WSD teachers plan lessons to promote our 7-competency (7C’s) framework which embraces areas such as; collaboration, communication and critical thinking. Students have regular opportunities to practice these skills, within a well-paced lesson which also includes, regular challenges (at all levels) and assessment for learning (AfL) pedagogies. 

Explore the Primary Curriculum

Spoken Language

At GEMS Winchester school, we focus on continual development of children’s confidence and competence in spoken language and listening skills.

They learn to justify ideas with reasons; ask questions to check understanding; develop vocabulary and build knowledge; negotiate; evaluate and build on the ideas of others; and select the appropriate register for effective communication.

They are taught to give well-structured descriptions and explanations which enables them to clarify their thinking as well as organise their ideas for writing. Discussions, debates, role plays, dramas etc. provide different platforms for children to speak to different audience and for different purposes, thus giving them the opportunity to adapt and respond appropriately.

Phonics and Early Reading

We at GEMS Winchester school, believe that the teaching of phonics and reading should be in a rich language and text-based curriculum, where children are taught a range of other strategies to help them become independent readers.

We focus on developing secure phonic knowledge through the use of a structured programme, Read Write Inc, which is designed to ensure all children learn to read accurately and fluently.

This systematic teaching of phonics, along with working in partnership with parents, supports early reading and writing and provides children with a firm foundation on which to build. 

Writing

At GEMS Winchester school we view writing as a skill and a tool that enables our children to share their thoughts, ideas and emotions.

The use of Writing Criterion Scale by Ros Wilson, provides great description of the writing journey that children make, from their first pre-writing behaviours through to a more complex and sophisticated understanding and mastery of writing skills. The Writing Criterion Scale breaks down children’s writing development into small steps so that it is easy to identify the point children have reached, and the steps they need to make next in order to progress.

Weekly Big Talk and Big Write supports the writing process and develops the stamina and skills to write at length. Students are taught to adapt their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. Different writing pieces such as narratives, explanations, descriptions, comparisons, summaries and evaluations, encourage children to develop their thought for different purposes. Evaluating and editing their work based on the feedback received from peers and teachers and through self-assessment against the criteria, enable children build on their writing piece and master their skill.

Reading

At GEMS Winchester School Dubai, we believe reading is a vital skill that will support children’s learning across the whole curriculum. As a school, we work to ensure that our children are taught to read with fluency, accuracy and understanding through a variety of discreet and cross-curricular learning opportunities. We aim for children in our school to become fluent, enthusiastic, independent and reflective readers. The different reading spaces and corners across the school, ensures that reading is not just another subject but becomes part of everyday routine.

Essentially, we want children to enjoy reading.  Thus, form a better foundation for the free flow of creative ideas in speaking and writing. Through the use of shared and guided reading, children experience good models of reading and reading discussion. Students engage with rich literary content, which includes the Pearsons Wordsmith, Bug Club and MYON schemes which includes collection of short stories and novels. Different reading strategies focuses on developing mastery in comprehension skills. The Accelerated Reading platform and Star Assessments, ensure personalized goals, engagement, practice and progress as children master the learning standards.

Mathematics

At GEMS Winchester school, we focus on Growth mindset for our students. Many people feel they were taught Maths in a way that was about memorising formulas and calculation methods, then having to apply them without any real understanding of what or how these methods actually work.

Across school, we ensure that we deliver the Maths curriculum according to NCfE expectations. And it revolves to 3 strands in Mathematics, Fluency, Reasoning, and Problem solving.

We brought new perspective in delivering the curriculum and the most up to date resource in UK. It has been designed to support and challenge all students, and is built on the belief that EVERYONE can learn Maths successfully. Power Maths is based on a ‘small-steps’ approach (mastery approach). This means that the concepts are broken down so that your child can master one idea without feeling over-whelmed.

We always link all the concepts or contents in Maths to real-life application, as we nurture long-life learners. Our teachers are well-equipped of knowledge and different pedagogy to challenge and uplevel the growth mindset of our students in terms of Maths.

Science

Science at GEMS Winchester, is all about students being able to ask questions, explore their curiosity but most importantly make connections and understand the world around them. Students are taught to work scientifically:

• asking questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways
• observing closely, using simple equipment
• performing simple tests
• identifying and classifying
• using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
• gathering and recording data to help in answering questions

Students should read and spell scientific vocabulary at a level consistent with their age. Most of the learning about science should be done through the use of first-hand practical experiences, but there should also be some use of appropriate secondary sources, such as books, photographs and videos.

Subject Areas

The lessons which are taught within the WSD curriculum are:

• Arabic Language
• Islamic Studies
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Art and Design
• Music
• Physical Education (PE)
• Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
• Modern Foreign Languages (French – From Year 3)

The Foundation Stage of school introduces young learners to school-life, as students develop their motor skills, foundation-level numeracy and literacy skills, and self-esteem through play-based learning activities in a safe and exciting environment.

Students are introduced to English, Mathematics and Science through activities that include the teaching of:

• Shapes
• Colours
• Letters
• Numbers
• Seasons

Our Key Stage 1 students are still discovering their skills and competencies, and at this stage, they are introduced to subjects that will lay the foundation for learning as they go into higher year levels. Learning is still exciting and the learning atmosphere is stimulating.

Core Subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Science

Other Subjects

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Humanities (History and Geography)
• UAE Social Studies.
• Arabic (for Arabic speakers)
• Arabic (for non-Arabic speakers)
• Islamic Studies (for Muslim students)

or

• Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCEE) (for non-Muslim students)
• Music
• Physical Education (PE)

During Key Stage 2, students start to rationalise and think independently. The curriculum sets challenging targets and its methodical implementation encourages each student to pursue individual targets and goals.

Core Subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Science

Other Subjects

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Humanities (History and Geography)
• UAE Social Studies.
• Arabic (for Arabic speakers)
• Arabic (for non-Arabic speakers)
• Islamic Studies (for Muslim students)

or

• Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCEE) (for non-Muslim students)
• Music
• Physical Education (PE)
• French (Year 4 to Year 6)