UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD
In our "Understanding the World" curriculum, students are encouraged to explore, observe, and learn about their immediate surroundings and community through topic work. They gain knowledge about people, places, and different cultures. Additionally, students are introduced to the basics of technology and learn foundational programming skills using digital tools such as computers, iPads, and Beebots.
Strong attention is also given to Music, Art, Drama, and Physical Education, for every student throughout the School. These are important subjects in the development and enhancement of both practical accomplishments and selfconfidence.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS AND DESIGN
In Expressive Arts and Design, students are given the chance to explore and develop their creative abilities through various activities, including art, craft, music, movement, storytelling, and imaginative play. They have access to a wide range of tools and materials, encouraging them to express their ideas freely and creatively. This hands-on approach helps nurture their artistic expression and creativity.
Mathematical Development
Maths at our school is hands-on and practical. Students explore numbers through rhymes, stories, and everyday activities. They learn to count, sort, compare, and use mathematical language, while beginning to recognise numbers, understand basic operations, and solve simple problems.
We build strong reading skills by helping students understand how books work and enjoy their meaning. They learn letter names and sounds starting with those in their own name along with the difference between upper and lower case. Students begin to read simple words and sentences through a mix of phonics and whole-word recognition, forming a solid foundation for literacy.
Students develop writing skills by learning correct letter formation starting with their own names and gradually progress to writing familiar words, building confidence and independence.
LITERACY
Literacy is taught through the Jolly Phonics program, making learning fun with songs, stories, and actions for each sound. Our curriculum follows the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage, covering seven key areas of learning.
Acquisition of language is valued as a key to promoting wider learning. By providing a stimulating environment for them, students are motivated to think about their experiences. Opportunities are created for students to express themselves confidently, and skills are nurtured which enable them to communicate fully through speech and in writing.
We prioritise language development through activities that build strong speaking and listening skills. All students are valued equally, and we promote a respectful understanding of diversity. In Reception, Modern Greek is introduced through songs and games, making learning enjoyable and inclusive.
COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE
At our school, we nurture a welcoming, collaborative environment where students feel confident to explore, persevere, and grow. We encourage independence, decision-making, and mutual support, helping children develop both socially and emotionally. Our approach values effort as much as achievement, promoting self-care, personal responsibility, and respect for themselves, others, and the world around them.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
We support the development of fine motor skills through safe, hands-on use of tools and materials like pencils, scissors, paint, and clay, encouraging growing control and confidence. To build gross motor skills, students engage in imaginative movement, coordinated play, and the use of both small and large equipment all with a focus on safety. We also offer opportunities for music and movement, while helping children learn about health, well-being, and self-care.
PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
At our school, we foster a welcoming, collaborative environment where students feel confident to explore, persevere, and grow. We encourage independence, decision-making, and mutual support, helping children develop both socially and emotionally. Our approach values effort as much as achievement, promoting self-care, personal responsibility, and respect for themselves, others, and the world around them.
The curriculum is carefully developed within the recommendations of the National Curriculum for England. In the Early Years School your child will begin with the Pre-Nursery class and then attend Nursery, Pre-Reception class, and finally the Reception class. In the Early Years School, each class is staffed with a qualified Teacher and a full-time Learning Support Assistant (LSA). In Pre-Nursery and Nursery, there is a Teacher supported by two assistants, while in Pre-Reception and Reception, each class has a Teacher and one assistant. Teachers provide a range of activities appropriate to their students’ abilities and backgrounds. A carefully integrated, broad and balanced curriculum provides a sound basis for learning, starting with the core areas of literacy and numeracy. The Early Years School Curriculum is completed in four years starting at Pre-Nursery and ending with Reception.
The Early Years curriculum is divided into seven areas of learning. These are interlinked and cannot be separated into subjects, therefore, teachers ensure that the planning and structure of the day is one that will equally fulfil and achieve a high level of expectations that meet all the students’ needs throughout the day. Lessons are primarily student-led; however, some lessons can be adult-directed and more focused. Each period is 40 minutes in duration.
Early Years Curriculum
The Early Years School is registered with the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth in Cyprus as a “different type” school. Students may join the School provided they have reached the age of 2, before 1st September of the school year, where they learn through play in a caring and friendly environment. In our Early Years School, English is the language of instruction and students learn to develop manual dexterity and motor skills. They also learn letter and number recognition, sorting and grouping, as well as enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. By Reception, skills involved within the areas of learning such as reading or mathematics are further developed and students’ social skills are enhanced. The staff ensure that there is a wide variety and balance of activities within a happy, enjoyable, orderly and stimulating setting.
Foundations of Learning Through Play in a Nurturing Environment
