Primary Years Programme
Maths Programme
Inspired by the Maths Programme at University Child Development School, Seattle, USA, our Maths programme involves a multidisciplinary approach. Each student enters the Maths Booster task from an area of strength and then works through their areas of challenge. The open-ended real world problems based on the characters of the Read Aloud/unit/current events or situations, etc. and presented in a story form, have the students completely involved and engaged in the Maths task. There are multiple entry points to a Maths Booster story problem. It allows the teacher to understand the student’s thinking and enables them to guide students individually.
Maths is not only about calculations and it is not always a silent activity. It involves listening, talking, moving around, observing and discussing. The students approach a Maths Booster story problem differently based on their unique learning styles and the rate at which they can process and grasp the information. The Maths Booster stories are designed to enable every child to identify himself/herself as a mathematician and achieve success. It is very different from a traditional teacher-driven lesson. The initial thinking and processing is done by the students which is followed by the teacher guidance based on the steps taken by the students. Maths Booster involves Build, Record, Write an equation where the students demonstrate their thinking visually using Maths manipulatives like Pattern Blocks, Base Ten Blocks, Unifix Cubes, etc., represent their work artistically using representational colours, shapes, numbers and write an equation to explain their mathematical thinking.
Maths Skills is another element of our Maths programme. The children are divided into small groups based on their ability/skill/understanding of a particular Maths concept. Targeted skill development through games and other fun activities will be enforced in each of the groups. The groups are flexible and dynamic, based on the student abilities and the concept being explored.
Language Programme
We have an interesting and comprehensive Language programme at Aarth.
Our unique Reading and Writing programme begins right from the Early Years. We celebrate love for literature by encouraging reading throughout the day through different parts of our programme such as Rest and Read (Early Years), Read Aloud, Literature Circle and DEAR (Drop Everything and Read). The base for fiction and non-fiction writing begins from the Early Years through Express and Bulletin. The students go through the entire process of writing starting from the brainstorming stage to the final finished product while exploring various genres as part of the Writer’s Workshop in the Primary Years.
Our Language programme includes whole class and/or small group engagements, need-based flexible groups and also individual student-teacher conferencing. To build their reading and writing skills, the students across PYP also participate in targeted Language Labs. The Language Lab provides regular practice with a group of peers at a similar level. Groups are formed based on the grade-level expectations and the abilities of the children. These groups will be reevaluated throughout the year to ensure that each student continues to work at an appropriate level to stretch their skills.
Phonics is an essential element of the language programme at Aarth, especially the Early Years. Phonics allows young readers to develop their reading comprehension and decode new words as they read. With practice, this action becomes so automatic that they are able to easily understand the overall meaning of words while they are reading. Understanding of the letter-sound relationship enhances their writing skills as well.
In addition to our Library which has a vast collection of books across various genres and grades, every class has their own Class Library. The Class Library includes a variety of books based on the reading level of the students and also takes into consideration the diverse interests of the students. The children are encouraged to pick a book of their interest, be it fiction, fantasy, adventure, non-fiction, etc. Various elements of our Language Programme and the events in school like the Literary Week, Bell to Read, etc. are designed to inspire students to develop a love for books.
Multi-age classrooms
Research shows that people learn at different rates and in different ways. At Aarth, we acknowledge that children of the same age can be at different stages of their learning. Inspite of being of the same age, they could be at different places physically, academically, emotionally and socially.
Multiage classrooms provide multiple opportunities for students to collaborate with a wide range of peers who have diverse abilities and diverse approaches to problem solving. Students see their peers as a resource; they learn from each other. Multi-age classrooms also help in enhancing social skills. They build relationships with a wider variety of children – both in terms of age and ability. The children are more likely to be cooperative than competitive. They learn to collaborate and use multiple strategies for resolving conflicts. Multi-age learning provides a holistic socio-emotional development and a strong friend circle.
Our multi-age classrooms and differentiated curriculum are designed to meet the diverse, unique and changing learning needs of students. We believe that learning is a process and not a product. Accordingly, the teachers are able to meet the students where they are and stretch them further in their learning journey. The students are challenged based on their individual levels of understanding. They do not get labelled according to their ability as fast or slow learners. They learn at their own pace. The teachers design learning experiences and assessments keeping the diverse and unique needs of the students in mind. The dynamic and flexible nature of the curriculum keeps the problem solving fresh and exciting for students and teachers.
Language programmes
At AARTH, we wil be recognizing the importance of developing and maintaining students’ literacy in their mother tongue, English, Hindi and a Foreign Language. The primary language of instruction will be English. Students whose English language competency does not meet grade level requirements, will be supported with an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme.
Mathematics programme
At AARTH our Mathematics curriculum will aim to provide a sequential, activity-based programme that will enable students to learn through the provision of developmental experiences that relate to real-life situations. Teachers will provide Maths lessons in conjunction with national and international standards progression points. They will provide extra support through individual learning improvement plans where required.
Design and Technology
AARTH will be providing a new and dynamic educational landscape where our student’s learning will be raised in digital spaces. Students will get to use and appreciate different kinds of information, related skills and digital platforms. The school community will ensure that students gain a positive educational experience by understanding how to use the internet and web-based devices safely, responsibly and smartly.
Physical Education
We will be providing a curriculum to every student with the opportunity to develop into a physically-educated person; one who learns skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities is physically fit and understands the benefits of involvement in physical activity and its contribution to a healthy lifestyle.
Visual and Performing Arts
Our Arts programme will provide a way for each student to understand their own cultural context and create art within that context to explain their country, their culture and their society to the worldwide community. The language of arts, such as musical notations, gestures, images and movement will give our students skills of creative processes that are likely to be essential for 21st-century citizens.
Assessment and Reporting
Assessment and reporting will be an integral part of the teaching and learning programme at AARTH. Assessment tasks will include tests, observations, peer discussions, work samples, presentations, performances and projects. Criterion-referenced assessment will be the basis of all formal assessments at AARTH. We will be reporting to parents and students both formally and informally.
Co-curricular Activities
AARTH will offer a mix of co-curricular activities that are age-appropriate, challenging and engaging. These programmes, be they performing arts, crafts or sports, will be open to all students so as to help them develop skills and an appreciation of life-long learning, having fun and learning to play as a member of a team.
Action
As a core component for AARTH students, the action-oriented approach will encourage our students to be involved in activities as individuals and as part of a team that will take place in local, national and international contexts. Through experiential and service-based learning, there will be an enhancement in their personal, interpersonal, social and civic development.
Language Programmes
Students will be exposed to the English, Hindi and Gujarati languages throughout the Early Years. The context of learning would be imaginative and symbolic play with teacher-led activities. As the student will progress through the Early Years, there will be gradual acquisition of the literacy skills needed for primary school.
Mathematics Programme
Throughout the Early Years, Mathematics instruction will rely heavily on the use of manipulatives. The programme will be based on the understanding and application of basic foundational number concepts, measurement, money, logical thought, spatial sense and estimation. Students will be taught through activities and experiences which will incorporate investigation, problem solving, cooperative group work and practical application of Mathematics.
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Our school believes that digital learning plays an important role in the education of 21st century students. So, right from the Early Years onwards, we will be offering a comprehensive ICT programme . All classes will be equipped with a TV or a multimedia projector.
Physical Education
AARTH will take pride in its excellent PE facilities. The curriculum will be devised such that every student is provided with the opportunity to experience a range of sports. This will enhance a wide range of skills and attitudes, which will enable every student to follow an active and healthy lifestyle.
Visual and Performing Arts
We believe in integrating the arts by combining core content areas with Visual Art, Music, Drama and Movement to provide students with the opportunities to express themselves by way of a creative outlet.
Assessment Philosophy
Our assessments will support individual students in achieving progress in their learning. Ongoing assessments will be an integral part of the learning and development progress. Provision will be made for observation through experience and play-based learning. These will be recorded in a variety of ways – photographs, videos or anecdotes.
Co-curricular Activities
A quality co-curricular programme will inspire and extend the interests, talents and skills of students. We will be offering a range of co-curricular activities that will allow every student to pursue their passion through age-appropriate developmental stages.
Community Service
Students at AARTH will be participating in community service activities because we believe that a little sacrifice goes a long way. Our Early Years students will get an opportunity to learn the value of helping people in need and of caring for the environment.