Year 1 Curriculum

As a British International School, we teach the English National Curriculum in Years 1 to 9. Our teaching is challenging and differentiated to ensure all students are engaged and make excellent progress in learning, yet also have fun. Research proves that children learn best when they are happy and feel safe - at St Chris everything we do is research-backed to ensure our approach is world-class, has maximum impact and is always at the forefront of innovation. Our learners enjoy a sense of personal achievement, which is celebrated by all.

Year 1 provides a well-planned and resourced curriculum which takes each child’s learning forward through a continuous provision approach. We regard the acquisition of the core skills of reading, writing and maths essential and plan the teaching programme carefully for continuity and progression. Our children continue to follow the ELS (Essential Letters and Sounds) phonics programme and this supports their reading. Children read regularly at school with the teacher, the teaching assistant and a range of other volunteers. They are also encouraged to read regularly at home and record the details in their reading journals. 

Children are encouraged to develop their written skills through a range of activities. They focus on letter formation, developing sentence structure and the spacing of words. A practical approach to maths is encouraged and the children use a range of manipulatives to give them a solid understanding of number and place value.  In year 1 the children are taught by specialist teachers in PE (physical education) and music. The Arabic teaching programme also formally begins in Year 1 and the children begin learning the Arabic language in line with the Ministry of Education's curriculum. The level and number of lessons that the children receive will be based on their ability and nationality.