Primary School
In the primary years, children are increasingly being exposed to media and social forces in society. Our aim through our curriculum and pedagogical approach is to equip our students with the ability to explore their interests and navigate the social forces present in current society.
We embrace one of the world’s top academic curricula, the Cambridge International Assessment, and educate our students through a unique blended approach incorporating a number of pedagogical approaches such as our Character Building programme, the Montessori pedagogy, and 21st Century learning methodologies. We focus on learning with joy and much attention is given to learning the soft skills of collaboration, self-correction, and self-assessment. We seek to go beyond what students should know to what they are capable of by tapping the root of their motivation. We aim to equip students with the ability to make connections in their learning, develop intrinsic motivation, approach problem-solving enthusiastically, critically evaluate their work, and take a growth mindset in their learning practices. Through this, they learn to become confident and independent learners that take charge of their own learning.
Our Primary School is registered with the Ministry of Education of Slovakia enabling our students to transfer to any Slovak school.
- Year 2
(age 6-7) - Year 3
(age 7-8) - Year 4
(age 8-9) - Year 5
(age 9-10) - Year 6
(age 10-11)
Curriculum
At our Primary school, students are equipped with an excellent command of the English language with a strong foundation in reading, writing and comprehension, math, science, music, art, digital literacy and programming, character building, global studies, and RE. This is thanks to the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) combined with the Montessori pedagogy and our uniquely designed Character Building programme.
Cambridge International Curriculum
Key Stage 1 & 2 - Lower & Upper Primary
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) prepares students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. CAIE is part of the University of Cambridge and is recognized by the Slovak Ministry of Education. Cambridge international qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career. CAIE delivers high-quality educational programmes that can unlock learners’ potential. Their programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by subject experts, rooted in academic rigour, and reflect the latest educational research.
Mathematics & Logical Thinking
Beginning the year with inspiration, we approach the curriculum in the form of open questions that spark inquiry. We use real-life examples that bring the world of mathematics from abstract form to every day experiences, making it all the while more relevant and interesting. Rather than focusing on speed and calculus, our programme looks at developing reasoning, data analysis skills, understanding, and logic. As a result, our students are motivated and find joy in complex calculations. Math is taught first visually and in a concrete form before moving to the abstract level. This helps the child to better understand the concepts. Engaging students in visual representations of mathematics allows them to approach larger numbers and more complex calculations.
English Language
All our students follow the curriculum of English as a first language. Our goal is to educate our students to not only understand but comfortably command the English language, often at a native level. Similarly, the love of literature and reading is greatly supported. Building on the education from our Kindergarten, our students begin Primary school with a command of the English language and during their time at our Primary school, we are pleased that all our students reach English fluency.
Science & Environmental Education
"How does the green roof above our school work?", "What does this insect eat?", “What can I do about air pollution?”
Children by nature are curious and inquisitive and our programme channels their inner curiosity to learn about the world around them. Our science curriculum focuses on developing an understanding of the workings of the world, nurturing an eye for observation and attention to detail, and helping children develop into young scientific inquirers.
Alongside the Cambridge science curriculum, part of our programme explores topics related to the environment and the current climate crisis, through thorough discussions and understanding robust scientific research as well as presentations and inspiring guest speakers. The goal is to spark scientific interest and create awareness around important topics that are becoming more and more relevant to our society.
By approaching science education through current and real-life examples such as alternative sources of energy, air pollution, weather, and climate change or wastewater management, we can connect the learning in the classroom to wider discoveries, the current needs of society and help children understand the practical implications of what they are learning. Rather than simply reading about scientific phenomena, we ensure our students are able to experiment and use their senses to touch, see, hear and truly experience the world around them to create memorable experiences and deep understanding.
Environmental Education
In recent years we have implemented a thorough environmental education programme throughout our Kindergarten and Primary school. In the secondary years, our students build on their previous knowledge and awareness. Similarly, the presence of our certified natural garden means our students have the space to observe minibeasts, pond life, and a wide array of flora that is often difficult to find and observe in the city. The interdisciplinary approach towards sustainable education and science education equips our students with a practical and intellectual understanding.
Computer Science (Robotics, Coding & Programming)
We make sure that our students are at the forefront of science and technology and developing essential 21st-century skills. Many of the activities that they experience are developing engineering, technical and robotic skills. This is an opportunity to learn how to find solutions through innovative ways, coding, working in teams, and learning through play. Our curriculum includes lego robotics, foundations in coding, and programming fundamentals. Technology is not used as a separate lesson only but implemented throughout our interdisciplinary curriculum. Students are comfortable using technology purposefully in all other aspects of their learning. Much attention is given to understanding the safe use of technology.
Character Building & Global Awareness
Developing good character is at the forefront of our minds. We frequently have systematic discussions with students to analyze and discuss virtues such as kindness, cleanliness, friendship, courtesy, and honesty and explore what that translates to in knowledge and practice. The aim is for the children to learn that they are all members of one big family and wellbeing is relational; therefore, in order to be truly happy, we must support the happiness of others. Our uniquely designed Character Building programme engages our students in intriguing discussions, builds a global understanding, develops their power of expression, and develops their moral framework and identity as future agents of change.
Primary School
Nurturing logical minds, critical thinkers, and kind hearts.
Pedagogical Approach
We have merged the Montessori approach with the Cambridge Primary curriculum and our uniquely designed Character Building programme. Our classrooms are filled with beautiful and attractive resources to satisfy the children's need for discovery and learning. The small group sizes enable our students to each have ample quality time with their teachers and facilitate the formation of strong friendships and relationships.
Interactive & Hands-on Learning - Montessori
The Montessori approach recognises that every child learns in a different way and at their own pace. Our teachers create a learning programme that is specific to the needs and interests of each child. Our prepared classroom environments are specially designed to encourage children to actively participate in their learning.
Our Primary programme is consolidated by the rich Montessori approach with subjects such as zoology, history, and space. Montessori materials are always present to stimulate curiosity, to discover other ways to understand a concept, to consolidate learning or to facilitate the absorption of abstract concepts. Children begin their learning journey with a love of learning and we make every effort to maintain and nourish that and not undermine it with external motivation.
Individual Learning Plans & Daily Set-up
Our teachers provide our students with encouragement and love, supporting them through their learning journey. There is daily scheduled set up for the student, after careful observation and planning with the student, which allows for uninterrupted work and enables deep concentration. Through this approach our students are exposed to many interrelated topics, which get repeated over time, helping to cement a breadth of knowledge and understanding. Consequently, our students learn to plan, manage the pace of their work to meet needs and deadlines, and take responsibility with the aid of their teachers.
Transdisciplinary 21st Century Learning
21st Century Learning demands more than a classical school curriculum subject base. There is a requirement to see the bigger picture and to implement transdisciplinary learning. Our team has the understanding that the workplace has changed, and that there is a need to shift education to focus on these needs. So we provide our students with tools to respond to their inner drives, to materialise their ideas, to strive for the joy of following one interest, and to become in charge of their own education. We believe in offering an education that is respectful of all students and their learning process and that enthusiastically supports them with encouragement and love. Through the presence of inspiring professionals and many role models, we offer our students continuous stimulation and encourage a growth mindset.