Subject Overviews | Primary | Alice Smith School

Intent 

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious art programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. The KLASS Art curriculum is informed by the CUSP curriculum for Art & Design.

Implementation 

We implement this through:

• teaching art specific vocabulary
• exposing students to a diverse range of artists
• engaging students in a range of skill based activities with a variety of materials and media
• giving students the opportunities to experience art outside the classroom
• modules that activate and build upon prior learning

Impact 

For your child to:

• have a raised cultural capital
• be able to understand and use art specific vocabulary
• have mastery of a range of artistic skills
• foster a love of the creative process
• be inspired

Intent

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

Implementation

We implement this through:

• teaching vocabulary relating to fundamental principles and concepts of computer science
• problem solving skills to enable pupils to become competent users of information and communication technology
• in depth experiences, key computational understanding and digital skills
• modules that activate and build upon prior learning
• exposure to all aspects of digital citizenship

Impact

For your child to:

• access computing tools and programmes confidently
• problem solve using technology
• know how to be safe online and when using 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

Intent

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

Implementation 

We implement this through:

• modules that are designed based on the latest research around explicit vocabulary instruction, reading fluency and key comprehension strategies
• a daily diet of excellent reading teaching
• regular opportunities to engage with shared reading experiences, promoting the joy of reading with the whole school community
• a clear structure that ensures that teaching is progressive, challenging and engaging 
• a rich, varied literature spine that reflects the diversity of our context. Thus enabling every child to see themselves in the core texts and engage with experiences beyond their own field of reference

Impact 

For your child to:

• become fluent, confident readers
• become critical readers
• engage with a wide variety of texts
• develop a lifelong passion for reading
• develop a rich and ambitious vocabulary

Phonics

We understand that systematic, synthetic phonics is core component of teaching young students to read, developing the skills they need to tackle reading new words. We follow the Read Write Inc Phonics programme to ensure consistency across the school. 

In Preschool, we concentrate on developing students' speaking and listening skills and this lays the foundations for the phonic work which starts in Reception. The emphasis in Preschool is to get students attuned to the sounds around them and ready to begin developing oral blending and segmenting skills, prior to GPC.

In Reception, phonological awareness continues but students are introduced to Set 1 sounds where they will develop GPC and segmenting and blending skills to decode words. 

In Key Stage 1, students move through Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3 sounds ensuring that they master the alternative GPCs, can confidently decode more complex words, develop their fluency and can apply rules for spelling.

Phonics is taught four times weekly in discrete lessons, however, we firmly believe that for Phonics to be most effective, it must be embedded across all areas of the curriculum and strive to make links wherever possible. We are committed to ensuring that all students become fluent readers by the end of Key Stage One.

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

Intent

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

Implementation 

We implement this through:

• modules that are designed based on the latest research where taught content draws from history, geography and science as well as the literature spine
• carefully considered subject knowledge that can be rehearsed and taught in order to be applied to meaningful extended outcomes
• a daily diet of excellent writing teaching/instruction
• building on prior learning and maximising purposeful curriculum connections to become writers for life
• spelling, punctuation and grammar being taught both directly and discreetly

Impact

For your child to:

• enjoy the writing process
• become confident writers who can express themselves with clarity across the curriculum and beyond
• develop a rich and ambitious vocabulary to use in their writing
• spell words with increasing accuracy
• form a fluent and legible style of handwriting

Handwriting

Handwriting is taught using the programme, Teach Handwriting. Students learn pre-cursive handwriting in Year 1 moving to cursive handwriting in Year 2. In Key Stage 2, they continue to develop their speed, fluency and presentation of handwriting.

Spelling

Spelling is taught systematically, with links constantly made across the curriculum to reinforce learning.

In Reception and Year One, we have mapped out the Tier One, high frequency and common exceptions words we expect students to learn and use in their writing.

From Year Two and beyond, we use the CUSP Spelling Programme. CUSP Spelling is a systematic and agile programme where students are taught to spell in a balanced and progressive way. The underpinning principles include:

• spelling concepts
• pattern seeking
• high volume engagement with print
• systematic revisiting
• spelling and word meaning intrinsically linked

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

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

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious Languages programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum, where your child has the opportunity to study Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin or French. It will enable them to learn to communicate effectively in another language as well as understanding people from another culture. It will also provide a sound base for further language studies.

Implementation

We implement this through:

• a sequenced and progressive curriculum, based on the latest lexicogrammar research and which encompasses Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Intercultural skills
• modules that enable students to study in depth key language knowledge, skills and vocabulary
• modules that activate and build upon prior learning
• opportunities to grow as a linguist by applying new language skills to practical scenarios
• the development of an understanding of the culture associated with the language of study

Impact

For your child to:

• develop a lifelong love for languages
• become confident communicators, linguistically equipped with the skills needed for a successful international future
• adopt an open-minded and respectful approach towards other cultures and speakers of other languages

When your child progresses to Secondary School they will continue learning the first language from Primary School and also learn a second Language from the four languages on offer.

'One-school’ Languages Structure

To meet the Ministry of Education requirements if Malaysian students choose Mandarin or French, they must take part in our 'Essential Bahasa' programme and attend a Bahasa Malaysia compulsory lesson every week.

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious Mathematics programme of study that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. Your child will develop a deep, long-lasting and adaptable understanding of mathematical procedures. Your child have the opportunity to master concepts before moving to the next part of the curriculum sequence, allowing no one to be left behind. 

Implementation

We implement this through:

• following a cumulative curriculum, with spaced repetition of topics throughout and between years, to return to key concepts and ensure that they are deeply embedded and understood, and can be flexibly applied in a range of contexts
• spending significant time developing deep knowledge of the key ideas that are needed to underpin future learning
• building effective assessment into our curriculum design to ensure that learning is happening
• identifying difficulties or misconceptions and prioritising early interventions; we believe in ‘keeping up, not catching up’
• building intelligent practice into lessons: reinforcing students' procedural fluency and conceptual understanding in tandem; each supports the development of the other
• helping students to learn key facts such as multiplication tables and number bonds to automaticity to avoid cognitive overload in the working memory and enable students to focus on new concepts
• teaching reasoning and problem-solving skills explicitly and enabling our students to use these skills to explore problems in a real life context
• guiding mathematical discussions using precise and varied vocabulary to assist learners in making their thinking clear to themselves as well as others
• teaching explicit vocabulary to enable students to present mathematical justifications, arguments, or proof
• following the long term scheme of learning and calculation policies* from White Rose Maths to ensure an appropriate progression of skills as students advance through the school. Teachers use this flexibly, adapting classroom practice to meet the needs of their learners, informed by regular and effective assessment
• using a combination of concrete resources (using physical manipulatives such as counters, numicon, or real-life objects), pictorial representations (number lines, bar models, ten frames) and abstract methods (using algorithms or calculation methods) to help students develop more efficient methods as they progress on their learning journey

Impact

For your child to:

• develop a love of mathematics, encouraged by the belief that through working hard at maths they can succeed
• become confident and resilient learners who embrace challenge and enjoy an exciting journey of discovery and understanding
• be confident in applying their knowledge to real life contexts and making links between different strands of mathematics, enabling them to develop an appreciation of the power and wonder of maths
• achieve high levels of success in mathematics
• develop deep learning that can be sustained and built upon

Note: * Calculation Policies for Addition & Subtraction and Multiplication & Division.

Intent

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

Implementation

We implement this by:

• teaching a cumulative curriculum in which concepts are experienced, made explicit, revisited, reinforced and built upon in a range of contexts throughout Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
• singing, playing, composing, improvising and listening within a wide variety musical genres and cultural contexts
• planning and delivering modules that enable students to study in-depth key musical skills and vocabulary, including the elements of music
• providing a wide range of performance opportunities, including Music Moments (solo) and class performances (ensemble)

Impact

For your child to:

• enjoy and participate in music in as many ways as they choose - listening, creating or performing
• dissect music and its parts
• sing tunefully with self-awareness and with confidence
• access and develop transferable skills through music performance, including but not limited to a sense of achievement, increased self-confidence, interaction with and awareness of others, and self-reflection

As well as the core school based music curriculum, the school offers a wide range of peripatetic music lessons, see the Music website for further information.

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious Physical Education (PE) & swimming programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. The KLASS curriculum is informed by best international practice in the field and have been contextualised for our setting as an international school in Malaysia.

Implementation

We implement this by:

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

Impact

For your child to:

• develop a lifelong love for physical activity and a healthy lifestyle 
• become confident and competent learners and engage in multiple physical activities
• develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills
• apply their character strengths to real life scenarios

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

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

Intent

To deliver a high-quality, ambitious PSHE programme that goes beyond that of the English national curriculum. The KLASS PSHE curriculum is informed by the statutory content of the English PHSE and RSE curriculum as relevant to our context in Malaysia.

Implementation

We implement this by:

• explicit exposure to PSHE knowledge, skills and vocabulary
• lessons that enable students to develop their emotional intelligence and knowledge across the core areas of PSHE: Living in the Wider World, Relationships, Health & Mental Wellbeing, plus Global Citizenship
• lessons that activate and build upon prior learning
• opportunities to develop PSHE knowledge and skills then apply them in a range of independent activities such as student leadership, student council, completion of the Alice Smith Bronze, Silver, Gold and Year 6 Challenge awards
• participation in day and residential trips
• community projects and service learning

Impact

For your child to:

• be equipped with a range of safeguarding tools
• be able to name, understand and manage emotions
• have emotional intelligence skills
• have an understanding of the physical and mental changes that occur to them throughout their primary journey and into adolescence
• 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

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

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

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.

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