Curriculum
CURRICULUM OVERVIEWS
Saigon Star is an International School that combines two schools of thought:
- The Montessori programmme
- The British national curriculum supported by the Cambridge Primary Programme
NURSERY& KINDERGARTEN
The Montessori Programme:
The Montessori Method is one that allows children to learn at their own pace, according to their individual needs. It is a whole child approach, focusing on the child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs. With an environment that is nurturing and calm, and prepared with a wealth of appealing learning activities, the Montessori classroom provides an educational experience designed to bring out the child's natural sense of wonder. Montessori students are able to increase their knowledge through both student and teacher-initiated activities. The Montessori teacher serves as a guide in this process and ensures that the child is making appropriate choices and progressing in their learning. Teachers are carefully selected not only for their professional qualifications, but also most importantly for their better understanding and love for children. Teachers experience the fulfillment that comes from working for a better world through tomorrow's adult.
Students are given opportunities to make discoveries and to engage in extended explorations. As caretakers of their own learning, students feel empowered. Integrated throughout the Montessori curriculum is an emphasis on the development of mutually respectful relationships, compassion, and other humanistic qualities. Children are encouraged to become independent critical thinkers, ask provocative questions, develop multicultural awareness, and adapt to new situations. In following these ideals, we are dedicated to fostering the growth of confident, responsible, and adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem-solvers.
Object Overviews:
Language Arts, Reading, and Literature
Math and Geometry
Cultural Subjects - Science, History, Geography, Astronomy
Practical Life
Sensorial Education - Sensorial work in the Montessori classroom focuses on isolating and refining the five senses giving the child a sense of self identity and security within the learning environment.
Art and Music
Physical Education
Technology
"The child learns everything without knowing he is learning, treading always in the path of joy."
Maria Montessori
PRIMARY SCHOOL
In the primary school we follow the British National Curriculum which is divided into Key Stage 1; years 1 and 2, and Key Stage 2; years 3 to 6. In Kindergarten 2 the children will follow a programme that combines both the Montessori method and the British Early Years Curriculum in order to guarantee a smooth transition into the primary years.
The children are placed in class according to their age but the curriculum and our small class sizes ensure that they are learning at a level appropriate for their needs. In English, Maths and Science we also use the Cambridge Primary Programme to support the main curriculum thus ensuring that your child will receive a world class education.
Cambridge International Primary Programme:
The Cambridge International Primary Programme from University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) develops English, Mathematics and Science skills in young children across the world. It gives your child excellent preparation for secondary education. Designed for children aged 5 - 11, the Primary Programme provides learning objectives for each year of your child's primary education. Its step-by-step programme of learning takes children from the start of primary education to completion, before they move on to secondary education. The Cambridge International Primary Programme helps schools, teachers and parents gain a greater understanding of their children's abilities. In the final year of primary education, students can take the Cambridge International Primary Achievement Test. It offers schools expert guidance on how to develop their curriculum and how best to prepare their teaching and students' learning. The Cambridge International Primary Programme comes from one of the world's leading assessment organisations. The Primary Programme is an excellent framework for learning in the primary years and provides a solid foundation for your child's future
About CIE:
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) qualifications are taken in over 150 different countries and are recognised by universities, education providers and employers across the globe. CIE offers a wide range of academic and professional qualifications for people of all ages and abilities. CIE qualifications provide a route students can follow from the post-kindergarten stage to university entrance. CIE provides world-class support for teachers through publications, online resources, training workshops and professional development.