Primary School
At The American Academy Primary School there exists a welcoming family atmosphere of warmth, security, trust and friendliness. Our aim is to bring out the best in every child and we are committed to nurturing positive attitudes and respect.
The time your child will spend in primary education is exciting, challenging, rewarding and joyous. It is, after all, the most important period of your child's life as well as in the life of your family. We want our children to enjoy school, to be happy, to have self-esteem and to develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. We acknowledge children as individuals with differing strengths and needs and we support them to achieve their full potential, guiding them to give of their best by appreciating what they do well and helping them to see how they could do better.
Children's educational outcomes are maximised wherever parents are actively involved in the school and so we strive to forge solid partnerships between children, teachers and parents, enabling them to actively participate together for a positive educational outcome. We work to give children a thorough grounding in basic skills; to develop a lively interest and curiosity about the world in which they live and to develop a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their life.
Key Stage 1
This stage comprises of the first two years of Primary School. Children between the ages of 5 and 7 will study the Core Curriculum subjects which are: English, Mathematics, Science and Greek for Natives.
Other Foundation Curricular subjects include: Special Greek for non natives, Geography, History, Personal, Social and Health Education, Religious Education, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Music, Art, Physical Education, Dance & Movement and Greek for foreigners.
Key Stage 2
This stage is the final four years of Primary School. The same subjects are taught as in Key Stage 1, with the addition of French, in which children from year 4 and upwards study.
Specialist teachers are employed to teach Greek, French, Music, ICT and Physical Education.
We also provide an excellent learning support system for pupils who require extra help.
Core Subjects
Literacy
LITERACY AT THE AMERICAN ACADEMY is based on the National Literacy strategy and Framework as developed and promoted by British DfES.
Every week children from Y1 - Y6 cover the whole range of literacy skills, reading a variety of literature from non fiction to fiction, writing in a range of styles, from advertisements to creative writing and honing in on their grammar, punctuation and comprehension skills.
An assortment of teaching styles are used within each lesson, children are given the opportunity to work as a whole class, in a group and independently. This allows them to develop the invaluable skill of working democratically in a group, to be able to take turns when working together as a whole class and to have the confidence and initiative to complete their work independently and successfully.
Our Literacy Policy includes vital listening and speaking skills as well as reading and being able to write in various forms with thoughtfulness and computation.
Numeracy
Mathematics is all around us, we use it unconsciously everyday. It has taken many forms of nature on the planet earth and in the solar system. Mathematics provides children with the ability to describe, analyse and change our world. Pupils who are functional in mathematics are able to think independently in applied and abstract ways, and can reason, solve problems and assess risk.
Mathematics is one of the three core subjects taught and occupies a high proportion of curriculum time. Because of this contribution, it has played a key role in underpinning many aspects of our economic and technological development. It is Indeed an important aspect of development of the modern world. Therefore, individuals need mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding to engage in further study, in many types of employment, in their personal everyday lives and in their role as active citizens.
At the American Academy we follow the National Numeracy Strategy. The seven main strands are:
These seven strands are related to the National Curriculum which is taught in England.
Mathematics learning can also be fun!!! We use interactive computer based mathematical learning and games in the ICT suite. The use of practical equipment and games are used in the classroom to reinforce mathematics.
There are many interactive web sites, which can help your child have a deeper understanding of mathematics. Below are a few sites that relate to the English curriculum.
www.mathsisfun.com
www.funbrain.com/brain/MathBrain/Games
www.mathsonline.co.uk
www.ictgames.com/soccer_subtraction
www.novelgames.com
www.mathsyear2000.org
www.nrich.maths.org
www.bbc.co.uk/education
www.crickweb.co.uk/ks2numeracy.html
www.crickweb.co.uk/ks1numeracy.html
www.mathszone.co.uk
Science
This covers the three areas of basic Biology, Chemistry and Physics through units that are repeated on increasing levels over two year cycles. These include activities and experiments to reinforce the theory work.
Every child has a natural curiosity about the way the world works. Science at American Academy primary School enables your child to find out how they can get answers to questions such as what size wings make the best airplane, or why the sun seems to move across the sky or can a bean seed grow upside down? Science is a systematic investigation of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the world, which relies on first hand experiences and on other sources of information.
The scientific process and problem solving activities will be used to deepen your child's understanding of the concepts involved. At American Academy primary School we aim to develop pupils' enjoyment and interest in science and an appreciation of its contribution to all aspects of everyday life.
We wish to build on pupils' curiosity and sense of awe of the natural world through the use of a range of investigations and practical activities. At the same time, the children will be able to develop their ability to plan fair tests, make predictions, record results using ICT, diagrams, graphs, tables and charts and to make conclusions about their own learning. We also value the use of scientific vocabulary and model this with our children, encouraging them to use it to explain their scientific thinking.
To help your child at home try these websites for lots of learning fun;
www.bbc.co.uk/schools
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
www.woodlands-kent.co.uk
Foundation Subjects
Geography
Our Geography curriculum is rich, educational, interesting and fun!!! The pupils are taught about multiple aspects of our world. We start off by teaching our pupils about their own local areas and country and then move on to the different countries of the world, looking at different customs, ways of living, education and religious practices. In this way we are ensuring that children are both aware of their own locality and of the beliefs, customs and practices present in other areas of the world, hence, providing a multicultural education. The methods used for teaching our pupils include taking children to different areas of their country, showing them artifacts and photos from other countries, researching on the internet and watching a variety of documentaries.
Children are also taught about current problems in our everyday life, such as pollution and traffic, children are encouraged to think of creative ways of tackling these problems and where possible together we try to enforce these solutions. From Year 1, children are given the tools to be able to use their own initiative and suggest ways of improving their immediate environment, starting from their own classroom, moving on to their playground and then later on their community. We promote initiative, free thinking and independence in our curriculum!!!
History
Here at American Academy we don't view history as just dates and facts, but see it as a chance to explore the past in an interesting way. History is taught through a topic based approach and gives the children a chance to explore a wide range of sources. Through history our children learn about significant people, events and places both from the recent and more distant past.
History allows our children to compare and contrast, to examine how and why things have changed, to learn about historical characters and expand their research skills. They look at history in a variety of ways, for example, from political, economic, technological and scientific, social, religious and cultural perspectives.
They use different sources of information to help them investigate the past, using dates and historical vocabulary to describe events, people and developments. They also learn that the past can be represented and interpreted in different ways.
We want our children to have enquiring minds, to be interested in different views and understand cause and effect. We want them to understand how people lived in the past and begin to make links between the past and modern times.
Greek for both native and non native speakers
Even though Greek is not the primary language of instruction at our school, the Greek Department strives to develop not only the essential oral and written language skills of our students, but to provide knowledge and appreciation of Greek history, mythology, culture, and Orthodox religion.
The Department follows the curriculum guidelines set by the Ministry of Education and Culture for the Greek language and uses textbooks provided by the Ministry. Quality learning is accomplished using small groups of instruction in student-centered classrooms. This creates an educationally excellent environment that enables teachers to apply varied approaches to make sure learning is accomplished by using cooperative groups and techniques to meet the needs and abilities of each student individually. Our children's understanding is enriched through hands-on activities, active learning and responding, diagnostic instruction and teamwork.
Often, the interdisciplinary approach is applied to dissolve the boundaries of areas of study and encourage learning across the curriculum. Here, the teacher sees natural areas for integration and develops thematic units. To mention an example, we can refer to Year 5 Greek language textbook, specifically the unit about "Friendship". The story talks about true friendship and loyalty through the legend of "Damon and Phintias". This really calls for the interdisciplinary approach and for growing knowledge, beyond language skills. Through the story, children develop ethical values.
Additionally, they learn about geography and get to use maps to locate the ancient city-state of Syracuse in Sicily, Italy. Furthermore, through research they acquire historical knowledge as they learn about ancient Greece (specifically Magna Grecia), ancient Greek culture, philosophers and tyrants. Cooperative groups are formed and by working together they write poems and plays. They even dress-up in costumes and perform their plays in front of their classmates. Apparently, this constructivist approach to learning promotes creative thinking processes, enhances student's education and encourages lifelong learning.
Art including the history of art and design techniques
Art offers pupils the opportunity to develop their creativity by using a range of skills in a wide variety of contexts. Pupils are able to communicate and to express their ideas and feelings through visual and other forms. Through exploring and sharing these ideas, pupils develop confidence and independence in learning. This is essential to becoming a successful learner who enjoys learning, makes progress and achieves. Exploring and developing ideas and assessing work critically, pupils reflect on and analyze not only the world around them, but also their own work and the work of others.
Pupils learn to value the learning process as a key part of the creative experience. Through working in art and craft pupils become open to the excitement and inspiration offered by both the natural and made worlds. By engaging in purposeful, imaginative and creative activities pupils learn to take managed risks, trying out new ideas and new ways of working without fear and failure. Allowing their work to be driven by imagination, experience and issues in the real world they learn to explore and interpret ideas and emotions, and develop understanding of others. Investigations in art and craft help pupils to appreciate the diversity of ideas and approaches to conveying meaning. They learn to understand, respect, value and engage with their own and other cultures and traditions. They learn that through their creative contributions it is possible to change things for the better.
ICT or computer skills which are also used in other areas of the curriculum
As a school we recognise that we are educating children of the future, for the future and therefore we have a responsibility to ensure that we equip them with the skills that will help them learn more independently and become more responsible citisens. We believe ICT and the role it plays in teaching and learning is the key to achieving this. It is our aim, by providing our pupils with quality ICT opportunities that the skills they acquire will have a positive impact on lifelong learning.
We aim to produce learners who are confident and effective users of Information Communication Technology and to ensure that teachers and pupils develop confidence and competence to use Information Communication Technology to facilitate effective teaching and learning.
Pupils are given opportunities to:
Use ICT with purpose and enjoyment
Develop their ICT capability
Evaluate the benefits of ICT and its impact on society
Become familiar with the everyday uses of ICT and understand the way in which it is used and abused in society
Increase their independence, to use and develop their interests and abilities more effectively, regardless of special educational needs or disabilities.
Meet the requirements of the National Curriculum as fully as possible and achieve the highest possible standards of achievement
Physical education with a specialist P.E. teacher
Key Stages 1 and 2
Here at our Primary School we take our PE lessons very seriously indeed and we follow closely the ideas and targets set by the National Curriculum.
We believe that all children should have experience in all the components of the lesson of PE. Therefore we aim to give children the skills and the knowledge to be able to participate in all areas of Physical Education.
These areas involve a number of units, as set out below:
Dance Activities - mainly for Key Stage 1
In this unit children explore basic body actions, eg jumping and turning, and use different parts of their body to make movements. They create and repeat short dances inspired by themes such as clowns, penguins and folk dance.
In dance as a whole, children think about how to use movement to explore and communicate ideas and issues, and their own feelings and thoughts. As they work, they develop an awareness of the historical and cultural origins of different dances
Objectives
Children should learn:
to explore movement ideas and respond imaginatively to a range of stimuli
to move confidently and safely in their own and general space, using changes of speed, level and direction
Games Activities
In this unit children improve and apply their basic skills in games. They play games that demand simple choices and decisions on how to use space to avoid opponents, keep the ball and score points. In all games activities, children think about how to use skills, strategies and tactics to outwit the opposition
Gymnastic Activities
In this unit children focus on increasing their range of basic gymnastic skills. They create simple sequences of 'unlike' actions on the floor, eg a roll, jump and a shape. They then transfer what they learn on the floor to apparatus.
In gymnastics as a whole, children use skills and agilities individually, in combination and in sequence, with the aim of showing as much control and precision as possible.
Objectives
Children should learn:
to remember, repeat and link combinations of gymnastic actions, body shapes and balances with control and precision
Athletic Activities
In this unit children concentrate on developing good basic running, jumping and throwing techniques. They are set challenges for distance and time that involve using different styles and combinations of running, jumping and throwing.
As in all athletic activities, children think about how to achieve the greatest possible speed, height, distance or accuracy.
Objectives
Children should learn:
to consolidate and improve the quality, range and consistency of the techniques they use for particular activities
Games Activities - Skills and development
In this unit children focus on how to use basic principles of attack and defence to plan strategy and tactics for games. They work on improving the quality of their skills, using techniques that suit the three different types of game they play (invasion, net/wall, striking and fielding) and the equipment they use.
In all games activities, children think about how to use skills, strategies and tactics to outwit the opposition.
Our children look forward to their weekly PE lessons and their eagerness and enthusiasm to participate in all the events is evident in their happy faces.
PSHE
PSHE promotes pupils personal, social and emotional development, as well as their health and wellbeing.
The subject is an non-statutory part of the curriculum, but we choose to teach it because our pupils benefit from learning how to lead a confident and healthy life.
Through PSHE pupils learn about drugs, relationships and other aspects of health and personal growth. It teaches them how to lead a healthy lifestyle, manage their feelings and build positive relationships. It aims to help them understand and respect the differences between people and prepares them to play an active role as citizens. They have the opportunity to show they can be responsible for themselves and their environment and learn about their own and other people's feelings and become aware of the views, needs and rights of other children and older people. They also learn social skills such as how to share, take turns, play and resolve simple arguments. The subject is the student and there is no right or wrong answers. Teachers are however charged with guiding students and working through speaking and listening, which is why teaching whilst sitting in a circle can be an excellent mode of working.
Pupils are also encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences beyond the curriculum such as recycling projects and charity.
Religious Education
Religious Education is very important for our school, as it promotes values such as: trust, tolerance, family and respect. Pupils learn about the different beliefs about God and why we must respect all religions. They begin to understand the importance of religion and belief for other children and their families and explore the variety of ways, beliefs are expressed.
Religious Education also recognises the changing nature of society, including changes in religious practice and expression and the influence of religion in the local, national and global community. With the help of artefacts and religious materials pupils understand the uniqueness of each person and are encouraged to appreciate each pupil's own dignity and self-worth. Through a range of stories we help each pupil to develop an informed conscience and an appreciation of their responsibility for their actions and choices.
Extra Curriculum Activities
Extra Curriculum Activities are run at various stages in the year and include:
Needlepoint - Dancing - Sport - Cookery - Art/Crafts - Music - German - Russian
Our After School Activities at the Primary School, are not just appreciated by the parents, but they are also very popular with children too. We know that all the activities offered are very popular, by the high number of children who register for them.
The Homework Club, which is offered every day gives the children an opportunity to do their homework at school with help and advice from a familiar teacher. The children are divided into two groups, so that it is easier for the teacher to offer the right kind of help and advice. They are divided into Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Apart from the Homework Club, which is on a daily basis, we also offer Sports, Art and Craft activities, like Sewing and Puppet Making.
Another popular club after school, is Cookery where children try their hands at cake making, salad making and savouries like burgers and hot dogs.
Other popular clubs have been The Book Club, where the children look at books with a critical eye and discuss and evaluate the work of different authors.
The Computer Cub is always well subscribed, with children able to use the computers to create interesting topics and to learn how to make the best possible use of computer programs. All our computers are linked to Internet with all the advantages that this service provides.
We try to vary the activities and also create new clubs according to current thinking and interest.
One such new club is the European Union Club, which aims to introduce the Key Stage 2 children to the workings and ideals of the European Parliament.
All After School Activities are free, except where materials are needed, as in the case of Sewing, Cookery and Puppet making. We actively encourage all our students to participate in as many after school activities as they can.
Teachers offer their services voluntarily as part of their commitment to the school's development and in fact some see it as a valuable extension of the school curriculum.
