British International School of Casablanca

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Core Subject Overview - Primary

MATHEMATICS

As part of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Mathematics curriculum we follow the White Rose Maths schemes of learning. Based on ‘small steps’ progression and yearly frameworks, they provide the foundation for secure learning, confidence and competence in Mathematics. Inspired by the work of global Mathematics experts, this is a transformational approach to Mathematics teaching for Primary students.

The White Rose Maths approach focuses on reinforcing number competency, whilst providing opportunities to build reasoning and problem solving into each lesson and encourages each student to build confidence and resilience to achieve in mathematics. Its inclusive approach is based on the use of concrete objects (counters, snap cubes, coloured rods), pictorial representations and abstract methods to help pupils develop a secure, long-lasting and adaptable understanding of mathematics.

What does a typical Primary White Rose mathematics lesson look like at BISC?

  • The lesson will include a mix of teacher-led and student-led learning.
  • More exploration of mathematics using concrete, pictorial and abstract representations, and not just pages in books.
  • Fun and engaging activities and contexts.
  • More opportunities to further extend and challenge learners to deepen understanding.
  • Key questioning throughout.

Our aim is for young mathematicians to become:

  • Confident and able to recall and apply mathematical knowledge in different contexts.
  • Able to explain their methods and thinking processes and apply skills in context.
  • Fluent in different areas of mathematics.
  • Efficient in applying problem-solving and reasoning skills.
  • Independent thinkers.
  • Aware of the mathematics/ concepts/ process they are doing.

*For more detailed information about the mathematics curriculum.

PRIMARY SCIENCE

Children are naturally curious, and science supports the development of a child’s curiosity, helping them to investigate problems, learn more about the world around them and understand and use scientific explanations for a wide range of phenomena.

Cambridge Primary Science covers four content areas:

Scientific Enquiry

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Scientific enquiry is about considering ideas, evaluating evidence, planning investigative work and recording and analysing data. The Scientific enquiry objectives underpin Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which are focused on developing confidence and interest in scientific knowledge, including environmental awareness and history of science.

Students develop research, collaboration and creative skills that will help with many aspects of their future learning and development. The course supports progression to Cambridge Lower Secondary Science. At every stage, students develop their understanding of foundational concepts in biology, chemistry and physics, which they will build on throughout their school careers.

Importantly, science is an experimental subject and learners have many opportunities to develop their skills in scientific enquiry. Not only does this help them to experience and understand different areas of science, but it also helps them to appreciate that scientific understanding changes over time.

PRIMARY ENGLISH

Cambridge Primary English promotes an enquiry-based approach, developing students’ confidence, creativity and intellectual engagement. This subject is designed for students who either have English as a first language or second language.

 

Students develop English skills they can apply for a range of different purposes and audiences in everyday situations and in study. They learn to communicate confidently and effectively and develop the critical skills to respond to a range of information, media and texts with understanding and enjoyment.

The curriculum framework covers knowledge, skills and understanding in the three strands:

  • Reading

  • Writing

  • Speaking and listenin

The course supports progression to Cambridge Lower Secondary English

Cambridge Primary English is taught using a broad range of activities that promote experience, reflection and improvement. Recommended fiction genres, poetry, playscripts and non-fiction text types provide authentic contexts for skills development.

The learning objectives in the three strands of the curriculum framework support an integrated approach to teaching and learning reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills. Grammar is embedded within the reading and writing strands to promote a meaningful learning experience where students both explore grammatical concepts through reading and apply them in their own writing.