising and developing skills which lead to a sound understanding of mathematical thinking and computation. At the appropriate time, the pupils learn their tables and have regular mental arithmetic tests.
Science
Science plays an important part in our curriculum. All pupils experience a broad, balanced, continuous science curriculum that covers work on living things and their environment, materials and their uses, Earth and Space, Forces and Energy. By taking part in practicals, the pupils are taught the skills of scientific investigation which include observation, planning, predicting and hypothesizing, measuring and fair testing. The attitudes necessary for good science are also taught through investigative work: - e.g. curiosity, perseverance and self-criticism.
Science work is linked closely with other areas of the curriculum, particularly mathematics, language, Information Technology and Design and Technology. The local area will be used for the safe and convenient study of birds, mini-beasts, grass, wildflowers, and small animals.
History, Geography and Social Studies
Pupils will develop their understanding of and their skills in Geography and History through class projects and individual topic work. The National Curriculum guidelines are used in the planning of the lessons. History and Geography form the core of many of our cross curricular topics and themes with UAE social studies integrated throughout.
Design Technology (DT)
The pupils are given the opportunity to work with and gain experience of a wide range of materials and techniques. The school has a DT base with a selection of woodwork and technology equipment. The pupils are encouraged to create their own designs, plan and make those designs and to evaluate the end product.
Physical Education (PE) and Swimming
P.E., Swimming and Outdoor Games are part of the normal timetable and an important part of the National Curriculum. Parents are therefore asked to send a note to the school to inform the class teacher if, for any valid reason, their child is not able to take part in these activities, i.e. ear infection, damaged ligaments. The pupils attend Physical Education lessons in a well-equipped and spacious sports hall or outside. In addition to this, they have swimming classes and are involved in various outdoor games. A Specialist Teacher takes the pupils for Swimming and Physical Education. In swimming the pupils are involved in development of stroke technique. The school has facilities for basketball, netball, soccer, rugby and badminton as well as various other ball games.
In Physical Education the pupils learn to control their movement in negotiating tasks with and without apparatus and to develop a sensitive awareness to the quality of body movement. Dance will give the pupil the opportunity to express ideas and emotions creatively to music. In Games, pupils will develop hand eye coordination and footwork by using a range of sports equipment so that they can participate in a variety of activities from football to tennis. The different areas of P.E are Dance, Games, Swimming, Athletics and Gymnastics.
Art
Art is an important part of our curriculum which is often integrated with other subject areas. We aim to give our pupils the use of a wide range of materials and techniques as well as introducing them to a variety of styles and media. In doing this we introduce them to the works of great artists as well as providing the freedom to develop their own style and approach.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Pupils are introduced to a variety of software applications and have controlled Internet access for their learning. All classes have access to networked computers, interactive whiteboards and a wide range of other software applications.
We aim to develop the confidence of all pupils in the use of ICT so that they will take ongoing responsibility for their own learning and we provide opportunities for them to decide which ICT application is appropriate to use in their work.
Music.
As well as singing, pupils engage in playing a range of percussion instruments and electric keyboards. The main aim in Music is to help pupils to enjoy being a part of a musical experience of sound and rhythm through listening and appraising.
Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education (PSHE).
Pupils will learn about themselves as developing individuals and as members of a community. They will also learn the basic rules and skills for keeping themselves healthy and safe and for behaving well. The pupils will have opportunities to show they can take some responsibility for themselves and their environment. The pupils learn about their own and other people's feelings and become aware of the views, needs and rights of other children and adults. They will develop social skills such as how to share, take turns, play, help others, resolve simple arguments and resist bullying.
At appropriate stages, the pupils will also learn about themselves as growing and changing individuals with their own experiences and ideas. They will become more mature, independent and self-confident and learn about the wider world and their role in the communities within it.
Arabic + Islamic Studies.
Specialist teachers present the Arabic lessons and the pupil follow the guidelines as set out by the Ministry of Education, giving them an opportunity to learn about the language of the United Arab Emirates. The content of the lessons is relevant to the age of the pupils, with an emphasis on listening and speaking.
Subjects – Key stage 2
English
During their years at Al Yasmina School the children will be encouraged to develop their language abilities in the four key areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The aim is to improve the pupil's fluency in using spoken and written language for a wide range of purposes and to develop their understanding and critical appreciation of the language of literature and of daily life.
Spoken language comes naturally to most children, but there is a continuing need for development and improvement. Most of the talking young children take part in at home is casual and if they forget what they wanted to say, or fail to make themselves clear, then there is usually someone who will take over. As the pupils progress through the Key Stages, it is the school's policy to encourage them to put longer and more expressive units of speech together and to select a vocabulary and a style appropriate to the occasion. Much of this is developed through Drama and Speaking and Listening activities in Literacy and English.
A vital part of growth and personal development is learning to be a good listener. Pupils are helped to handle increasingly complex speech by their teachers and just as important, they are given opportunities for group discussion, for a variety of purposes, with other pupils. They will learn to plan and carry out an activity together, or to take into account the opinions and ideas of others. The ability to read is crucial to a pupil’s progress. At Al Yasmina we seek to foster in every pupil a willingness to read for enjoyment and for information and to progress towards the ability to skim and scan textbooks and reference books for relevant information at the same time as understanding the text. The vital foundations of this process are laid in the infant years. Parents can give tremendous support to their children by demonstrating the enjoyment of reading and taking every opportunity to stress how useful reading is, whether by pointing out the signs and symbols in the street or labels in the shop or at home. It is from this positive attitude to reading at home and in the school that successful reading habits become ingrained.
A high priority is given to developing the ability of your child to learn to use English fluently and confidently, to receive and communicate facts and ideas freely with accuracy, sometimes creatively and with quality of expression. The excellent Library facility at the school will be enjoyed by all pupils and will provide an excellent learning resource.
Mathematics
The main aim of Mathematics teaching is to give the pupils the knowledge and skills to enable them to use Mathematics comfortably in everyday life. This means much more than 'doing sums' or being able to manipulate numbers and symbols, although these are important.
The pupils will be introduced to Mathematics in a practical way, using apparatus and material. The handling of Mathematics apparatus and the structured use of the immediate school environment will help the pupils gain essential concepts, whilst practising and developing skills which lead to a sound understanding of mathematical thinking and computation. At the appropriate time, the pupils learn their tables and have regular mental arithmetic tests.
Science
Science plays an important part in our curriculum. All pupils experience a broad, balanced, continuous science curriculum that covers work on living things and their environment, materials and their uses, Earth and Space, Forces and Energy. By taking part in practicals, the pupils are taught the skills of scientific investigation which include observation, planning, predicting and hypothesizing, measuring and fair testing. The attitudes necessary for good science are also taught through investigative work: - e.g. curiosity, perseverance and self-criticism.
Science work is linked closely with other areas of the curriculum, particularly mathematics, language, Information Technology and Design and Technology. The local area will be used for the safe and convenient study of birds, mini-beasts, grass, wildflowers, and small animals.
History, Geography and Social Studies
Pupils will develop their understanding of and their skills in Geography and History through class projects and individual topic work. The National Curriculum guidelines are used in the planning of the lessons. History and Geography form the core of many of our cross curricular topics and themes with UAE social studies integrated throughout.
Design Technology (DT)
The pupils are given the opportunity to work with and gain experience of, a wide range of materials and techniques. The school has a DT base with a selection of woodwork and technology equipment. The pupils are encouraged to create their own designs, plan and make those designs and to evaluate the end product.
Physical Education (PE) and Swimming
P.E., Swimming and Outdoor Games are part of the normal timetable and an important part of the National Curriculum. Parents are therefore asked to send a note to the school to inform the class teacher if, for any valid reason, their child is not able to take part in these activities, i.e. ear infection, damaged ligaments. The pupils attend Physical Education lessons in a well-equipped and spacious sports hall or outside. In addition to this, they go to swimming classes, take part in various outdoor games, field and track events. A Specialist Teacher takes the pupils for Swimming and Physical Education. In swimming the pupils are involved in development of stroke technique. The school has facilities for basketball, netball, soccer, rugby and badminton as well as various other ball games.
In Physical Education the pupils learn to control their movement in negotiating tasks with and without apparatus and to develop a sensitive awareness to the quality of body movement. Dance will give the pupil the opportunity to express ideas and emotions creatively to music. In Games, pupils will develop hand eye coordination and footwork by using a range of sports equipment so that they can participate in a variety of activities from football to tennis. The different areas of P.E are Dance, Games, Swimming, Athletics and Gymnastics.
Art
Art is an important part of our curriculum which is often integrated with other subject areas. We aim to give our pupils the use of a wide range of materials and techniques as well as introducing them to a variety of styles and media. In doing this we introduce them to the works of great artists as well as providing the freedom to develop their own style and approach.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Pupils are introduced to a variety of software applications and have controlled Internet access for their learning. All classes have access to networked computers, interactive whiteboards and a wide range of other software applications.
We aim to develop the confidence of all pupils in the use of ICT so that they will take ongoing responsibility for their own learning and we provide opportunities for them to decide which ICT application is appropriate to use in their work.
Music
Pupils engage in playing a range of percussion instruments and electric keyboards as well as singing. The main aim in Music is to help pupils to enjoy being a part of a musical experience of sound and rhythm through listening and appraising.
Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education (PSHE)
Pupils will learn about themselves as developing individuals and as members of a community. They will also learn the basic rules and skills for keeping themselves healthy and safe and for behaving well. The pupils will have opportunities to show they can take some responsibility for themselves and their environment. The pupils learn about their own and other people's feelings and become aware of the views, needs and rights of other children and adults. They will develop social skills such as how to share, take turns, play, help others, resolve simple arguments and resist bullying.
At appropriate stages, the pupils will also learn about themselves as growing and changing individuals with their own experiences and ideas. They will become more mature, independent and self-confident and learn about the wider world and their role in the communities within it.
French
French is taught throughout Key Stage 2 by the specialist French Teachers. The lessons are designed primarily to develop the pupil's listening and speaking skills. Reading and writing is included and a wide range of visual and audio stimuli are used, the emphasis being placed upon developing the pupil's confidence in speaking French.
Arabic + Islamic Studies
Specialist teachers present the Arabic lessons and the pupil follow the guidelines as set out by the Ministry of Education, giving them an opportunity to learn about the language of the United Arab Emirates. The content of the lessons is relevant to the age of the pupils, with an emphasis on listening and speaking.
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