During Grade 3 to 6, students at AIS are gradually given more independence and greater responsibility within their learning under the direction of our highly qualified, dedicated and caring Australian, Arabic and international primary teaching team. The Australian Curriculum throughout Grade 3 to 6 remains focused on developing numeracy and literacy, as well as students’ ability to take positive action for wellbeing, communicate well with others, pose questions and solve problems whilst becoming more independent and self-managed learners who make informed decisions and act responsibly.
Grade 3 and 4
Building on the nurturing foundations laid in Prep to Grade 2, students in Grade 3 and 4 are encouraged to further develop their independence and responsibilities within the classroom whilst literacy and numeracy remains a priority: complex and abstract concepts are steadily introduced. In literacy, students become more confident in oral and written language, enabling them to move from learning to read to reading to learn, a major distinction, and on into more complex texts such as chapter books and works of non-fiction.
In the classroom, teamwork and hands on activities help not only to develop a student’s social skills, but are crucial in allowing independent investigation and problem solving in a fun and exciting setting. The link between home and school is forged here also through the key learning areas of Humanities and Social Studies, and Health and Physical Education, as well as through STEAM rotations in the areas of Science, the Arts and Digital Technology, where learning episodes are focused on personally relevant experiences to attune student understanding. Global connection is further developed through the study of Languages, French and Arabic. As students progress, a more macro view of key learnings are introduced with global concepts slowly presented. ICTs are used within the classroom to complement and extend student learning, developing into a strong learning platform as they progress in independence, maturity and ability.
An excellent summary for parents of the Australian Curriculum aims for Grades 3 and 4 can be found here:
Information for Parents Grade 3 - 4
Grade 5 and 6
The final years of Primary School for our students represents a time of growing awareness of themselves and the world around them, the refining and maturing of academic, social and wellbeing skills and a deepening pride in their roles as lifelong learners at AIS. Students are encouraged to build upon their independent learning skills including using higher order thinking, applying knowledge and understanding across all subject areas as well as further development of problem solving skills.
The expansion of literacy and numeracy continues in more depth and complexity, while studies in Humanities sees students moving from learning about themselves and their immediate surroundings, to the impact of events in local and global communities. Through STEAM rotations in Science, students focus on investigations about the natural world around them. Digital Technology and the Arts provide further opportunity for students to deepen their problem based learning and creative skills. The concepts of how to look after the health of oneself and that of the wider community is explored in Health and Physical Education. Our Grade 5 and 6 students continue their learning of Arabic, French, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. Of particular importance is preparing students for life in the Secondary School, where self-management of homework, assessment and accountability for learning tools is a focal point.
Opportunities abound for our Grade 6 students in particular to take on a variety of leadership positions. Primary Captains are elected each year in Grade 6. These Primary Student Leaders liaise with teachers, the staff leadership team, our Secondary Student Leaders and the community not only to develop their own individual leadership skills but more importantly, to represent their peers and make AIS a wonderful place to learn. The lifelong learning which comes with these invaluable processes are skills which can be taken firmly on their AIS journey to success and well into their adult lives.
An excellent summary for parents of the Australian Curriculum aims for Grades 5-6 can be found here:
Information for Parents Grades 5 - 6
Further in-depth information for each grade level can be found via these links:
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/learning-3-6/
