Primary School

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Primary School Education

The Primary Department provides education from Years 1 to Year 6 and works towards the objectives laid down within the English National Curriculum, adapted in social studies for the needs of the multicultural community in Cyprus, thus offering students a well-rounded international education.

Academics




Extended Day




After School Clubs




Primary School Academics

Two-form entry school in each of the six year groups provides for up to 25 children in each class. Key stage 1 of the English National Curriculum covers Years 1 and 2 and Key Stage 2 covers Years 3 to 6.
The Primary students develop and strengthen their skills in the following core subjects, Literacy, Mathematics, Science (including Engineering), Art, Technology [STEAM], History, Geography, PSCHE (Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education). Specialist teachers provide Greek, Physical Education, Music, Bible (Religious Education) and Computing lessons, with the addition of Art (from Year 3 upwards).
First language Greek speakers are taught using the curriculum set by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus. Greek is also taught as an additional language to all other students.
Any child joining the school with limited English is supported during the week in English as an additional language (EAL) with the help of specially trained teachers.

Main curriculum subjects are supplemented and supported by a range of age related after school activities. A club is also available four days per week for after-school homework support with teachers who are Greek and English speakers.

Please click here to view our Primary School Year 1 Booklet

Curriculum

Key Stage 1

Curriculum Overview for Year 1

Curriculum Overview for Year 2

 

Art : Children in Primary School education Year 1 have the opportunity to work using a variety of materials and styles through topic work

Geography: During primary school education Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1), pupils investigate their local area and a contrasting area abroad, finding out about the environment in both areas and the people who live there. They also begin to learn about the wider world. They carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. In doing this they ask geographical questions about people, places and environments, and use geographical skills and resources.

Greek: Fluent Greek speakers in Primary School Education Year 1 follow the Ministry of Education Greek curriculum taught in all the government primary schools.Our aim for children learning Greek as an additional language is to provide them with vocabulary and give them the confidence to use it.

History: During Primary School educattion Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1), children learn about people’s lives and lifestyles. They find out about significant men, women, children and events from the recent and more distant past, including those from both Cyprus and the wider world. They listen and respond to stories and use sources of information to help them ask and answer questions. 

Literacy: At the American Academy Nicosia we teach English (Reading, Writing and Grammar) based on the outlines given in the English National Curriculum. In addition, we follow a grammar scheme of work which builds skills year on year. Guided reading is also an aspect of our curriculum which supports the English National Curriculum objectives.

Media Studies : Hand in hand with ongoing literacy, media studies uses animations to launch projects which develop comprehension, critical thinking, fluency and writing skills. The culminating piece of work is often shared with parents in school.

Music: Music is essentially a practical subject. Children are encouraged to sing, compose and use musical instruments in order to develop their creative and performance skills. Through active listening, children’s awareness and understanding of different periods, styles and genres are developed.

PE (Physical Education): We aim to develop agility, co-ordination and confidence through physical activity. All children have two sessions of P.E. a week. Ball skills, dance, gymnastics and games are taught during these lessons. There is an annual Fun Sports Day held in the Summer Term.

PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education): We follow the SEAL (Social, Emotional Aspects of Learning) programme which helps to improve behaviour thereby improving learning. Children have a chance to discuss topics which help them to develop social skills; become aware of their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses; become aware of the subject of bullying and know how to avoid it or what happens if they come across it; set goals; make and keep friends; how to prepare and cope with changes.

Religious Studies: Using the Beginners Bible picture Bible the children meet the main characters and events of the Old Testament.

 

Extended Day Programme

The Extended Day Programme offers extra supervision for your child after school hours, including time for a meal (the menu is available to view here), a range of stimulating and well-organised extra-curricular activities, and creative learning opportunities. The programme runs between 1:40 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and is available for children in Pre-school and Primary department. Taking part in the Extended Day programme will help your child to think creatively, explore and investigate, developing their problem-solving skills, sharing their learning with others through play.
We also run our FAAN club on days when the school is closed to students, but it is not a public holiday. These dates are given at the beginning of each year. These days are fun activity days where a range of games, and creative activities are provided for the children. Our Extended Day and FAAN Club programmes are run by a qualified teacher and supported by other members of our teaching staff.

EAL

EAL (English as an Additional Language). Trained teachers work in collaboration with class teachers using a mixture of inclusion in the main English language environment, or withdrawing children from class to teach in small groups to boost proficiency in the English language.