Infant Department

Slideshow

Head of Department: Ms. Louise Blakeley

Within the Infant Department (Year 1 and Year 2), children continue to develop their love of learning through the teaching of exciting topics. These topics allow the children to be inquiring learners and build on the important skills they have learnt in the Foundation Stage. Stimulating and enriching lessons challenge the children but also allow them to take risks with their own learning.

In our department we provide a safe and supportive environment for the children to challenge themselves and take risks to develop as 21st Century learners. Throughout the department, not only do the children excel in academic attainment, they flourish as happy individuals; developing confidence, communication and empathy towards others, all being important skills of the school’s Learner Profile.

All classes in Years 1 and 2 are taught by British qualified Teachers and are supported by a Teaching Assistant, enabling every child to be given the attention they require. There is a great deal of emphasis placed on the core subjects - English, Mathematics and Science, whilst classes enjoy a cross-curricular approach to learning and see a real purpose to everything they do. They have the opportunity to learn through exciting topics such as ‘Exceptional Explorers’, ‘Around the World’ and ‘Famous People Across the Globe’.

Outstanding specialist teaching of Physical Education, Music, Arabic and Islamic Studies (Muslim pupils only) complements our in class teaching. We further enhance the children’s experience through themed days and educational trips to venues such as Green Planet, Dubai Fire Station and Sharjah Astronomy Centre.

We have outstanding facilities in the new Acorn Building which opened in late 2017. The department is characterised by bright and airy classrooms, with shared learning zones that allow the children to further develop their natural curiosity and independence. Our central corridor allows for the development of our learning beyond the traditional classroom topics; pupils are encouraged to lead their own learning opportunities in an active and engaging environment. Walking down the hallway, there is a buzz of excitement as children become architects in the construction area, authors in creative writing, and everything from story tellers on the mini stage to astronauts in the role play area.

By the end of their time in Infants, we ensure that all children are prepared educationally, with a developed sense of responsibility, and ready to enter the next milestone in their education journey, the middle school.