Preschool Curriculum Overview

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework sets out core principles and age-appropriate standards that should be attained to ensure effective child learning and development:

  • Principle 1: A Unique Child
  • Principle 2: Positive Relationships
  • Principles 3: Enabling Environment

KKIS follows 7 Areas of Learning and Development for pre-Nursery (2-3 age), Nursery (age 3-4) and Reception (age 4-5) based on Early Learning Goals (ELGs) aligned with British National Curriculum standards. These areas are delivered through pre-developed lesson plans with a focus on “life skills” and project-based learning, English language and Maths. The life skills component is delivered through providing daily structure for students in the form of routines, behaviour management and self-regulation – care for belongings, eating, drinking, packing away, dressing, sleeping and toilet training.

Prime Areas (focus on fundamental development):

  1. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED)
  2. Communication and Language (CL)
  3. Physical Development (PD)

Specific Areas (introduce academic and world knowledge):

  1. Literacy (LD)
  2. Mathematics (MD)
  3. Understanding the World (UTW)
  4. Expressive Arts and Design (EAD)

Early Learning Goals: By the end of Reception, students are expected to meet specific ELGs across these areas. These goals include:

  • Development in communication and speaking.
  • Basic reading and writing skills.
  • Mathematical understanding (numbers, shapes, space).
  • Physical coordination and self-care.
  • Awareness of the environment, people, and cultures.

 

Primary Curriculum Overview

The primary school is also guided by the British Curriculum and follows the framework set out by the Pearson iPrimary Program with 10 core subjects. Project-based learning activities enhance learning and understanding by mirroring themes in the textbooks with practical problem-solving. This combined approach of academic and applied, practical experiences are embedded with 21st Century skills known as the 4Cs (see 1.8 21st Century Skills below). 

The primary school component of life skills is called PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) and is better suited to developing young adults with personal, social and interdisciplinary skills to accommodate the “real-world”. Our curriculum also reflects a spectrum of cultures and nationalities. We focus on being “internationally minded” and deliver our curriculum in an international context, preparing students as international citizens for the global community. The British Curriculum Key Stages (EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3) and learning outcomes are outlined below:

Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2)

The focus of primary learning outcomes is on building the foundations in:

  • English: Phonics, reading, writing, and oral communication.
  • Mathematics: Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction), understanding of 2D/3D shapes, and measurement.
  • Science: Basic understanding of the natural and physical world.
  • Other Subjects: History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education (PE) and other languages.

 Key Assessments:

  • Young Learners Benchmark Test: CEFR standards for speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  • School Exams: End-of-term and end-of-year exams in all subjects.
  • Phonics Screening Check (Year 1) and Key Stage 1 SATs (Year 2) in English and Mathematics.
  • Academic qualifications received after completing Key Stage 1: Students receive their Key Stage 1 SAT results and certificate of completion.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)

The curriculum broadens to include more advanced knowledge and skills:

  • English: Reading comprehension, writing structure, grammar, punctuation, spelling.
  • Mathematics: Fractions, decimals, geometry, and problem-solving.
  • Science: Investigation skills, biology, physics, and chemistry fundamentals.
  • Other Subjects: History, Geography, Art, Design and Technology, Music, PE, and other languages.

Key Assessments:

  • Young Learners Benchmark Test: CEFR standards for speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  • School Exams: End-of-term and end-of-year exams in all subjects.
  • Key Stage 2 SATs in English and Mathematics (Year 6).
  • Academic qualifications received after completing Key Stage 2: students receive Key Stage 2 SAT results which assess their proficiency and readiness for secondary education.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

This stage focuses on preparing students for the next academic milestone (GCSEs):

  • English: More advanced reading, writing (essays, analysis), and spoken language skills.
  • Mathematics: Algebra, geometry, data handling, and complex problem-solving.
  • Science: Deeper understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics.
  • Other Subjects: History, Geography, PE, Modern Foreign Languages, Art, Music, Design and Technology, and Computer Science.

Key Assessments:

  • Young Learners Benchmark Test: CEFR standards for speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  • School Exams: End-of-term and end-of-year exams in all subjects.
  • Standardised Tests: Progression Tests to measure progress.
  • Academic qualifications received after completing Key Stage 3: students receive exam results and a certificate of completion.

This stage sets the foundation for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE – Key Stage 4).