Music, PE and Languages

PRIMARY MUSIC

AT BSAK

Music in the Primary school is taught by two specialist Music teachers. Students from EYFS to Y6 have timetabled music lessons each week which take place in well resourced music rooms.

The curriculum is wide and varied with singing a main focus. All children have opportunities to play many classroom instruments within lessons.

Each year group has a special performance once a year where all the children rehearse and perform together for parents and guests. There are opportunities to be part of school ensembles including the choir which boasts 100 strong voices and has performed many times in the community.

The students learn to be creative and focussed listeners, while understanding how Music brings us together, boosting confidence and well being.

Mrs Clare Dodds

Head of Primary Music

PRIMARY PE

AT BSAK

Physical Education is taught across the Primary School from Early Years to Year 6.

All year groups and classes receive a total of two hours of PE & Swimming a week. Swimming lessons begin in Reception and continue through to Year 6.

There are nine specialist PE teachers who deliver PE and Swimming classes across the Primary School.

The Physical Education Curriculum covers subjects such as Fundamental Movement & Sports Skills, Gymnastics, Athletics, Netball, Football, Cricket, Rounders, Basketball, Touch Rugby, Dance and Trampolining. These are taught in half termly blocks.

The Swimming Curriculum follows closely Swim England Levels and caters for beginners and elite swimmers alike. All classes are taught in both the beginners and 25m pool. Sports Days, Swimming Galas & House Football & Netball Competitions are held across the school year offering participatory and competitive sporting opportunities.

BSAK competes in the ADISSA (Abu Dhabi International School Sport Association) Leagues with other schools across Abu Dhabi. BSAK enters U9 & U11 Touch Rugby, Netball, Boys & Girls Football, Basketball and Y3/4/5/6 Swimming Squad. These are competitive squads, with a selection based approach to participation. All children are given the opportunity to represent BSAK.

Mr Robert Kirkland

Head of Primary PE

LANGUAGES

AT BSAK

The Primary Languages Department comprises of French, Spanish and Arabic B (non-native) specialist teachers. We all work together to provide an exciting curriculum for all three languages, sharing innovative ideas and using recent developments in language learning research.

Arabic is taught from Reception. From Year 1, students are separated into native and non-native classes. Students of Arabic B are taught how to read the alphabet using a very

successful reading scheme developed by our department, using the UK phonics system as our inspiration. Students are encouraged to speak Arabic through the use of games, puppets and a variety of fun and challenging activities.

Arabic A is taught in specialist lessons from Year 1 for native speaking students. These students have grown up speaking Arabic as their main language at home and consider it their mother tongue. Lessons are conducted in classical Arabic and students are encouraged to learn the alphabet, speak as much Arabic as they can and learn the fascinating grammar and vocabulary of this language. Students are motivated through the use of songs, games, puppets and circle time from a young age. All student abilities are catered for and all are encouraged to reach and surpass their potential.

French is taught to all pupils from Year 2. The French curriculum is centred around the very successful Language Angels scheme. However, we also incorporate links with Year Group themes, e.g. space in Year 5. Lessons cover all of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) with an emphasis on fun! Spanish is taught in Year 6, in addition to French. This gives all students the opportunity to experience both languages in preparation for their language choice in Year 7.

As well as giving students the opportunity to learn a second/third/fourth language, we also focus on promoting and developing a broader intercultural understanding. Cultural lessons play an important role and are always very well received by our students. In the past year, we have celebrated many events including La Fête des Rois (crowning the King/Queen for the day!), the Dia de los Muertos and Ramadan.

Mrs Kerry Singleton

Head of Primary Languages

Including Non Native Arabic

Mrs Arwa Hamoudeh

Head of Primary Native Arabic