LÉMAN’S PRIMARY CURRICULUM

Our methodology at our private Primary School in Chengdu emphasises the needs and goals of each individual child. We encourage a positive mindset in our students so they can build their confidence and take greater steps towards success.

During Primary School, our students rigorously develop their skills in English and maths, while all other subjects are explored a variety of ways. We use a thematic approach to learning, as we believe that learning needs to be contextualised for children to make connections and make sense of the world. Therefore, we use a combination of the English National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).  We teach some important aspects of learning in a stand-alone fashion. Our curriculum is rich with building knowledge and skills, while also putting a strong emphasis on building strong values and enjoyment towards learning. Our talented teachers use their judgement whether to take an enquiry-based, child-led, or project-based approach in a specific given lesson, but we generally always follow a child-centred approach and seek to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

The English National Curriculum is used by over 30,000 international schools in the UK and overseas, which brings reassurance to our parents and stability to our students – important factors, especially when moving between countries.

Our students are taught art, music, PE, Drama and Mandarin by specialist teachers throughout Primary School. The PSHE learning during the year focuses on the emotional well-being of our children and ensures they remain healthy, happy, and ready to learn. We take a holistic approach towards each child’s education to ensure we’re producing well-rounded individuals, who are responsible citizens that show respect and make an effective contribution to society.

The Upper Primary phase consists of Years 4, 5, and 6. As our students enter Upper Primary, we encourage them to be academically inquisitive and to continue to develop independently – showing initiative and leadership skills, remaining high-performing and motivated, and taking pride in their studies.

We support our students in reaching their full potential through an individualised approach to their learning, and we closely monitor their progress. We maintain high academic standards through the English National Curriculum’s key objectives. We instruct our students in these subjects daily. They work in small groups, which allows them to be supported or challenged as appropriate.

Using the English National Curriculum’s best practices around the principles of the IPC, we teach Science, History, Geography, Design Technology, and Computing through topics, where learning is integrated into child-centred activities. Teachers ensure that the topics are broad and balanced to provide continuity and progression across the year groups. Teaching inspiring and exciting topics allows us to inspire our students’ curiosity. We encourage our students to become independent learners, taking ownership of their own learning and progress. 

We create a learning environment where our students are pushed to challenge themselves in their learning; to analyse and reflect; to take risks; and to develop intellectual confidence. We strive to ensure that all children achieve at a high level. We plan learning and development around their individual needs and interests, using modern assessment methods to ensure their progress.

Upper Primary prepares and supports our students for the smoothest possible transition into Year 7 and beyond. Our students should leave their Primary years as highly engaged and self-motivated learners – well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to achieve their goals and to develop as global citizens.