The purpose of our English curriculum is to develop our pupils' abilities to communicate effectively with expression, confidence and fluency in both speaking and writing and to be able to listen and read with understanding.

Time is allocated for the internationalised teaching of English and it is also continually reinforced across all other curriculum areas. Whilst the programmes of study as prescribed in the UK Literacy Strategy are used to guide teaching and learning in English, our school has also utilised a range of teaching approaches that have proven to be highly successful internationally.

Pupil's who speak English as a second language are assisted by our English as an Additional Language programme, while the school's Reading Recovery unit supports pupils who have been identified with reading challenges.

Mathematics is a tool for life. To function in society we all need to communicate mathematically. It is a search for patterns and relationships, a creative activity involving imagination, intuition and discovery. Mathematics is a way of solving problems.

We believe that every student should be encouraged to develop an enthusiasm and love for mathematics through experiencing a wide range of challenging activities. Tasks set are matched closely to the particular ability level and stage of development of each pupil, with targeted positive support to help those with difficulties as well as extension activities to further challenge the most able students.

We place a strong emphasis on the development of mental mathematics and the acquisition of basic number rules, such as times table bonds and the four basic operations; addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

In Year 5 & 6 we set groups according to ability for mathematics. This is done to help us support and extend pupils most efficiently.

Our core scheme programme is the New Collins Primary Maths programme. Class teachers will utilize this resource together with teacher designed materials and computer based activities. With the assistance of these, we seek to fulfill our aim to produce children who are mathematical thinkers with the ability to apply their knowledge successfully in a diverse range of situations.

INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING

The NCBIS Primary Years Programme Curriculum is a guided inquiry approach to learning and teaching. Inquiry-based units of study, known as Units of Inquiry, are the focus for learning in homeroom classes and when appropriate they are integrated into other curriculum areas. Students experience what it is like to think and act like a historian, scientist, engineer or a mathematician. Within each Unit of Inquiry students and teachers identify together what they want to know, what they already know, what they need to know and how best they might find that out.

In the inquiry-based classroom there is increased emphasis on real life situations, decision-making, problem solving, research and action. Students are actively:

exploring, wondering and questioning

experimenting and playing with possibilities

researching and seeking information

collecting data and reporting findings

clarifying existing ideas and reappraising events

deepening understanding through the application of a concept or rule

making and testing theories

making predictions and acting purposefully to see what happens

Pupils begin to learn French in Year 3 and receive two lessons a week from a specialist teacher. The main focus is given to Speaking and Listening activities in order to build pupils’ confidence and vocabulary in an enjoyable and fun atmosphere.

The Arabic Department at the New Cairo British International School strives to offer the highest standard of learning about both Arabic language and culture. Pupils are encouraged to be aware of and to appreciate the significance of Egyptian and Middle Eastern culture as well as Arabic language.