Kindergarten through Grade 4

The curriculum in the Lower School, Grades K-4, is aligned with the AERO (American Education Reaches Out) Standards, which include Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Math and English Language Arts Standards. These standards challenge students to develop key skills that will transfer to multiple learning experiences. Our content-rich curriculum draws on topics from the Core Knowledge Sequence™ and exposes students to people, places, and literature from around the globe. Students develop a respect and love for learning while acquiring the strong basic skills and knowledge that they will need to continue their own education. Students are active participants in their learning journeys. They develop the skills necessary to reflect on their learning, provide feedback to others, and set goals. It is our intention to offer a full and well-rounded program in academic subjects and the creative arts. Teachers explain each grade’s curriculum at Open House and are available to discuss the curriculum with parents on an individual basis.

The Lower School curriculum focuses on teaching specific developmental skills within four core subjects: language arts (reading, writing, spelling, listening, and speaking), mathematics, science, and social studies. Subjects are often taught in an integrated manner, for example, reading historical fiction that encompasses goals from both the reading and history curricula.

The Reading curriculum offers a full range of phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, study skills, listening, and speaking activities. Students read various genres, including stories, poems, plays, folk tales, fables, biographies, and nonfiction. Foundational reading strategies and skills are explicitly taught and modeled. Our reading program, the classroom library collections, and the school library collections are continuously maintained to encourage students to read books with diverse perspectives, places, and people. Reading instruction is scheduled every day, and reading skills are strengthened and reinforced in all of the other subject areas. Students are encouraged to read independently for their own enjoyment in addition to reading during instructional time.

Through the Writing curriculum, students write and share their pieces with peers and teachers. The focus is on the “child as author,” and writing development is steady. Students are taught how to generate ideas and to organize and enhance ideas by using transitions and vivid details. Foundational skills such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary are explicitly taught. Writing instruction and practice occur through every subject in the curriculum, allowing students to practice and reinforce their learning in multiple ways.

The Lower School Mathematics curriculum is based on the belief that students need to build solid conceptual understanding through rich problem-solving opportunities. We use the Eureka Math program in Grade K-4. Students learn the “why” and “how” behind mathematical concepts through exploration, instruction, hands-on activities, and problem-solving. To become effective problem solvers, children also need a solid foundation in basic facts and skills, not only understanding them but also developing fluency with them. During math lessons, children are given ample opportunities for extra practice, reinforcement, and enrichment when appropriate. Problem-solving is emphasized in all grades. Where possible, mathematics skills are reinforced and applied in other subject areas, particularly in science.

The Science curriculum focuses on four major areas: Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Engineering and Design. The curriculum acts as a continuum; lessons in each consecutive year build on what has been taught the previous year. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) promote a three-dimensional approach to science. Our students learn science in a well-equipped science room, as well as in the classroom and outside on our extensive campus. Students enjoy hands-on experiments and learning through observation. A systematic approach to exploring science combines the scientific method with content knowledge and provides essential building blocks for deeper scientific understanding.

The Social Studies curriculum has an especially strong link to the School’s mission, particularly with developing global citizens. Each grade’s curriculum includes world history, European history, and US history with topics drawn from the Core Knowledge Sequence™. Students are led to make current and local connections to the concepts and content taught. Geography and mapping skills are taught and applied in each unit of learning. We are often able to use our advantageous position here in England to take field trips that promote students’ understanding and enhance their learning.

Field Trips: Our unique geographic position allows us access to superb field trips on our doorstep. Field trips may include the Natural History Museum, Painshill Park, the Tate Modern, Theatre Royal Windsor, the Royal Academy, the Science Museum, Bockett’s Farm, Chertsey Museum, Polka Children’s Theatre, and many others. The Grade 4 overnight history trip to Canterbury in the spring develops greater independence as the students transition to Middle School.

We aim to closely align field trips with the curriculum. These trips are scheduled to enhance instruction and are considered a vital part of the overall program. Additionally, our annual, whole-school trip to a pantomime play brings the Lower School community together and showcases a classic, fun British tradition.