Curriculum

Providing opportunities and the environment for children to explore, play, and learn at POWIIS International Primary to Middle School.

The Early Years – Nursery and Reception

Our Nursery and Reception unit is a stimulating, child-centred environment where every child can thrive. In addition to building positive and caring relationships, our teachers will create a warm, welcoming and secure setting in which your child feels valued. A strong partnership between home and school is a priority. In the EYFS, our International primary curriculum covers seven areas for learning and development. These areas are planned for on a weekly basis (although amendments are often made daily), with planning remaining flexible and responsive, taking into account the children’s interests.
Four guiding principles underpin the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at POWIIS International Primary School:

The development of positive relationships between teachers, children and parents is essential.
Children learn and develop in stimulating environments which respond to their individual needs.
Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.

The Seven Areas of Learning and Development at POWIIS International Primary School:

Prime Areas

Communication and Language Development: speaking, listening, and expressing oneself in a rich language environment.
Physical Development: active and interactive activities that develop coordination, control, and movement. Also, the importance of a healthy diet.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development: developing a positive sense of self, forming positive relationships, developing respect, managing feelings and appropriate behaviours in groups

Specific Areas

Literacy Development: linking sounds to letters for early reading and writing, a wide range of reading materials in the environment.
Mathematics: developing skills in counting, using numbers, noticing patterns, and describing shapes and measurements.
Understanding the World: making sense of the physical world, learning about the community, people and the environment.Expressive Arts and Design: using and exploring a wide range of media and expression through art, music, movement, role-play and design.

Key Stage 1 – Year 1 & 2 (Primary School)

At POWIIS International Primary School, our curriculum for Year 1 and Year 2 students is guided by the English National Curriculum with adapted content to ensure learning is meaningful and relevant for our context and students. There is an emphasis on establishing a strong foundation in reading and mathematics which will enable students to access the rich and broad curriculum on offer.

Children will build their skills and knowledge in science, geography and history through integrated curriculum units, e.g. The Rainforest. Technology is woven into all aspects of the curriculum where and when appropriate.
Class teachers at our International Primary School ensure personal, social and emotional health education is a part of the children’s weekly programme. At the same time, EAL lessons are provided for children who are still developing their English. Meanwhile, additional classes are taught by specialist teachers in music, art, Bahasa, Mandarin, physical education and swimming. This thorough approach to teaching and learning makes us the best International school in Penang.

Throughout their primary education, your child will consider topics from multiple perspectives, enjoy hands-on projects, and make meaningful connections across specific subjects. This makes learning fun while building a strong academic foundation that allows them to excel. Our teachers bring learning to life in practical ways, too. This includes termly excursions to local museums and places of interest.

Key Stage 2 – Year 3 – 6 (Primary School)

In the final four years of primary school, the English National Curriculum (International primary curriculum) is adapted and enhanced to ensure students are inspired, engaged and challenged by relevant topics.
A strong framework of skills, knowledge and understanding underpin the children’s learning experience, building upon the lessons learned in the previous Key Stage. Themed, integrated units are also featured in Key Stage 2; however, there is an increasing emphasis on science, with the subject taken by specialist teachers in Year 4, Year 5, and Year 6. Technology is woven into all aspects of the curriculum at POWIIS International Primary School where and when appropriate.

Arts

Throughout their primary education, your child will consider topics from multiple perspectives, enjoy hands-on projects, and make meaningful connections across specific subjects. This makes learning fun, while building a strong academic foundation that allows them to excel.

Key Stage 3 – Year 7 – 8 (Middle School)

In Year 7 and Year 8, the English National Curriculum (International middle school curriculum) continues to be adapted and enhanced to ensure students are inspired, engaged and challenged by context relevant topics as they build towards iGCSE

A strong framework of skills, knowledge and understanding remains in place and underpins the student’s learning experience.

Arts

Mandarin, the music instrumental programme, swimming, Design, Engineer and Construct, student leadership and a commitment to Outdoor Education retain their importance. Students will be asked to analyse, reflect and consider topics from multiple perspectives. They will continue to enjoy hands-on projects, and make meaningful connections across specific subjects. Our teachers bring learning to life in practical ways, too. This includes termly excursions to local museums and places of interests, exciting offsite, overnight trips in Malaysia and overseas and our weekly Outdoor education/Beach School experience.

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