Primary School

Language is the vehicle for inquiry. In an inquiry-based classroom, teachers and students enjoy using language, appreciating both its functions and aesthetics. Language is vital to the construction of meaning and provides an intellectual framework to support conceptual development and critical thinking.

Our Language and Literacy curriculum is divided into three sections, Listening and Speaking, Reading and Writing. Students develop their love of appreciation of reading through progressive texts and build their confidence in speaking through daily discussions, debates, and presentations. There is also an extended focus on the writing process, including the different genres of writing, grammar, spelling. The Write Source and Letters & Sounds programs are used to support the class learning objectives.

Mathematics provides a global language through which students make sense of the world around us. Students develop positive mathematical mindsets and an intrinsic fascination for the subject. They acquire mathematical understanding by constructing their own meaning through ever-increasing levels of abstraction, starting with exploring their own personal experiences.

Our Everyday Mathematics program emphasizes the application of mathematics to real world situations. Everyday Mathematics provides numerous methods for basic skills practice and review. These include written and recited fact drills, mental math routines, practice with fact triangles (flash cards of fact families), and a wide variety of math games. Throughout the Everyday Mathematics curriculum, students are encouraged to explain and discuss their mathematical thinking in their own words. Opportunities to verbalize their thoughts and strategies give students the chance to clarify their thinking and gain insights from others.

As a key component of our commitment to 'internationalism' and celebration of our host country, all students learn the Japanese language.

Our Primary classes are separated into native and non-native Japanese speakers. Students in Japanese as a Native Language (JNL) class will have native level spoken Japanese and the curriculum focuses on reading and writing.

Students in Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) class will learn useful vocabulary and phrases through fun activities, songs, cooking, etc. From the Primary 2 class onwards, JNL class will learn KOKUGO, using the Japanese language textbook designated by Shibuya-ward, following the same program as Japanese public elementary schools. Through Japanese lessons, students will come to appreciate Japan’s rich historical, natural and cultural backgrounds, which in turn should help them appreciate their own home countries.