Curriculum
Pioneers’ prepares students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and A Level Examinations of the University of Cambridge (UK).
The curriculum at Pioneers is based on the National Curriculum of England enriched with key elements of the Ghana Education Service curriculum. Every child receives a broad and balanced curriculum that includes numeracy, literacy, science, humanities (history and geography), art and design, music, physical education (PE), French, computing.
Thematic units
Across the primary school, Several units of learning are used to link learning together in different subject areas and to make learning meaningful. The themed units engage the children using relevant activities that include science, history and geography as well as exploring natural links with music, art, P.E. and ICT. The IPC also includes personal and international goals which help the child to flourish socially and emotionally as well as academically. Knowledge, skills and understanding are developed by stimulating the child’s natural curiosity and through teaching methods of inquiry, children can discover their own answers through research and investigation. This also helps children to become more aware of the world around them and how this world has changed through time.
Throughout the year there will be opportunities to find out more about the primary curriculum at Pioneers and how you can support your child at home. Value is given to all curriculum areas in order to prepare children for the world beyond Pioneers.
English
At Pioneers we believe in developing children’s listening, speaking, reading and writing for a wide range of purposes. We encourage children to express themselves creatively and imaginatively as they become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry, and drama, as well as of nonfiction and media texts. Children gain an understanding of how language works by looking at its patterns, structures, and origins. We give our students opportunities to use their knowledge, skills, and understanding in speaking and writing across a range of different situations.
Mathematics
At Pioneers, we follow Cambridge International primary curriculum in Maths. Maths is a creative and interconnected discipline and to successfully provide children with a deep understanding of the subject, we must use a variety of teaching techniques to deliver the content. The majority of our learning will take place through practical hands-on activities. These include using Lego Education resources and local materials to solve math problems. Children will be challenged through problem solving tasks, games and active lessons. From Primary Year 1, our students are introduced to Khan Academy online math and science curriculum to expand their scope and interest in the subject area.
Art
Art lessons at Pioneers are an exciting opportunity for children to discover a variety of creative possibilities such as painting, drawing, collage, creating three-dimensional art and much more. The children learn about different art styles and history through hands-on projects. The children are taught to express themselves freely knowing that their work will be valued for its individuality and creativity.
Music
All children at Pioneers have weekly music lessons as a class and weekly singing sessions as a year group or key stage. Music is a fun session where they learn how to play instruments, sing a variety of songs and listen to music from different eras and countries. Children compose music, accompany songs and learn how music can affect us. The importance of music and the enjoyment music gives us is part of our everyday lives.
Computing
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. All classrooms from Kindergarten are equipped with computers to enhance learning. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Our vision is for all teachers and students in our school to become confident users of programming and ICT so that they can develop the skills, knowledge and understanding which enable them to use appropriate computing resources effectively as powerful tools for teaching & learning.
Languages
Our goal is to enable our students have exposure to diverse international languages. Pioneers currently offer French from our Reception classes through Primary school. This is particularly important as Ghana our current country of operation is surrounded by francophone countries. As we grow we will expand our number of languages to ensure our students remain prepared for the opportunities and challenges that await them.
PE & Swimming
PE aims to develop students’ knowledge, skills, and understanding so that they can perform with increasing competence and confidence in a range of physical activities. To ensure that this goal is realized, each class attend weekly PE lessons and swimming lessons. Specialist teachers lead these sessions. Pioneers will start its swimming lessons in the 2016/2017 academic year.
In addition to class lessons, the children have the opportunity to join after-school sporting activities in our after-school club program. They may also be selected to represent the schools in competitive sports activities.