BSNJ Primary Prospectus

Primary School

Introduction The British School of Nanjing (BSN) is a place where children have many opportunities to develop and thrive. Learning is not limited to the classroom but can also take place on the sports field, preparing for a performance, through a community service project or in any one of the variety of activities that children regularly engage in at BSN. Meeting the needs of our 21st Century learners, we offer a creative and challenging curriculum delivered in a context that is relevant to both local and international families in Nanjing. Whilst literacy and numeracy are central to much of our learning, we aim to overlay these timeless skills with integrated opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Our focus is on ensuring lessons are engaging and stimulating for children via an enquiry-based approach. Success in examinations follows naturally from this approach.

BSN teachers strive to create an atmosphere that fosters enthusiasm for learning and promotes the personal development of each child.

Children quickly learn the value of academic achievement, but they are also encouraged to take a broader view of success. Every member of the school, young or old, is expected to contribute to the welfare of the school community. Leadership and initiative are encouraged and celebrated.

Small class sizes and a low student to teacher ratio means that each child can receive the support and attention required to make excellent progress. Specialist teachers, professional musicians and coaches help ensure a broad education of quality for our pupils.

Guide to Year Groups at BSN Primary School: AGE

YEAR

5

Year 1

6

Year 2

7

Year 3

8

Year 4

9

Year 5

10

Year 6

Age as of September 1st

PHASE Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Curriculum The aim of the curriculum at BSN is to offer children a strong academic foundation and a diverse learning experience that allows them to excel in those areas where they have special interest or ability.

The programme is based on the National Curriculum in England and has been enriched and adapted to our context. We aim for a high standard of attainment and many pupils will be working at a level that goes beyond the objectives of the English National Curriculum.

Core subjects, such as English and Mathematics, form a central part of the curriculum. At BSN, we run a literacy-based, thematic curriculum, which integrates a broad range of foundation subjects including Science, Geography, Art and Design, History and Design Technology.

As an international school, we place great importance in the learning of a second language and allocate time for pupils to acquire a high level of fluency. All children are able to choose a Modern Foreign Language: Mandarin or Spanish. Local citizens are also required to study Mandarin.

We are committed to ensuring our young children experience a wide range of disciplines. Everyone is required to participate in a range of sports, learn a musical instrument, take part in a performance and enjoy a range of enrichment opportunities. Older Primary children, in Years 4, 5 and 6 can also opt for residential trips.

BSN Primary Curriculum

English

Maths

Science

Computing

History

MFL

Geography

Music

Art and Design

PE

Design Technology Integrated Curriculum

Assessment and Reporting Detailed written reports are issued termly which are informed by on-going teacher assessments. The assessments and reports allow for teachers and parents to ensure children are progressing and are suitably challenged and supported.

The first two reports are more formative in nature and provide information on whether the children are happy, settled and behaving well, their strengths and achievements, attitudes to learning and areas for development. The end of year report will identify effort, progress and achievement in all areas of the curriculum, as well as personal and social comments.

Parents will have the opportunity to discuss the reports through parent and teacher consultations.

These consultations also provide parents with an opportunity to meet with specialist teachers. As part of these consultations, parents can also review the work completed in the children’s books.

Subjects English Spoken Language The key components of the English curriculum are underpinned by carefully selected quality texts, as part of our literacy-led curriculum.

texts. We promote a wide range of genres and authors to ensure that students develop reading habits that will remain with them throughout their school life and beyond.

Writing English lessons encourage students to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others effectively in a range of genres. ‘Talk for Writing’ techniques enable the children to imitate and innovate as they develop their writing skills. Embedded in this process is an exploration of the structure of the language through an emphasis on grammar and punctuation, as well as spelling and handwriting. Attention to these important areas ensures that creative and imaginative ideas are presented in an organised manner.

Mathematics Mathematics is a creative and inter-connected discipline and provides solutions to some intriguing problems. It is also essential to everyday life, and critical to science, technology and engineering. A good mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, and the ability to reason mathematically.

In our aim to create confident speakers, discussion and oral presentations are a core aspect of many lessons and play a crucial part in vocabulary development. Lessons are designed to encourage speaking and listening for all children and often incorporate opportunities to articulate opinions, explanations or participate in performances.

Reading Reading is a crucial skill that supports learning across the whole curriculum. We place our focus on fostering a love of books and literature among our students. Children are taught to read, initially through the development of phonic knowledge and the sharing and discussion of books to promote understanding. Children learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and plays, as well as non-fiction and media

Mathematics is taught daily from Year 1 to Year 6 in a way that ensures confidence and accuracy when using numbers in increasingly complex activities. To support fluency, mental strategies are learnt on a daily basis in warm-up activities to each lesson. In addition to number, an understanding of the wider associated topics such as measurement, geometry and statistics of data is taught.

Towards the end of Primary, students are introduced to topics such as ratio, proportion and algebra. In all year groups, children solve a variety of challenges and problems related to real-life situations. In doing so, they are inspired to be involved with the world around them through mathematics.

Integrated Curriculum Pupils will enjoy a thematic approach to learning within the subject areas of Science, History, Art and Design, Geography and Design Technology.

This topic-based approach allows more clear links with the local context and the UK ensuring that learning is relevant and meaningful for all children.

Each topic is carefully planned to incorporate opportunities to learn through enquiry and develop creativity both in and out of the classroom environment.

Through our literacy led approach, it also offers real opportunities to develop their writing skills in a context.

The content of the topics is carefully designed in order to ensure a balance between the subject areas and clear progression and skill development.

Science Through science, students understand how major scientific ideas contribute to technological change, thus impacting on industry, business and medicine and improving the quality of life.

Students are taught to think and work scientifically by asking simple questions, performing experiments and tests, making observations, classifying and presenting data, analysing functions, relationships and interactions, using evidence, reporting findings and drawing conclusions. A range of topics are incorporated into Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

History History encourages students to consider how the past influences the present, what past societies were like, how these societies organised their politics, and what beliefs and cultures influenced people’s actions.

It supports not only the gathering of knowledge, but also develops important skills. Students find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions. To do this, they need to be able to research, sift through evidence, argue and defend their point of view - skills that are prized in adult life. A range of topics are studied relating to local, British and world history.

Geography Geography develops knowledge of places and environments throughout the world, an understanding of maps, and a range of investigative and problem-solving skills both inside and outside the classroom.

Children are encouraged to develop their use of geographical tools and skills to enhance their locational

and place knowledge, as well as the characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. Topics include rivers, volcanoes and different biomes such as rainforests, in addition to the knowledge and understanding of world geography, major cities, states, countries and continents, races and cultural diversity.

The Geography curriculum places emphasis on learning through practical experiences, and the children benefit from first-hand observations and field trips.

Art and Design Both Art and Design and Design Technology stimulate creativity and imagination. Lessons provide visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world.

Developing art techniques, the children learn to use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. They explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists, craftspeople and designers in different times and cultures.

Design Technology Through a variety of creative and practical activities, Design Technology promotes the learning of the ‘design, make, evaluate’ process using a wide range of materials, including construction materials, textiles and cooking ingredients.

Modern Foreign Languages Learning a foreign language provides a perfect opportunity to open up and learn about other cultures.

A high-quality languages education fosters pupils’ curiosity and deepens their understanding of the world.

As an international school, we view the learning of language as particularly relevant in the modern world and therefore Modern Foreign Languages is a key part of our curriculum from Early Years to Year 6.

through their class performance, year group production or other events in the calendar.

Primary Instrumental Programme All pupils from Year 2 to Year 6 follow the Primary Instrumental Programme (PIPs), which is in addition to the music curriculum. Working in small groups, pupils are introduced to a selection of brass, string or woodwind instruments and are taught by music specialists to become fluent and talented musicians.

We are very aware of the opportunities that are available to us being a multi-cultural, international school.

Mandarin or Spanish, two major world languages, are offered to all pupils at an appropriate level. Pupils enjoy not only learning the language, but also learning about their heritage and customs of culture.

Cultural festivals Throughout the year, a range of special events are dedicated to celebrating the cultural diversity of the school, local and links with Mandarin speaking countries.

This immersion provides many memorable experiences, as well as an opportunity to showcase their language skills.

Music Music is a universal language that can engage and inspire pupils and, therefore, has a central place in the BSN curriculum. Throughout the year, an exciting schedule of musical performances provides pupils with the opportunities to showcase their work and talent, both in the school and in the wider community.

Musical education at BSN begins in Early Years and continues every year, allowing students to develop an appreciation and love for music whilst honing their musical skills. BSN offers an extensive music programme that allows students the opportunity to play in groups or sing in a choir.

Singing A vibrant singing culture is an important part of the music curriculum and we aim for all children to experience the joy of learning to sing individually or as part of a choir. Primary school children sing in assemblies and the school offers many opportunities to perform either

Individual Music Programme Pupils with a greater interest in music are encouraged to join the Individual Music Programme (IMP) in which they receive individual music lessons in their chosen instrument(s) by a specialist teacher.

Ensembles and Orchestra In order to further develop the skills learned in the classroom, children are able to perform in ensembles and orchestra. These opportunities develop a sense of camaraderie and teamwork while becoming better musicians and more confident performers. For the most determined and gifted students, there are opportunities to perform in recitals throughout the world with other schools in the British Schools Foundation family.

Computing A key part of Computing will be developing the children’s programming skills. Robotics also provides an exciting, enjoyable and challenging focus for children in Key Stage 2.

Portable devices, such as laptops and iPads, will be regularly used in classrooms as a crucial tool across the curriculum. Students use technology to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly and creatively. They learn how to employ technology to enable rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures.

Increased capability in the use of computing promotes initiative and independent learning, with students being able to make informed judgments about when and where to use computing to best effect, and to consider its applications for home and work, both now and in the future.

While we believe the internet is an excellent resource and that children should see it as part of their learning and everyday life, we are very focused on embedding e-safety across the school. Children take part in regular e-safety activities to remind them of the importance of keeping themselves safe online.

Physical Education (PE) The PE programme at BSN is extensive and provides opportunities for all children in Primary. In support of a ‘Sport for All’ philosophy, a broad and challenging Physical Education curriculum is complemented by a varied enrichment and a wide ranging after-school sports academy programme.

and highly trained in their areas of expertise, allowing students to enjoy a top-class sports programme.

Healthy Active Lifestyle We believe that every child has the ability to achieve and can find an activity which they enjoy. The department is fully focused on making sure that all students enjoy sport and value the importance of living a healthy active lifestyle.

Competitive Sport Whilst the focus is on the fun and enjoyment of playing sport, there are regular opportunities to compete in interhouse competitions, sports days, and swimming galas.

These are very inclusive and all pupils are expected to participate.

For outstanding performers, there is also the chance to represent BSN in a number of external competitions (KLISS tournaments, FOBISIA games) within Nanjing and Asia.

BSN Sports Academies

The Curriculum Time is allocated in the PE curriculum to enable the children to develop a broad range of skills. All of the children from Early Years to Year 6 have a swimming lesson timetabled weekly.

In addition, two other lessons are dedicated to developing their agility, balance and coordination individually and with others in gymnastics, athletics, dance and a range of games (such as football, basketball, badminton, T-ball, benchball, hockey, cricket, rugby) as well as opportunities for outdoor adventure activities.

BSN children are able to enjoy some fine sports facilities including two swimming pools, basketball courts, an indoor gym, a covered sports field and an athletics track.

The PE staff at the school are all dedicated professionals

Each term, outside of curriculum school time, our PE staff expertise is utilised by a range of sports programmes, including badminton, basketball, football, gymnastics, netball, rugby, swimming and trampolining.

These are open to anyone and provide students further opportunities to develop in their favoured activities and sports.

Personal Development Top of the school’s priorities is the personal development of its pupils. The study of academic subjects is as much a means for developing key skills as it is for acquiring subject-specific knowledge. We promote and value the following attributes, which are taken from our School Charter: • • • • • • •

Independence Presence Endeavour Awareness Teamwork & Leadership Decency Courage

Personal, Social, & Health Education PSHE is an important area of the BSNcurriculum that helps children grow and develop as individuals and as members of families and communities.

Through PSHE, pupils will have the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, active and responsible citizens.

Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum. As part of the PSHE curriculum, pupils can take part in a number of charity initiatives.

They reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. They learn to understand and respect our common humanity, diversity and differences so that they can go on to form the effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.

Additional Information School Trips School trips are crucial opportunities to expand education beyond the four walls of a classroom and are organised to areas of interest in Nanjing and its surrounding environs, in order to complement the topics and themes being taught in class.

In Years 4, 5 and 6 we offer the opportunity to enjoy an annual residential trip. Each trip has a strong curriculum link enabling exciting, ‘hands on’ experiences and typically takes place within Nanjing for a period of three or four nights.

This opportunity, a mixture of fun and educational experiences, is of great benefit in enriching the children’s understanding of teamwork and cooperation, whilst building self-confidence and independence.

Community Service The school has an on-going established relationship with local charities.

This relationship extends beyond fundraising. The children will be involved in community service; it may be in a fundraising capacity although we also encourage an investment of time. Through fundraising and contact with local charities, our students are encouraged to empathise with and take into consideration those less fortunate.

We believe that our children should grow up with an understanding and commitment to citizenship both close to home and in a much wider context.

Enrichment Each term, students get the chance to take part in new learning activities outside of their curricular subjects. Incorporated into the school day, all children can enjoy the enrichment experience.

Our Enrichment programme covers a wide range of activities from drama to debating, photography to movie making, baking to chess, which change termly.

These organised sessions are designed to be an enjoyable social opportunity for all, allowing the children to explore new areas and complement their studies. In addition, enrichment programmes help develop skills such as teamwork and leadership.

16 Han Fu Lu Jiangning Nanjing 211106

www.bsn.org.cn info@bsn.org.cn