Curriculum Overview
Richmond International School has been delivering quality personalised learning since 2019. We are at the heart of the community and have over 60 nationalities represented in school. We are an approved Edexcel exam centre and Pearson school following the National Curriculum for England, enhanced with MOE subjects of Arabic, Islamic Studies and Qatar History for native and non-native speakers (please see our curriculum information for more details). We also offer a wide-ranging extracurricular programme, providing diverse opportunities for our students to explore their interests and talents beyond the classroom as part of our commitment to nurturing every aspect of a child’s development .There may be some elements of both the EYFS and National Curriculum for England (Primary) that are omitted due to the cultural requirements of our host nation. If you would wish to discuss this further, please contact the school for more information.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
WELCOME TO FOUNDATION STAGE!
Our Foundation Stage provides an inspiring and engaging environment, where every child is valued and made to feel safe and secure in their surroundings. We are a family feel school with children at the heart of everything we do, ensuring there is a strong balance between child-initiated activities and adult directed activities that enable children to reach their full potential socially, emotionally and academically with confidence. We understand the importance of working together with the whole family, building positive and supportive relationships always motivated by our school vision of developing resilient children who possess high aspirations for their future.
Foundation Stage OverviewOur child centered approach allows us to focus on children’s individual needs, specifically targeting development areas and providing continuous next steps to support best progress. We adopt some of our whole school approaches, such as a focus on language and vocabulary development and Read Write Inc phonics, which are embedded in the early years and supports transition into the primary phase. In the British EYFS framework there are seven areas of learning included three prime areas and four specific areas. The prime areas are particularly important for developing children’s enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
Three prime areas are those fundamental aspects of early childhood development which focus on the skills necessary to work with others in order to develop relationships and fully access learning. They are:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
Our specific areas which develop the detailed knowledge, symbols, cultural tools and awareness that children need to represent and make sense of their experiences in the world. They are dependent upon a good foundation in the prime areas above. They are:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
None of these areas of learning and development can be delivered in isolation from one another – they are all equally important and dependent. We believe in a well-rounded approach to child development and cover all these areas through planned, purposeful play with a balance of adult-led, and child-initiated activities.
To find out more about the EYFS framework please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs-framework/changes-to-the-early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs-frameworkIn FS1, play is the main vehicle of delivery of the seven areas of learning. It is a natural activity for children and it is through well-planned play that children learn with enjoyment and challenge. By providing opportunities for all children to explore and learn in a secure environment we extend children’s learning and experiences. Through play, we intend that children will:
- Explore, develop and represent learning experiences that help them make sense of the world and understand their own and other cultures.
- Practise and build up ideas, concepts and skills;
- Develop fine motor skills using a range of materials;
- Learn how to control impulses and understand the need for rules;
- Play alone, alongside others or cooperate as they talk or rehearse their feelings, developing their social skills and making relationships.
- Engage in activities which promote curiosity, imagination and creativity.
- Develop their communication skills with others as they investigate or solve problems; speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- Develop a good understanding of sounds, in order to provide them with a foundation to phonics.
- Express fears and relive experiences in controlled and safe situations.
- Develop confidence and self-esteem.
In FS2 the children begin the more specific activities involving reading, writing and mathematics. Play and exploration remain an important part of the curriculum and, where appropriate, the children learn about new topics in these ways. All of the knowledge, skills and understanding in the seven areas are taught in a holistic manner, through interesting topics that capture a child’s imagination. The children build upon their problem-solving skills answering and asking open-ended questions. They also continue to use outdoor learning opportunities.
FS2 Age Related ExpectationKindergarten
Our youngest pupils are given the chance to find themselves through learning. This is a place where children can be children, with plenty of time to explore and play, whilst learning that education is both fun and exciting.
Children are encouraged to develop at their own pace according to their individual needs. Our staff are passionate about helping every child to succeed in a happy and nurturing environment. This is achieved through a combination of child-led and teacher-led activities. Kindergarten is a place of energy and fun.
The curriculum is known as the Early Years Foundation Stage in the UK. The areas of learning are:
- communication and language
- physical development
- personal, social and emotional development
- literacy
- mathematics
- understanding the world
- expressive arts and design
How Long is the School Day?
The school day starts at 7:00 am for all students and ends at 12:00 pm. This is under review for the 2023/24 academic year based on parent feedback.
Next Steps
By starting your child’s learning journey at Richmond, the transition into Primary School is smooth and provides a consistent education. The Kindergarten children utilise the same facilities as the Primary School, so they are familiar with their next step environment.
Primary
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
The Primary School has the holistic development of the child at its heart. The curriculum is varied and enriching. As a British school we use Pearson’s iPrimary Curriculum, a world-class curriculum developed by leaders in the education field. We utilise Pearson materials for English, maths and science. The pupils also experience specialist teaching from their early years, including French, PE and ICT.
Year 6 students undertake achievement tests assessed by Pearson. Currently certificates are available for English, maths science and ICT. They provide proof that your child has completed a world class education to a high standard. The certificates are accepted world-wide.
How Long is the School Day?
The school day starts at 7:00 am for all students and ends at 1:30 pm. This is under review for the 2023/24 academic year based on parent feedback.
Next Steps
By completing your child’s primary learning journey at Richmond they are prepared for the transition to secondary education. Students graduating from Richmond have found places at the leading secondary schools in Qatar including Doha College, Doha British School and Kings College.
Compulsory Subjects
Richmond has a commitment to the correct delivery of the three compulsory subjects. Teachers of Arabic, Islamic and Qatar History are carefully selected based upon their qualifications and experience to ensure that they are able to complete the program of study as directed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Arabic
If a child’s Qatar Identification shows their nationality as from an Arab country, they will follow native Arabic and use the Ministry of Education provided materials. If they are from a non-Arab country, they will follow support Arabic. This will be delivered using Ministry of Education approved materials.
Islamic
If a child’s Qatar Identification shows their nationality as from an Arab country and their identification show them as Muslim, they will follow Islam for native Arabic speakers using the Ministry of Education provided materials. If they are from a non-Arab country and their identification show them as Muslim, they will follow support Islam. This will be delivered using Ministry of Education approved materials.
Non-Muslims will follow a Global Citizenship course using materials from Pearson. This will focus on values and citizenship.
Qatar History
If a child’s Qatar Identification shows their nationality as from an Arab country, they will follow Qatar History in Arabic and use the Ministry of Education provided materials. If they are from a non-Arab country, they will follow Qatar History in either English or Arabic as appropriate to their level.
Qatar National Identity
We actively embrace Qatar’s culture and national identity in the school. Throughout the academic year there are projects to allow students to enhance their understanding. Projects in previous years have included: Responsibility and Respect, Caring and Sharing, Cooperation and Honesty.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The real adventure often starts at the end of the school day, when pupils have the opportunity to choose from one of our many after-school activities. This is a vibrant and vital part of school life.
There are a wealth of choices including art and craft, sports, and games. Our extensive after-school programme provides an unmissable opportunity for your child to explore their individual interests. The majority of pupils stay for activities after school, enjoying the wide range of clubs on offer.
