The Core Subjects are the basis for all other learning and are more formally assessed each year. 

English

The National Curriculum for English develops student’s understanding of the English language. Children develop skills around the four areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. In KS1, children will develop a deep understanding of Phonics before applying these in the four areas. 

Maths

The National Curriculum for Mathematics develops a broad range of skills encouraging children not just to become fluent with mathematical strategies but to reason mathematically and solve problems. Mathematics is broken down into the following topics: Place Value; Number; Calculations; Shape and Space; Measurement; Data Handling; and Algebra.  

Science

The National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all students develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics. Students will also develop understanding of the nature, processes, and methods of science through different types of science inquiry that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. Lessons ensure all children are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.  

Arabic A (specialist)

Our specialist Native Arabic curriculum mirrors our English curriculum and from a young age children develop skills around the four areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Children attend Arabic A specialist lessons four to five times a week, depending on the age of the child.  

Arabic B (specialist)

Our specialist Arabic curriculum mirrors our Modern Foreign Language curriculum and from a young age children develop skills around the four areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Children attend Arabic B specialist lessons three to four times a week, depending on the age of the child.  

Islamic (specialist) 

For our Muslim students, our specialist Islamic curriculum provides children with an opportunity to develop their understanding of Islamic values. Muslim children attend Islamic lessons two to three times a week, depending on the age of the child

Social, Moral and Cultural Studies

Children will access the Social Studies UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum, which is related to the building of personalities, instilling the values of national identity, and the practice of good citizenship, which in turn develops a sense of belonging within the school and local community. 

As part of our Social Enterprise vision, Foundation Subjects are delivered through our Projects 4 Change lessons. Subjects are delivered in a thematic and meaningful way. Each Project offers opportunities to deepen students' understanding of that subject areas while also proving learning with a purpose and outcome. Importantly, Projects 4 Change ensures a balance of thematic and discrete teaching with an emphasis on both knowledge and skills.

Geography 

The Academy's Geography education inspires pupils’ curiosity and fascination of the world and its people. Teaching equips pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time.  

History

Our History education helps children gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Teachers inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. Teaching equips pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Our lessons help pupils understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as developing their own identity and identifying challenges of their time. 

Design and Technology

Our Design and Technology curriculum allows children to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.  

Art and Design

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. The Academy's Art and Design lessons engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they will be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of Art and Design. They should also know how Art and Design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. 

Computing and Robotics

Computing equips our students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology safely to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.  

GroWell

The wellbeing of all our students is crucial in enabling them to reach their true potential. GroWell is a differentiated wellbeing curriculum designed to ‘grow’ wellbeing, supporting and strengthening children’s development to becoming resilient, positive and empowered young people. Lessons have a focus on developing children’s emotional intelligence and in deepening their understanding of themselves as learners. As a school, we have weekly allocated lessons within our timetables, from FS2 to Year 6. During these allocated sessions, students will focus on the five key areas of wellbeing; Self-awareness, Self-management, Relationship skills, Responsible Decision Making and Social Awareness. These lessons ensure that individual student’s wellbeing needs are supported. Children have the opportunity to focus on different situations and scenarios, and develop their understanding of how to manage emotions through sharing their opinions. The aim is to equip children with the necessary tools to lead purposeful lives.

The Primary Academy offers a range of additional specialist lessons taught by teachers who are trained and qualified in specific subjects: Arabic, Islamic, Music, French, Spanish and Physical Education, including swimming. In addition to developing specific knowledge and skills, specialist lessons play an important part in personal, social and emotional development at this young age, as children develop relationships with a range of adults across our specialist facilities.  

Arabic A (Specialist)

Our specialist Native Arabic curriculum mirrors our English curriculum and from a young age children develop skills around the four areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Children attend Arabic A specialist lessons four to five times a week, depending on the age of the child.

Arabic B (Specialist)

Our specialist Arabic curriculum mirrors our Modern Foreign Language curriculum and from a young age children develop skills around the four areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Children attend Arabic B specialist lessons three to four times a week, depending on the age of the child. 

Islamic (Specialist)

For our Muslim students, our specialist Islamic curriculum provides children with an opportunity to develop their understanding of Islamic values. Muslim children attend Islamic lessons two to three times a week, depending on the age of the child. 

Physical Education

The Academy’s high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It provides opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect. Our state-of-the art PE facilities enrich the curriculum for students from FS1 to Secondary.

Music

Our specialist Music lessons provide an opportunity to develop a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. The high-quality music education at WEK should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon. 

French and Spanish

Weekly specialist French lessons provide an opening to other cultures. Our high-quality language education fosters children’s curiosity and deepens their understanding of French speaking cultures. Our teachers enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in the French language while providing opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes. The Primary Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Curriculum is broken down into the following areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. 

Our school day is structured to enable a full extra-curricular programme to be delivered. Participation in extracurricular activities takes equal importance alongside academic performance. Through participation in these events, students enrich their school days. In addition to physical development and the exploration of interests, students learn the thrill of challenge and competition, the importance of concentration, the spirit of teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. We provide a rich extra-curricular programme that supports students’ all-round development, providing opportunities for them to develop their talents. Students may choose from a wide variety of activities, including both individual pursuits and team building.

Extra-Curricular Activities

A rich and varied program of extra-curricular activities ensures that a wide variety of students interests are catered for, with a mix of academic, skills and physical activities on offer run by the school staff on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3pm – 4:15pm.

External Trips

Throughout the Primary School, educational visits are planned to enhance, develop and extend our curriculum. Such experiences are filled with exciting challenges, engaging hooks for projects and memorable learning moments, planned to enthuse a lifelong love of learning. From visiting the Emirates Bio Farm to Ecoventure camping excursions, all of our trips are aligned with the curriculum to promote hands-on learning in the real world.

Internal Experiences 

Throughout the academic year and during year group topics, students are provided with a range of exciting learning experiences through the curriculum. Lesson hooks are an engaging way to grab students' attention when introducing a new topic. Parent celebration events are held at the end of each topic, with students showcasing their learning. All topics present students with a range of new experiences, ranging from delving into the prehistoric times of the Stone Age to immersing themselves into the cultures of North and South America.

Assemblies

Weekly Year Group Assemblies take place in our school auditorium and are an opportunity for the whole year group to come together in order to celebrate things that are important to us and our school community. Each week, our assemblies are based on a different theme, exploring ideas such as British Values, the Sustainable Development Goals and our Values, Attitudes and Attributes. The assemblies are delivered by many of our student leaders including the Head Boy and Head Girl, School Council Representatives, Wellbeing Champions and Young Philanthropists. Each week, we also celebrate our ‘HPL Learners of the Week’ and those children who have received the most House Points, the ‘Big Hitters’. It is also an opportunity for us to get together as a community to celebrate and acknowledge cultural and heritage events of the UK, UAE and those of our home country. Our Music department also feature in our weekly assemblies with songs linked to current curriculum themes. 

Performances

All children are given the chance to take part in a number of school performances over the academic year. Each year group take part in one performance per year which is delivered as a showcase for parents. As a Primary School, we acknowledge and celebrate a number of cultural events throughout the year with student performance taking center stage. These include events such as: National Day, Diwali, Winter Concerts, and Year Group Topic Celebrations. At the end of the academic year, all children can audition for our End of Year Production working alongside professionals from ArtsEd. A number of roles are available for children including on stage and backstage including stage hands, costumes and make up. This whole school production is showcased during a number of performances both during and after school.

LAMDA

The Drama department at The Academy have some incredible partnerships and performing arts opportunities available to students. Recently, we launched our new Elite Performing Arts Program where successful students will be coached and trained by professionals from Urdang International and United Dance Organisation DXB (UDO DXB). Students can audition to be a part of our elite teams and if successful, they will receive bespoke, professional training. An example of this is our Elite Acting Up Theatre Company, and successful students are entered for their LAMDA qualification. LAMDA Speech & Drama classes are drama lessons leading to exams set by the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. These exams are designed to develop the skills necessary to communicate dramatic text to an audience. This is just one of the fantastic opportunities in which students will develop interpretative skills, technical skills and knowledge of the performance process. 

Student Leadership

Each year group provides opportunity for student leadership. These help students develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. It also allows them to take an active role in their education and school community. Examples of our student leadership roles in primary school include elected student council members, digital leaders who help with technology-related tasks and initiatives, eco-warriors who work on environmental projects, and playground leaders who help to create a positive and inclusive play environment for their peers. By participating in these leadership roles, students can learn to be responsible, confident, and capable leaders, which can benefit them both in and out of the classroom.

Music Tuition

Private Vocal and instrumental lessons are provided through our external instrumental provider Center for Musical Arts (Additional Charge). These lessons take place in the WEK Music Department during the school day and there are many different instruments available. 

ESM After-School Clubs

As well as internal ECAs, The Academy works alongside ESM to offer a broad range of additional coached activities from external providers. These take place throughout the week after school within our school facilities. (Additional Charge)

As a leading school in Dubai, it is important that we take learning into the 21st Century. That is why we have adopted innovative teaching approaches that support all learners and ensure that they are prepared for the real world.  

Teaching Principles

The Academy draws upon our Teaching Principles in order to highlight the key features of effective teaching and learning. These principles were agreed by The Academy teaching team and are formed from the following:
• Research on how the brain acquires and uses new information
• Research on the classroom practices of those teachers whose students show the highest gains
• Findings from studies that taught learning strategies to students

Learning Intentions

Every lesson begins with a Learning Intention. This Learning Intention is created by the teacher and describes clearly what the teacher wants the students to know, understand, and be able to do as a result of learning and teaching activities. This provides a focus for students within each lesson.

Learning Steps

Learning Steps are shared to break down the learning process within a lesson. Sharing Learning Steps with students supports them to understand the key milestones that will take place within the lesson to assist them in understanding the new learning.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Pupils from Year 3 onwards are asked to bring an iPad as part of our commitment to enhance the learning experience delivered in the classroom. The school uses a number of educational apps which allow children to personalize their learning experience, as well as giving them access to a wide range of cutting-edge digital resources. The use of technology is to supplement the provision given by the class teacher and is never used as a replacement.

Century

CENTURY is an AI-powered online learning platform that tailors study materials to the needs of every child. CENTURY learning ages range from Year 3 to Year 13 and focus specifically around English, Maths and Science. As CENTURY is an AI platform, it is able to develop an individual education plan for each child. Every individual path, as it is referred to in Century, is different in order to challenge all students across all ability groups.

Seesaw

Seesaw is an online learning platform that enhances student engagement. Teachers can empower students to create, reflect, share, and collaborate. Students “show what they know” using photos, videos, drawings, text, PDFs, and links. It’s simple to get student work in one place and share it with families.

Purple Mash

Purple Mash is a whole curricular, online resource that supports teachers with challenging subject areas or topics, whilst encouraging children to love learning through exciting and engaging online activities.

Timestables Rockstars 

Times Tables Rock Stars is a carefully sequenced programme of daily times tables practice. Each week concentrates on a different times table, with a recommended consolidation week for rehearsing the tables that have recently been practised every third week or so. This format has very successfully boosted times tables recall speed for hundreds of thousands of pupils over the last 8 years in over 16,000 schools – both primary and secondary – worldwide.

NumBots

NumBots adopts the best teaching practises to take children from counting on their fingers, to adding and subtracting two digit numbers. NumBots supports KS1 students in developing understanding, recall and fluency in mental addition and subtraction, so that they move from counting to calculating.