Elementary School Curriculum

The American International School of Cape Town uses a US-based, international school curriculum. Our teachers use a framework used by teachers at other similar international schools. The academic program is based predominantly on the US system but is enhanced by the latest curriculum materials, resources and teaching practices from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and international school bodies. This is the natural product of employing staff from many countries to work with students from an even more diverse range of backgrounds.

Students engage in a wide range of interactive learning experiences, both on and off campus. These activities assist each student in developing a sound core of knowledge, a sense of logic, intellectual confidence and life-long learning skills.

AISCT also takes advantage of the many learning opportunities unique to an international school setting and our location in South Africa. Most importantly, the school aims to foster a lasting love of learning.

AISCT is recognized by the South African Department of Education as an independent school and by the Californian-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges. We have adopted and follow the Content Standards for California Public Schools.

English-Language Arts Content Standards (PDF)

Mathematics Content Standards (PDF)

Language Arts

The language arts program at AISCT seeks to enrich and develop students’ experiences and skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English.

Reading is recognized as an important communication skill in its own right as well as the passport to knowledge and the world’s literature. Students are provided with a range of fiction and non-fiction reading experiences aimed at enhancing their ability to read fluently and use the printed word effectively for a variety of purposes. A broad-based program of reading immersion, phonics, comprehension skills, as well as a strong emphasis on informational reading, is the cornerstone of the reading program at AISCT.

At the earliest grades, through shared-book experience and other relevant activities, teachers model reading and help students acquire appropriate reading skills and attitudes. By Grade 3, students are engaged in novel studies and extensive research reading. Students at all levels are encouraged to value reading as an enjoyable experience. Pleasure reading is encouraged as a home study.

Writing, including process writing, handwriting and spelling, is an important communication skill which contributes to success at all levels of education and in the world beyond. Students at AISCT are encouraged to view writing as a tool for learning across the curriculum and, therefore, are given opportunities to write frequently for a range of purposes and in a variety of forms. Through the writing process, students are taught to draft and edit their writing as necessary and use the standard conventions of written language, grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Teachers at AISCT assist in the development of students’ speaking and listening skills by providing opportunities to use oral language in a range of formal and informal situations and for a variety of purposes. Speaking and listening activities also extend to exploring the world of theatre and modern communication technologies.

Social Studies

The AISCT social studies classes help students develop knowledge, skills and attitudes which will enhance their sense of personal and social identity and enable them to participate effectively in maintaining or improving the quality of their society and their environment.

Within the strands of history, geography and society, students investigate a broad range of topics relating to personal, environmental and social issues, significant people and areas. Students learn to understand how people live in a particular geographic location and how they are affected by their economic structure and cultural traditions, in addition to how one culture interacts with others. Students learn about various cultural celebrations and engage in map work. The course promotes a balance between content and skills. Multi-media resources, maps, globes, guest speakers, field trips and local resources are utilized to enhance learning experiences.

Mathematics

The AISCT mathematics curriculum provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of individual, small group and whole-class learning situations. Activities are planned to help students experience success and develop a positive attitude towards math and themselves as mathematicians. The program emphasizes the development of problem-solving strategies, computational skills and logical thinking and encourages students to apply their work to real life situations.

AISCT uses the Every Day Math series from Kindergarten through Grade 5, forming a strong computational base of knowledge.

Science

Through investigation of the major strands of science, the AISCT science courses assist students in developing understanding of natural phenomena and acquiring the skills, thinking processes, knowledge and attitudes relevant to science and scientific investigation.

At every grade level, developmentally appropriate topics from each strand of science are covered in a progressive manner. At AISCT, students will be taught the steps of the scientific method to ensure the logical investigation of problems and to aid in the development of analytical, critical thinking.

Foreign Languages

Students are able to choose French or Spanish as a foreign language study. Basic instruction in these languages begins at Grade 1.

Music

In an international school setting, music can serve as a window on other cultures. It also offers a channel for self-expression which is not dependent on English language proficiency.

At AISCT a specialist music teacher offers students a rich music program which seeks to foster an appreciation of musical concepts and traditions. The music curriculum uses the cultural diversity of AISCT as a springboard for studying different musical styles and forms, past and present, including those of our host country.

The music program is built around the topics of performance; listening and analysis; knowledge of music concepts, symbols and interpretation; expression; composition and appreciation. In all grades, students participate in specific activities relating to South African music and music of the world. Where appropriate, students also learn songs and engage in other musical activities which integrate with homeroom topics. Grades 1 to 3 are all taught to play the descant recorder, and Grades 4 and 5 are taught the basics of playing the guitar. Students also have an opportunity to create music with Garageband, a Mac-based sequencing program. A range of musical resources enhances the learning activities at all levels of instruction.

Physical Education

At the elementary level, the focus in physical education is placed on learning basic skills and knowledge that learners will need to be successful in Middle and High School. Our main aims are to encourage learners to have fun playing physical activity and grow in confidence, working by themselves in order to master individual skills as well as learning to work cooperatively in teams.

Learning standards include gymnastics, movement, fitness, rhythm and dance, game skills, ball skills, rope skills, track and field, swimming and team sports. Learners are exposed to a variety of activities to help them develop in each of these areas.

While Grades 1-5 take part in more team-based sports to help them develop skills for Middle and High School, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten take part in more fun-based movement activities and are introduced to basic ball skills to help prepare them for team sports in their older years.