The Language Arts program, which is based on the US Common Core standards, focuses on the acquisition of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and the ability to use these skills to become effective communicators. Using the Readers and Writers workshop approach, teachers provide a comprehensive literacy program using leveled reading books as well as mentor texts to model good writing. Teachers use a variety of formal and informal assessments to understand each child’s strengths and determine goals for instruction. The Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System is administered four times a year to students to ascertain their reading level and measure progress in reading.

The AISCT mathematics is based on the Common Core standards with an emphasis on the mathematical practices to enable elementary students to learn more mathematical content and become life-long mathematical thinkers. The Bridges Mathematics program focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration.

AISCT embraces an inquiry-based approach to these subjects. Science units are based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Social Studies units are based on the AERO standards. Often these units of inquiry are integrated with both Science and Social Studies standards being taught. African, in particular South African, culture and history is embedded as appropriate. In addition these units often link to a service learning project.

French and Spanish are taught as a foreign language starting in Grade 1. The overall focus of the elementary foreign language program is communication. Lower elementary students are mainly exposed to listening and speaking skills while becoming familiar with a wide range of vocabulary. Upper elementary students build on this foundation and are exposed to all four main language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in an increasing range of contexts. Children learn through songs, games, rhymes and a range of interactive activities as well as a variety of reading and writing resources.

The art program encourages children to observe closely, record their observations and express their feelings and ideas as well as enabling them to undertake a wide range of art and design activities. Skills and knowledge are developed through individual and collaborative work in two and three dimensions, using a range of materials and processes, and through investigating the work of artists. Cross-curricular teaching enables children to express aspects of knowledge gained in science or social studies in an artistic form, thus enriching their learning experience.

Drama lessons provide the students with an opportunity to develop their creative expression through class improvisations by retelling and dramatizing myths, fables, and fairy tales from various cultures and times. Through improvisations they become increasingly proficient at using the body, the voice and the imagination to express ideas.

Every student in the Elementary school is involved in an annual production. There is a Grade 2 and 3 production and a separate Grade 4 and 5 production. The choice of plays tries to reflect units of study in the curriculum where appropriate.

AISCT is a recognised examination center for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), which is a world-leading, globally-recognised, awarding body for acting. Students are coached privately and assessed annually on campus in October by visiting LAMDA examiners. The course is a great way to develop communication skills and confidence. Classes are offered to students in grades 3-12.

Our Guidance and Life Skills program covers a range of topics for all grades in the Elementary school. As part of the program, students are taught about feelings as well as how to deal with their emotions and how to develop themselves. We discuss concepts such as problem solving, bullying, cooperation, respect, responsibility and acceptance. We also focus on general well-being and making good choices for a healthy lifestyle. Overall, our aim is to promote the development of a happy, healthy student body.

Our school library serves to promote literacy, instill a love of reading and provide access to information. Elementary students visit the Library once a week to check out materials and practice information literacy skills. These skills may include knowledge of book genres, part of a book and literacy terms, use of the library catalogue and correct citation of sources. In addition, the school librarian and assistant support what is being learned in the homeroom classroom through engaging library lessons that strengthen students’ knowledge about these topics.