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Curriculum Information

International School Primary Curriculum

The International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands aims to provide a broad and well balanced academic and social programme, based on the British National Curriculum for children from 1 to 12 years of age.

We aim to enhance our primary school curriculum with experiences drawn from our wonderful natural environment within the Turks and Caicos Islands and from the experiences of our international community.

We strive to provide a differentiated curriculum that meets the varied needs of all children, within a caring, happy and stimulating environment. We aim to adapt our curriculum to meet regional needs.

The International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands encourages enquiry and investigative learning. We promote an active awareness of our multicultural environment and encourage the holistic development of our future World citizens.

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International School Curriculum

Your child’s time at school is divided into phases that are known as Nursery, Preschool, Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1, 2 and 3:

 

The curriculum is divided into core and foundation subjects as follows:

  • Core Subjects: Mathematics, English and Science
  • Foundation Subjects: Geography, History, ICT, Art and Design, Design Technology, Physical Education, Music, Spanish, French, Drama and Citizenship

The Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage is a stage of education for children aged from 3 to the end of the reception year. This stage presents a progression of learning skills throughout the Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten (Reception) classes.

 

Key Stages

  • Key Stages 1 and 2 provide a progression of concepts and skills that together complete the primary years
  • Key Stage 1 covers the programme of education for our Grades 1 & 2 children
  • Key Stage 2 covers the programme of education for Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • Key Stage 3 covers the Middle School Grades 7, 8 and 9

The curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2 further develops the independent learning skills, knowledge and understanding gained in The Foundation Stage. Each child at every level is encouraged to take greater responsibility for personal targets set. The National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies are employed as strong benchmarks for the successful delivery of these two core subjects.

Great consideration is given to our regional needs within teacher planning and all children are encouraged to understand how our locality relates to the rest of the world, thinking and enquiring as future world citizens. Children are encouraged to develop self-motivation and encouraged to capture ‘Excellence and Enjoyment’.

Go to Key Stage 1
Go to Key Stage 2
Go to Key Stage 3

Testing / Assessment

International School Primary Curriculum

End of Key Stage 1 Standard Attainment Tests (SATs) in Mathematics and English are administered. At the end of Key Stage 2, SATs are administered in Mathematics, English and Science. Optional tests are also administered to Grades 3, 4 and 5.

Tests are set and provided by Qualifications and Curriculum Development Authority (QCDA) and the results, when combined with ongoing teacher assessments, will determine each pupil’s level of achievement in the core subjects.

Standardized testing is used for all children in Grade 1 and above; these assessments are made in Term 3.

Reading Accuracy and Reading Comprehension is tested using NARA2 – Neale Analysis of Reading Ability  (GL Assessment)

Spelling Accuracy – Single Word Spelling Test (GL Assessment)

 

International School Policies

School policies are an essential part of every school. Our school has a wide variety of policies, aimed towards providing the best possible care for anyone who visits or attends our school. If you require further information on any of the items shown in this section or would like to discuss our other policies, please contact the school and we will do our best to help. More International School Policies.

Homework Policy

Homework given to students should reinforce what they have been taught in school. Homework is a valuable part of the curriculum.  Please refer to our Homework Policy for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

The potential benefits of Homework are: 

  • Revision
  • Consolidation
  • Extension
  • Reinforcement of learning
  • Development of independence in learning
  • Time management practice
  • Communication between home and school
  • Parental input

Frequency/Amount of Homework for each Year Group

  • Senior Kindergarten – Homework is not mandatory at this age, but it should be noted that children who spend time at home with their parents, reading and engaged in fun learning activities, will make faster progress than their peers, as well as knowing that their parents value and support their learning.
  • Grade 1 – 10 minutes every night
  • Grade 2 – 20 minutes every night
  • Grade 3 – 30 minutes every night
  • Grade 4 – 40 minutes every night
  • Grade 5 – 50 minutes every night
  • Grade 6 – 60 minutes every night

Homework may consist of:

  • Practicing their spelling words daily
  • Reading
  • Practice multiplication tables
  • Reading comprehension exercises
  • Big writing talk with their parents
  • Related numeracy exercises

Additional Support

Parents and visitors to our site can peruse an overview of the curriculum content for each grade level in the accompanying pages.

  • The Foundation Stage – Junior Kindergarten (Nursery) & Senior Kindergarten (Reception)
  • Key Stage 1 (KS1) – Grades 1 and 2 (Years 1 and 2)
  • Key Stage 2 (KS2) – Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 (Years 3 – 6)

To find out more about the learning objectives detailed throughout Key Stages 1 and 2, visit the following useful websites: