Subject Overviews | Primary | Alice Smith School
Alice Smith School
Alice Smith School

Subject Overviews | Primary | Alice Smith School

Primary education serves as the foundational stage of formal learning for children up to age 11. This educational phase encompasses a broad curriculum designed to develop essential skills in various subjects, including mathematics, reading, writing, art, music, computing, PE and Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education. Together, these subjects create a holistic educational experience that prepares our students for future academic challenges and personal growth.

Art

Our Art curriculum encompasses a variety of artistic disciplines over six years, beginning in Year 1 with foundational skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, 3D art, and collage. Year 2 builds on these skills with a focus on refining drawing, printmaking, painting, and 3D techniques, while introducing a creative response component. From Year 3 onwards, the curriculum emphasises sketchbooks and drawing, print, colour, and collage, as well as working in 3D, paint, surface, and texture, alongside collaboration and community projects. This structured approach continues through Years 4, 5, and 6, where students deepen their skills and creativity in similar themes, fostering experimentation with materials and techniques to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the arts.

Primary Art Skills

Computing

The Computing curriculum spans six years, beginning in Year 1 with a focus on the use of technology for creation and sharing, computational thinking, and media creation. In Year 2, students delve deeper into computational thinking and coding, particularly with robot algorithms and block coding, while continuing to explore digital media. Year 3 introduces effective tools for digital presentations and touch typing, alongside coding activities like Bebras and Hour of Code, and the design and development of Dash bots and image editing. Students also learn about computer systems and networks, focusing on events and actions in block-based programming. Year 4 emphasises vector graphics, spreadsheet basics, and algorithms involving repetition in shapes, culminating in game creation and internet safety techniques. In Year 5, the curriculum covers 3D modelling, spreadsheet formulae, and selection in physical computing and quizzes. Finally, Year 6 focuses on codes and codebreaking, 3D printing, website design using HTML and CSS, an introduction to Python, and programming concepts such as repetition, selection, and variables.

Primary Computing

Design & Technology

Primary Design Technology

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious Design & Technology programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. The KLASS Design & Technology curriculum is informed by the CUSP curriculum for Design & Technology and has been contextualised for our setting as an international school in Malaysia.

Implementation

We implement this through:

  • evaluation of past and present design and technology
  • exposing students to design specific vocabulary
  • modules that enable students to develop in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection
  • lessons that activate and build upon prior learning
  • opportunities to design, make, evaluate and improve their creations allowing students to develop an understanding of design thinking and seeing their designs as a process
  • understanding design in the past by appreciating the design process that has influenced the products we use in everyday life.

Impact

For your child to:

  • develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
  • build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, vocabulary, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
  • critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
  • appreciate the concept of sustainability in design
  • understand and apply the principles of nutrition for a healthy lifestyle and learn how to cook

English - Reading

Our focus on reading cultivates strong literacy skills and a love for reading from Year 1 to Year 6. In Year 1, students focus on applying phonics to decode words, developing reading pleasure, and enhancing vocabulary and comprehension through both independent and shared reading experiences. Year 2 introduces structured reading sessions, including PM Benchmarking, guided reading with various texts such as "Paddington" and "Aesop's Fables," and thematic books like "Little People, Big Dreams." In Year 3, students engage with responsive reading and diverse literature, including "Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of the Dark" and engineering-themed stories. Year 4 emphasises poetry and narratives that promote environmental awareness and social themes, while Year 5 explores historical and imaginative texts like "Shackleton’s Journey" and "Varjack Paw." Finally, Year 6 focuses on complex themes of belonging and identity through a selection of contemporary novels and poetry, including works by Shakespeare. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of genres and styles, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of texts.

Primary English

English - Spoken Language

Primary reading

Intent 

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious spoken language programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. 

Implementation 

We implement this through:

  • regular opportunities for students to use their voice in a small group and class discussions
  • facilitating students to participate with different groups of students to present ideas
  • high level vocabulary work throughout the curriculum that is regularly modelled by the teacher
  • oral rehearsal for writing being a key part of the writing process
  • productions, performances and class assemblies

Impact 

For your child to:

  • develop into confident communicators who illuminate the goodness in each other by listening and speaking with kindness, empathy and clarity
  • recognise that speaking and listening can lie at the heart of conveying character, and that through speaking and listening effectively, misunderstandings can be addressed and relationships enhanced

English - Writing

Our writing curriculum is designed to develop students' transcription, composition, and linguistic skills from Year 1 to Year 6, focusing on writing for various purposes, including informing, entertaining, and persuading. In Year 1, students learn foundational skills in vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Year 2 emphasises sentence composition, encouraging the use of precise adjectives, adverbs, and conjunctions to enhance writing, with a focus on character descriptions, poetry, and non-chronological reports. In Year 3, students explore first-person narratives, letters of complaint, and advanced instructional writing, while also integrating performance poetry and historical narratives. Year 4 continues this progression with persuasive writing, explanatory texts, and adventure stories, alongside diary entries and news reports. In Year 5, the curriculum includes narrative writing, playscripts, biographies, and balanced arguments, while Year 6 culminates with advanced genres such as explanation texts, discursive writing, and extended narratives, all while fostering creativity and critical thinking through responsive curriculum elements. Throughout their learning, students are encouraged to refine their writing techniques and express their ideas effectively across diverse formats.

Primary library

Geography

Primary Geography and History

Intent 

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious geography programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. The KLASS geography curriculum is informed by the CUSP curriculum for geography and has been contextualised for our setting as an international school in Malaysia.

Implementation 

We implement this through:

  • modules that enable students to study in depth key geographical understanding, skills and vocabulary
  • lessons that activate and build upon prior learning
  • offering students the opportunity to develop their skills as a geographer in asking questions, planning and carrying out fieldwork, collecting and analysing information and drawing conclusions
  • opportunities to study beyond the classroom
  • growing an understanding of their local, British, national and global environment

Impact 

For your child to:

  • be aware of the world around them
  • become more aware of their and others’ impact on geographical issues and ways that they are being addressed
  • be able to apply learnt skills in real-life situations
  • develop geographical vocabulary

History

Primary Maths

Intent 

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious history programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. The KLASS history curriculum is informed by the CUSP curriculum for history and has been contextualised for our setting as an international school in Malaysia.

Implementation 

We implement this through:

  • modules that enable students to study in depth key historical understanding, skills and vocabulary
  • modules that activate and build upon prior learning, including Early Years, to ensure better cognition and retention
  • studying history chronologically where comparisons are made between different time periods and cultures
  • opportunities to develop skills as a historian by understanding chronology, undertaking enquiry, using historical evidence and making connections in their learning
  • thinking critically, using a range of sources to draw conclusions and encourage students to make connections across the curriculum, for instance, understanding how technology has been influenced and developed due to historical events or discoveries
  • including a wide range of excursions
  • growing an understanding of both British, Malaysian and world history

Impact 

For your child to:

  • be inspired to enquire about the past and the wider world.
  • become independent thinkers with the skills to question, to think critically and to analyse sources.
  • have an understanding of local and global society and how they have changed over time.
  • have an awareness of the impact that past events can have on the present and future.
  • have a broad knowledge of social issues in an evolving society

Languages

Our Language programme is designed to develop comprehensive language skills from Year 1 to Year 6, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening in multiple languages, including French, Bahasa, and Mandarin. In Year 1, students learn basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures, progressing to more complex concepts in subsequent years. Year 2 emphasises vocabulary expansion and narrative writing, while Year 3 introduces advanced grammar and punctuation. From Year 4 onwards, the curriculum enhances language proficiency through diverse topics, including personal information, weather, food, and daily routines, while incorporating cultural elements from target language countries. Each language track has specific focus areas, such as phonics, character writing, and verb conjugation, ensuring a well-rounded approach to language learning that encourages collaboration, discussion, and practical application.

Primary Modern Foreign Languages Skills

Mathematics

Mathematics follows a structured progression with each year building upon the concepts and skills learned in the previous year. In Year 1, students are introduced to place value, addition and subtraction within 10 and 20, shape, length and height, weight and volume, multiplication and division, fractions, position and direction, money, and time. Year 2 continues with place value, addition and subtraction, shape, money, multiplication and division, length and height, mass, capacity and temperature, statistics, fractions, position and direction, and time. The curriculum becomes more advanced in Year 3, covering place value, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, length and perimeter, fractions, mass and capacity, money, time, shape, and statistics. Years 4, 5, and 6 further develop these concepts while introducing new topics such as area, decimals, percentages, ratio, algebra, converting units, and volume, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of mathematical principles and their applications.

Primary Maths

Music

The Music curriculum spans six years, focusing on vocal development, rhythm, pitch, and cultural music exploration. In Year 1, students begin by finding their voices, refining singing techniques, and exploring basic rhythmic and pitch elements through activities like the "Big Sing." Year 2 builds on these foundations with more complex rhythmic patterns and introduces tuned percussion and folk dance through the "Blast Orff" program. In Year 3, students study programme music, exploring works like "Peter & the Wolf" and "Carnival of the Animals," while engaging in folk music and dance. Year 4 delves into musical cultures from South Asia and Africa, incorporating traditional dance and drumming techniques, alongside exploring major and minor scales. Year 5 focuses on ensemble performance through a band project, composition, and improvisation with junk percussion, while also introducing graphic scores. Finally, Year 6 emphasises songwriting, digital production, and the study of genres such as the blues, culminating in the creation of leaver's songs. Throughout the curriculum, students engage in practical music-making, composition, and cultural appreciation, fostering a well-rounded musical education.

Primary Music Skills

Physical Education (PE)

The Physical Education (PE) curriculum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of movement, fitness, and teamwork from Year 1 to Year 6. It begins with foundational skills such as landing, balancing, jumping, underarm throwing, running, chest passing, and catching; encouraging students to develop their physical abilities through a range of activities. As they progress, students engage in more complex skills and concepts, including the use of force in upper and lower body movements, core strength, and the importance of reflection on their performance. The curriculum incorporates a variety of sports and games, including net and wall games, badminton, and striking and fielding activities, while also emphasising performance movement, creativity, and flow in game creation. Students learn to apply their skills in game situations, enhancing their understanding of teamwork and sportsmanship. Throughout the program, there is a strong focus on developing fitness, endurance, and the ability to reflect on personal growth, fostering a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and healthy living.

Primary Sports

Science

Primary Music Skills

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious science programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. The KLASS science curriculum is informed by the CUSP curriculum for science and has been contextualised for our setting as an international school in Malaysia.

Implementation

We implement this by:

  • modules that enable pupils to study in depth key scientific knowledge, skills and vocabulary
  • lessons that activate and build upon prior learning
  • offering pupils the opportunity to develop their skills as a scientist in asking questions, planning and carrying out investigations, collecting and analysing information and drawing conclusions
  • opportunities to learn about important scientists
  • growing an understanding of global scientific issues

Impact

For your child to:

  • develop scientific discipline skills and be able to apply learnt skills in real-life situations
  • build a solid foundation in scientific knowledge
  • develop pupils’ scientific vocabulary
  • become more aware of their and others’ impact on scientific issues and ways that they are being addressed

Swimming

Primary Swimming Skills

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious swimming programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. The KLASS swimming curriculum is informed by best international practice in the field.

Implementation

We implement this by:

  • delivering broad, sequenced and progressive swimming curriculum
  • providing learning opportunities that inspire a lifelong love for swimming and a healthy lifestyle
  • nurturing all to be confident and competent learners who are able to engage in multiple water activities
  • develop and apply their character strengths to real life scenarios
  • ensuring that swimming lessons are inclusive and enjoyable 

Impact

For your child to:

  • develop a lifelong love for swimming and a healthy lifestyle 
  • become confident and competent learners who are safe in water
  • apply their character strengths to real life scenarios

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health & Education)

Our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) curriculum promotes personal growth, social awareness, and responsible decision-making through three main strands: Relationships, Health & Wellbeing, and Living in the Wider World. In Year 1, students explore topics such as global goals, safe relationships, mental health, digital citizenship, friendship, anti-bullying, physical health, diversity, and the rights of a child. The curriculum builds progressively in subsequent years, addressing age-appropriate issues and challenges while fostering emotional intelligence and social responsibility. Through interactive lessons and activities, students develop essential skills for navigating modern life, cultivating empathy, positive relationships, and a sense of global citizenship, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares them for future challenges and opportunities.

Primary Cross-Curricular Learning

Wellbeing

Primary Drama

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious Wellbeing programme that goes beyond that of the English Policy Guidance. The KLASS Wellbeing curriculum is underpinned by the principles of positive psychology. We aspire to empower all in our school community to become architects of their own health and wellbeing within an enabling environment.

Implementation

We implement this by:

  • listening to each other
  • caring for and respecting each other
  • practising kindness and gratitude
  • teaching and practising PERMAH (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, health) and character strengths through x2 weekly lessons and whole school assemblies
  • a community shared language of character strengths
  • providing a psychologically safe environment for our students to share their opinions, develop their understanding of key aspects of life and issues they may encounter
  • lessons that activate and build upon prior learning
  • opportunities to develop and use character strengths across the curriculum and in a range of special events such as sports days, talent shows, music moments
  • participation in community events

Impact

For your child to:

  • be equipped with a range of strategies to support their wellbeing
  • have emotional intelligence skills
  • be prepared to live in the wider world and make positive contributions to society
  • become courageous advocates for global citizenship
  • to contribute to a community that is actively challenges discrimination and prejudice in all its forms

Cultural Days

Chinese New Year Cultural Day

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious cultural awareness programme that celebrates the history and diversity of Malaysia and promotes global citizenship. 

Implementation

We implement this by:

  • providing extended lessons on the history of Malaysia and key festivals celebrated in the country: Malaysia Day, Deepavali, Lunar New Year, Christmas and Hari Raya
  • celebrating the history and culture of Malaysia in a multitude of ways
  • participating in community events

Impact

For your child to:

  • have an understanding of Malaysian history and culture
  • be prepared to live in the wider world and make positive contributions to society
  • become courageous advocates for global citizenship
  • contribute to a community that actively challenges discrimination and prejudice in all its forms

Islamic Studies

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious Islamic Studies programme that reflects Malaysian Government Policy Guidance.

Implementation

We implement this by:

  • providing Islamic Studies lessons to all students that are registered Muslim
  • celebrating the culture of Islam
  • participation in community events such as Hari Raya assemblies

Impact

For your child to:

  • have an understanding of Islamic religion
  • be prepared to live as a Muslim 
  • to contribute to school’s Islamic community

Note: It is a legal requirement for Malaysian Muslims to attend Islamic Studies.

Home Learning

home learning

Intent

Provide home learning to consolidate learning and support retrieval practice learning at home.

Implementation

We implement this by:

  • considering the quality of home learning over the quantity
  • using well-designed tasks that are linked to classroom learning
  • clearly setting out the aims of homework to students
  • understanding and addressing any barriers to completion, such as access to a learning device or resources
  • explicitly teaching independent learning strategies 
  • providing high-quality online home learning systems
  • monitoring the impact homework has on student engagement, progress and attainment

Impact

For your child to:

  • be able to successfully independently complete set home learning tasks
  • be supported to further their learning through home learning

Sport

Primary Sports Squads for football, swimming, athletics, basketball, and climbing aim to foster a well-rounded approach to sports, emphasising values that extend beyond the game. Selection for these squads is based on continuous observations and evaluations of students, with transitions managed sensitively and constructively. Key criteria for participation include physical skill, emotional readiness, a positive mindset and team attitude, and commitment to training and punctuality. The squads are categorised into Recreational, Developmental, and Competitive levels, each focusing on different aspects of skill development and competition intensity. Students will be invited to compete when coaches identify positive learning opportunities, with a fixture calendar shared at the start of the school year, although dates may occasionally change. To keep parents informed, our My School Portal connects to the SOCS sports fixtures platform, providing real-time updates. Our goal is to empower young athletes to excel both on and off the field.