Primary
AIMS
Our objective throughout the school is to educate the pupils to be independent thinkers, creative and analytical in their approach to problems and self-motivated and responsible in their study habits.
In our Primary we aim to provide the children with a sound working knowledge of language and numeracy, with an emphasis on understanding concepts rather than memorising, and on applying previously acquired knowledge to new situations. Children are encouraged to question and evaluate, and to develop the skills of independent learning through investigation as well as the ability to work collaboratively in groups. Attention is paid to each child's personal and academic progress in order to ensure that they achieve their full potential.
Through implementation of the school Values programme children acquire social awareness and learn the importance of respecting others and becoming responsible members of the community.
We encourage the pupils to contribute actively in taking care of the school grounds and their immediate environment in order to develop an understanding of broader ecological issues.
STRUCTURE
The school has a bicultural agreement with the Mexican Education Secretariat (SEP) which allows us to teach all core subjects in English following the English National Curriculum. Spanish language and the Mexican programmes of study for geography and history are taught by Mexican teachers.
All members of our staff are fully qualified and experienced and we are officially registered and incorporated with the Mexican education authorities.
The Primary school begins in Year2 (first grade in the Mexican system) and ends in Year 6 (fifth grade). In the British education system sixth grade is the first year of Secondary school. Pupils will receive their Mexican Primary certificate at the end of this year.
The school policy on class size is a maximum of 24 pupils per group. This enables us to identify and respond to a variety of learning styles and provide differentiated activities according to individual and group necessities.
We encourage active collaboration between home and school and there is regular contact with parents at Open Evenings, Parent Conference Days and meetings, as well as through written reports.
CURRICULUM
In Primary we have consolidated the content of the English National Curriculum with the Mexican education programmes to create a bicultural curriculum which ensures continuity and progression from year to year and efficient use of curriculum time in all areas. Cross-curricular links have been made where possible, for example between art and the humanities, IT and maths, science and design and technology, and literacy with other subjects. Programmes of Work, explaining the topics and objectives for each year, are presented to parents at the Open Evenings.
A carefully planned programme of day visits and camps gives the children the opportunity for social and academic learning away from the class room. The opportunity for fieldwork and practical tasks allows children to develop a curiosity about their environment as well as teaching them to become more observant and thoughtful.
EVENTS
A variety of events take place throughout the year to support and enhance the academic programmes.
All children participate in a geography or history field trip in each year group, and outings to museums and exhibitions relevant to the curriculum are organized as and when appropriate.
We give special importance to reading and use of the library and have a Reading Week and Book Fair each year.
Extra- curricular clubs held after school include chess, science, singing, crafts, dance, tae-kwan-do, drama and cookery.
There are several whole-school events such as the Christmas concert, Art Exhibition, Sports Day, the November Fayre and the "Feria de la Tierra". Children also share their learning and achievements at assemblies and presentations of projects.
