We understand that curriculum and pedagogy are inextricably linked. Our educators meticulously consider the skills and knowledge the children should learn, the benefits of learning these skills or knowledge, and how children will learn them best. This thoughtful approach enables educators to create learning opportunities stemming from children's interests while ensuring appropriate progression, challenge, and opportunities within each phase.
We are committed to fostering a love of learning from an early age and nurturing each child's unique potential through our bespoke and innovative curriculum. Adapted to reflect our context as an international school, our curriculum is grounded in the principles of Development Matters, progressing to the Early Learning Goals and seamlessly incorporating skills and knowledge from the National Curriculum and beyond. This comprehensive and well-rounded educational framework is based on subject areas and learning behaviours, ensuring smooth transitions and continuity in learning for our students. This approach also provides our educators with a thorough understanding of the learning journey throughout the school.
The flexibility within our curriculum design grants educators the autonomy to teach specific skills from various subject areas, which can then be applied holistically, reflecting the children's interests. This approach allows us to meet the needs and next steps of each individual learner while also supporting developmentally appropriate play and inquiry-based pedagogy. Our inquiry-based, child-led approach, combined with thoughtful pedagogy and a supportive environment, ensures that each child can develop the skills and knowledge they need to become successful learners, prepared for their future and confident individuals.
Each learner at Alice Smith School is unique, and our curriculum, pedagogy, and environment reflect this individuality. Educators interact thoughtfully to extend learning, deepen understanding, and address misconceptions. Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore, and investigate topics of interest, becoming active and courageous participants in their education. Our indoor and outdoor learning environments are designed to support and enhance the learning process. Classrooms and outdoor spaces are equipped with a variety of resources that spark exploration and discovery, promoting independence and confidence. Our educators carefully curate these environments to ensure they are conducive to learning, fostering the development of critical skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Skills and knowledge are taught methodically, with ample time for children to fully transfer, practice, and independently understand what they are learning. This process ensures that children not only acquire new information but also retain and apply it effectively.
Our curriculum and pedagogy are designed to equip children with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful lifelong learners not only prepared for their future educational journey but ready to lead and inspire a better world. We emphasise the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity, which are essential skills for the 21st century.
Timetables are purposefully constructed to realise research-based, developmentally appropriate pedagogy. Learners benefit from specialist teachers who ensure a broad and balanced curriculum.
