Primary

In the Primary School, we embrace the three pillars of BISR: Wellbeing, Academics and Co-curricular, seeking to provide world class learning experiences, in a diverse and nurturing environment, where students excel and flourish. Our REACH motto is a core aspect of our academic and pastoral provision and helps children develop holistically to become the best versions of themselves. REACH represents: Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Challenge and Happiness and provides a values-based thread which runs throughout the children’s day-to-day lives.

There are three phases to children’s Primary School education: Foundation Stage (3-5 years); Key Stage 1 (5-7 years) and Key Stage 2 (7-11 years). Strong pastoral support and rigorous continuity and progression across the curriculum supports the children in making seamless transitions between these phases of the school and into Year 7, whether this is the BISR Senior School or overseas.

In support of the importance of play and active learning, facilities support continuous provision inside and outside the classroom, particularly with the younger year groups. The Primary School is very well-resourced, including interactive screens in all classrooms. School-supplied iPads are available in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. We operate a BYOD programme in Years 3-6, with students responsible for bringing their own iPads to school. Mobile banks of Macbooks are available for students when appropriate. 

The students enjoy small classes of up to 20 students in Foundation Stage (FS 1 and FS 2) and 24 students per class in Years 1-6. Class Teachers and Teaching Assistants support children’s learning across the Primary School, with increasing use of expert knowledge provided by subject specialist teachers as the children get older. There is a well-staffed Learning Support Department based at Al Hamra, which helps students with specific learning needs, such as SEND and EAL, with designated support roles at the other sites. Teachers are very well qualified, experienced and up to date with current research and thinking on best teaching and they have ongoing training opportunities to further develop their skills.

Our youngest learners in FS 1 and 2 follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. Staff provide rich learning experiences and warm caring relationships to ensure every child’s unique characteristics are recognised and built upon to develop resilient, resourceful, capable and confident learners. Rich opportunities help develop children across seven, inter-connected areas of learning. These include the three prime areas of Communication and Language, Physical Development and Social and emotional development; as well as the four specific areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the world and Expressive Arts and Design. The Foundation Stage is an exciting time for our children, their families and our staff, as the children lay down the foundations for their future success.

Within Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2) children build on the learning from the Foundation Stage, with a rich variety of experiences in their classrooms, the outdoor classroom and shared spaces. The children are encouraged to continue exploring, developing curiosity and working independently and in pairs, small groups and whole class settings. Physical development, Social and emotional development remain key focuses, alongside learning in literacy, mathematics, science, history, geography, design technology and arts along with computing skills. The levels of self-regulation, independence and intrinsic motivation are key features of learning in this stage. 

In Key Stage 2: Years 3-6 students enjoy a rich programme of English, mathematics, and follow 4-6 units of work each year that facilitate the learning of important knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding, These units integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) as well as the humanities (interculturalism, history and geography). The units are rich, engaging and relevant in developing competencies such as curiosity, critical thinking, evaluation, reflection, teamwork and collaboration. All units are underpinned by the English National Curriculum Standards.

 Subjects taught:

• English

• Mathematics 

• Integrated Study Units (include STEAM: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, as well as the humanities: interculturalism, geography and history)

• PHSE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)

Specialist Teachers deliver world-class learning in:

• Physical Education (including Swimming)

• Performing Arts (Music, drama and dance)

• Arabic

• World languages French and Spanish in Years 5-6

Knowing what our children can understand and what they can do at any given moment is fundamental to planning for their future learning and progress. We assess the children continually, formatively within lessons and summatively, in a range of low stakes ways. We also use quizzes and other strategies to help children regularly retrieve learning from their long term memories and strengthen their neural pathways. We are committed to not creating a ‘test culture’ in the Primary School, in support of optimal learning and student wellbeing. We report termly to parents and there are opportunities during the year for teachers and parents to discuss the children’s learning and wellbeing.

We are committed to providing a warm and caring environment for our children in the Primary School. Class and Subject Teachers integrate the latest thinking and research on student wellbeing and mental health into day-to-day life, to enable our children to develop respect for themselves and others, and resilience and a growth mind-set in all that they do. We highly value our learning community, including the teacher-student and the home-school relationship, in creating a strong network of support for our children. There is a Counsellor who specifically supports Primary School children and families with their pastoral needs based at the Al Hamra site. The Counsellor works with children from the other sites based upon their needs and as appropriate.

The School week is Sunday to Thursday with Friday and Saturday being the weekend. We have an open-door policy, so parents are warmly welcome to pick up and drop off at the classroom door, enabling those informal chats in support of a strong home/school relationship. Parents tend to drop off their youngest children at school, whilst some of our older students in Primary choose to walk or cycle to school. Our FS 1 children finish early, at 12.15 hrs, with an extended day available until 13:45 hrs when a child is mutually considered ready for the longer day.

Our Activities  programme runs throughout the week which enhances our children’s broader education. Each year group will typically organise 3-4 excursions per year. A highlight of the year for youngest learners in FS 1 and FS 2 are the Campfire nights held at school. In Key Stage 1, these Campfire nights are uplevelled with the vast majority of children opting to sleep over at the School for the night! 
Students in Years 3 and upwards are expected to take part in our residential camps currently two days and one night in Years 3-4, and three days and two nights in Years 5-6. The Outdoor Learning team organises a programme of optional trips each year for Key Stage 2 children and above these include skiing, Premier League and Performing Arts in the UK, and adventure camps in North Wales, and the United Arab Emirates. In short, there is something for everyone!