British Primary

A broad curriculum for a balanced education

The curriculum aims to deliver core subjects and develop creativity, expression, and well-being. A range of subjects ensures that teaching and learning appeal to many students and prepares them for future learning by introducing them to new topics. Teachers are supported with a stimulating and varied curriculum, which challenges and inspires students to be lifelong learners.

A robust foundation with excellent progression

British Primary provides a strong foundation for students at the beginning of their schooling before progressing through the Secondary Programme (including the Key Stages) in an age-appropriate way. The curriculum ensures that even the youngest students learn the right things at the right time. Teachers focus on learning outcomes, knowing that the sequencing of learning aligns from stage to stage. Students will be familiar with the content and skills from the previous stage and well prepared for the next.

A global learner in a local context

British Primary encourages learners to understand their culture, community, and identity in the broader world. The program celebrates local culture while helping learners to discuss global issues. Activities in the schemes of work are internationally focused, but they can be applied in all local contexts so that learners can develop a broad outlook.

A flexible approach

British Primary programme is flexible, so it can be adapted to the learners’ needs and works with the local context. British Primary is designed to stretch, challenge, and inspire all students, whatever their cultural context.

All British Primary subjects include a set of learning objectives that provide a structure for teaching and learning, and a reference against which you can check learners’ attainment and skills.

The learning objectives are divided into clearly sequenced areas called ‘strands’ that is taught separately or together. All the British Primary subjects and learning objectives ensure a smooth progression throughout British Primary and onwards into Cambridge Lower Secondary and beyond.

The British Curriculum at 21K School will offer the following subjects from Grades 1 to 5:

Core Subjects:

• Cambridge Primary English (0058)
• Cambridge Primary Mathematics (0096)
• Cambridge Primary Science (0097)
• Cambridge Primary Global Perspectives (0838)
• Second Language (choice of 16 subjects)
• Computational Thinking & Coding

Capstone Subjects:

• Music & Rhythm
• Yoga, Mindfulness and Meditation
• Digital Media and Arts

Add-on Subjects:

• Optional Third Language (choice of 16 subjects)

21K School adopts Cambridge University Press Coursebooks and Workbooks.

Cambridge Primary English is intended for first language learners who have well-developed oral language skills before they begin school. Therefore, learners must produce language orally and in writing from the earliest stages. This curriculum provides a foundation in language and literacy on which later stages of education can be built. Its emphasis and early focus on literary analysis and critical reading skills promote an understanding of how different language features are used and the impact these have on the reader. It fosters literary appreciation and prepares learners to become skilled users of the language in many contexts.

Cambridge Primary Mathematics explores principles, patterns, systems, functions and relationships so that learners can apply their mathematical knowledge and develop a holistic understanding of the subject. It is structured in three content areas: Number, Geometry and Measure, Statistics and Probability. Thinking and Working Mathematically underpin all of the other areas of learning to assist learners in considering the processes involved when solving problems.

Cambridge Primary Science has six strands: A skills strand , Thinking and Working Scientifically; Four content strands - Biology, Chemistry, Physics and, Earth and Space; A context strand - Science in Context. In every part of the programme, learners think and work scientifically and do hands-on science using standard equipment. This helps learners to develop an understanding of scientific investigations, including considering ideas, evaluating evidence, planning, investigating, recording and analysing data. The content in the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth and Space strands introduce learners to the main areas of science. At the same time, the Science in Context strand also places these in a broader cultural and historical context.

Cambridge Primary Global Perspectives develops the skills of research, analysis, evaluation, reflection, collaboration and communication. The skills are taught through a wide range of topics using personal, local and global perspectives. It strengthens the links across the other subjects in the primary programme and provides an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Flexible delivery options are a key characteristic of the programme and it can be taught as a weekly lesson, integrated into other subjects or through occasional full days of activities.

Cambridge Coding Sandpit focuses on teaching computing, which promotes problem solving, computational thinking and critical reasoning skills. The primary goal of teaching computational thinking is to develop the ability to solve problems and express the solution in the form of algorithm that is precise and can be understood by humans and machines. Keeping this objective in mind, the principles of computational thinking are taught trough the following themes: 1) Systematic Listing, Counting and Reasoning, (2) Iterative Patterns and Processes, (3) Information Processing, (4) Discrete Mathematical Modelling, (5) Following and Devising Algorithms, (6) Programming and (7) Digital Literacy.

We at 21K school believe in an inquiry-based learning approach as it lets students share their ideas and questions about a topic. This helps foster more curiosity about the material and teaches skills students can use to continue exploring issues they are interested in.

Helping students reach their full potential through different learning approaches builds social and emotional learning skills, college and career-ready skills and enhances problem-solving abilities. This emphasises the student’s role in the learning process, giving them the autonomy to explore, ask questions and share ideas.

Inquiry-based learning uses different approaches, cultivating skills through guided education and small-group discussions to apply reasoning to reach conclusions.

From a student’s perspective, inquiry-based learning helps focus on open questions or problems to use evidence-based reasoning, creative thinking and problem-solving to form a conclusion they can defend.

In an inquiry-led learning model, students actively participate in their own learning experience. Ultimately, this leads to a sense of independence that encourages students to continue asking questions and seeking answers long after leaving the classroom.

Independent learners know that knowledge acquisition never ends, and they will be more motivated to come up with solutions to the most challenging problems an organisation or group faces.

Students will engage in approximately an hour of self-learning every day throughout the year, where assignments will be given to hone skills such as research, presentation, communication etc. Different learners can pace their learning according to their preferred learning styles.

From a facilitator’s perspective, this learning approach focuses on helping students get from the curiosity stage into critical thinking and deeper levels of understanding. They guide students through the investigation process, encouraging them to ask questions through structured inquiry activities. This is usually done by utilising group or individual projects, case studies, research tasks, and unique exercises created for individual or specific groups of students.

The Habits of Mind (HOM) embedded into the 21K curriculum is a tested, proven curriculum for creating strong learners and educators. Habits of Mind are the attitudes and dispositions that help students become better thinkers and problem solvers who know what to do when the answers are not immediately apparent. Art Costa and Bena Kallick propose 16 habits (such as Listening with Understanding and Empathy or Persisting) that, when engaged, can build student success in the classroom, in the workplace, and life. We endeavour to incorporate HOM into our pedagogical practices and experience the realisation through the action of students in real-life situations.

Community And Service (CAS)

The objective of including CAS activities is to make students well-balanced. It is important to focus on the academic aspect of the school, but it is also essential that we do activities outside of school that help us determine our interests and make us leave our comfort zone. CAS allows students to develop creative skills and helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is most rewarding since it will enable students to do several things for communities that need help or support and try new and different activities.

At 21K, the best way students can enhance their personal and interpersonal development is through learning and experience; and CAS does just that. The CAS experience provides opportunities for self-determination and collaboration with others and fosters a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment that students achieve from their work. In essence, the program is designed to open opportunities for participation in enriching activities.

21K school offers students a variety of experiences to develop their skills and build on their socio-emotional experiences. Beyond the regular classes and activities, students also participate in celebrations, festivals, inter-house activities, Lit-Fest, Shark Tank, Mathalon, Social Fest, Art Fest, Science Exhibition and more.

Summer School, Fields Trips, Excursions and Student Exchange Programme allow students to engage with other children across cities and countries.

Summer School

Summer school is designed to help students improve their foundations across disciplinary areas and help them develop new skill sets for the future.

Not only do students immerse themselves in a structured programme, which helps improve their subject knowledge, the scheduled workshops and lecture series also equips students with intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to help them excel in the future.

The Summer school provides a focused environment with smaller classes and fewer learning hours. Because the duration of the study is limited, the facilitators usually set precise goals.

Summer schools can expand a child’s horizons further, helping them discover their interests and talents, participate in Masterclass programs that are of interest, and experience programs that make them into an independent learner.

Field trips

Field trips provide students with different ways of viewing the world, communicating with it, successfully introducing new questions and issues of daily life, and finding answers to generate knowledge. In the end, inquiry-based learning teaches the students a greater understanding of the world they work, communicate, learn, and live in. At 21K, field trips also allow students to socialise and meet peers outside their online classes.

Annual Excursions

At 21K, the annual excursion is primarily an opportunity to consolidate the bond between students and facilitators. The trip usually provides our students with experiences outside their daily activities, such as camping with teachers and classmates. Our past experiences have been insightful. We have planned for visits to locations that provide ample opportunities to facilitate learning through engaging activities while consolidating the bond with the community.

Student Exchange programme

We aim for our student exchange programme to offer broad-based benefits and outcomes for students keen to embark on a national or international adventure. These programmes are intertwined and come together to constitute the overarching exchange experience. Through our exchange programmes, we aim to enhance international learning and knowledge, propel students towards acceptance and understanding of an array of different cultural and community perspectives, achieve language acquisition through practical immersion., increase awareness and adoption of alternative, multi-faceted approaches to learning, enhance analytical and problem-solving skills, develop greater interest in global issues as well as a broader general knowledge.

Our vision is to create a joyful learning environment which includes an experiential learning mode which is interactive, inspiring, and stress-free that induces true love for learning and instills in one, self-responsibility and commitment towards life. This dream comes to life through the actions of our dynamic team of facilitators who work effortlessly and selflessly. Due to the vibrancy and creativity of our teaching pool, we can put life into teaching-learning sessions.

Facilitators concentrate on the learning process and encourage collaboration and self-learning. The approach stimulates discussions, asks questions to get the group thinking, and enables peer-to-peer communication. They help students identify different ways of learning that work for them, take responsibility for their learning, and contribute to group sessions.

The Crew, at 21K, are hired based on their qualification, training, and expertise. They comprise members who believe in the vision and mission of the school and have the experience to add value to the organisation.

The prerequisite for a job at 21K school is the qualification and a minimum of two years teaching in an international board, working full-time with 21K School. The experience ranges between 5 -10 years at the leadership level. Regular guest lectures and workshops from professionals are also part of the academic delivery of content.

Crew members receive in-house training at various levels throughout the year. Apart from in-house training, they attend training conducted by CAIE. The facilitators receive much exposure to webinars, podcasts and conferences conducted online globally. Global trends are shared through blogs, vlogs and resource persons who share their experiences with our team. A select team enrol in various certification programs as part of professional development. All Facilitators are trained in aspects of child safety, cyber security and cultural sensitivity.

Leadership

The leadership at 21K school aims to transform the school’s vision into reality. The leadership works tirelessly to build an organised and effective system through meticulous attention to detail, realistic target-setting and precise scheduling.

The Head of Schools, Principals and Coordinators who form the leadership team are qualified, trained, and experienced individuals in Cambridge and other international boards. They are well versed with the requirements of the boards and align themselves towards the vision and mission of 21K School, CAIE, and Edexcel.

The Academic & Pedagogical Training Head looks into the training requirement of the School and updates the leadership for participation.

Student Support

The importance of technical support services in the 21K School heightens as the world embraces digital innovations. The Technical crew is a strong team comprising specialists in various technological aspects required in an online set-up. Through the help of technical support staff, schools can have a more streamlined and systematic connection — making learning easier and fun.

Student Success Team liaises between the parents and academic, technical and admissions crew. They are the point of contact to set up meetings and resolve queries within a turnaround time of 24 hours.

Assessment is central to the teaching and learning process in the classroom, not only to measuring student achievement and progress. The following different uses of assessment are often held:

• Diagnostic – activities which identify learning difficulties or issues and indicate where help or change is needed.
• Formative – assessment activities are used primarily to help student learning by providing feedback during the learning process. This enables teachers and/or learners to modify teaching and learning activities to improve learning.
• Summative – an assessment of learning that has taken place at the end of a course or unit of study. This is designed primarily to measure achievement but could also involve ranking, certifying competence or accountability.
• Benchmark test – Learners appear for International Benchmark Test (IBT) conducted by the Australian Council for Educational Research. The IBT helps track learner performance against international standards.

Coursebooks and Workbooks from Cambridge University Press for English, Global Perspectives, Mathematics, Computational Thinking, and Science are delivered to the student’s residence along with books for Second and Third Language from other Publishers. Student ID card, Almanac and Planner, and a goodie bag are part of the Learning Kit.

Students will get access to our web-based Learning Platform, and Parents will have access to Mobile Apps on Android and iOS. Through the Learning Platform, students can access the following resources:

• E-Library with over 2 million titles
• Virtual Science Lab
• Personalised Learning Platform
• Assessment Platform
• Student Dashboard, Reports and Analytics
• Digital Content & learning resources