The International School @ ParkCity

Key Stage

Year 3 to Year 6

Curriculum Information

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Welcome to Key Stage 2 @ ISP

Thank you for your interest in our school, and for downloading this guide to the curriculum for children aged 7 to 11 years old at The International School @ ParkCity.

In addition to this information, we encourage you to find out about the teachers at our school by browsing the faculty page of our website, and to download the corresponding curriculum guides for our younger children (in Early Years and Key Stage 1) and older children (in Key Stage 3 and beyond).

The best way to learn about children’s development in Key Stage 2 at ISP is to visit our school, see our facilities, meet our staff and talk to our students. We hold regular Open Days and ‘See the School In Action’ mornings, and whenever you choose to visit us we guarantee you will receive a very warm welcome!

Please also feel free to contact me should you have any further queries or comments about the Primary School.

Warm regards

Rik MillingtonHead of Primary Schoolprimary.office@isp.edu.my

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How do children learn in Key Stage 2?

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The emphasis in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 is on encouraging children to be active agents in their learning journey. Children are taught subject skills, knowledge and understanding through innovative and exciting lessons. We place an emphasis on enquiry, collaboration, communication and creativity. We also stress the importance of taking risks in our learning and there is an encouragement to reflect and evaluate.

In our technologically rich environment children apply their Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills across all areas of learning. Increasingly through the primary years, students have access to specialist subject teachers to enable them to learn and develop skills in subjects such as Performing Arts (Music and Drama), Mandarin, Spanish, Bahasa Malaysia and Physical Education.

Children who enjoy school are far more successful and we believe that offering a broad, well-rounded curriculum that values a variety of subjects is a key means of ensuring happy, motivated learners.

ISP Core Values & Learning Habits

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What do children learn in Key Stage 2?

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The Key Stage 2 curriculum is based on the UK National Curriculum. The English and Mathematics frameworks in the National Curriculum give structures and expectations for each year group.Teaching and Learning in English and Mathematics are linked wherever possible to the International Primary Curriculum themes to provide the children a deeper understanding of the topics and a wider application of their skills.

We use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) to plan a cross-curricular, thematic, teaching structure for learning goals in subjects Science, History, Geography, Technology, Art, Digital Studies, Society, and International Learning. The IPC, which is also based on the National Curriculum, is designed to engage children of all abilities and provide learning opportunities in an active, exciting and meaningful way. This curriculum is successfully implemented in 85 countries worldwide and promotes personal learning as well as international-mindedness.

English in Key Stage 2

Good English teaching is lively, engaging and is carefully planned to develop the children’s skills, knowledge and understanding. There are twelve learning strands in the English curriculum:

● Speaking● Listening and Responding● Group Discussion and interaction● Drama● Encoding words (spelling) and decoding words (reading)● Word structure and spelling

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● Understanding and interpreting texts● Engaging and responding to texts● Creating and shaping texts● Structuring and organising texts● Grammar and punctuation● Presentation

Each term there are varying focuses for speaking, listening, reading and writing. Many genres of texts are explored and students learn how to write for different audiences and in different formats. Spelling and grammar structures are taught specifically and also through texts. Enjoying reading is a prime objective for our students. We have a broad range of books including sets of class books and guided reading books to stimulate our students to engage with both non-fiction and fiction texts.

All the different aspects of English are integrated and links are made wherever possible with the International Primary Curriculum.

Our main reading scheme is the Oxford Reading Tree and titles that are levelled using the book banding system. Guided reading in class uses a range of level-appropriate books.

The handwriting scheme in Years 3 – 6 is Nelson Handwriting.

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Year 3 English Overview

Term IPC Links Text Genres

1

Footprints from the

Past

Bright Sparks

Stories with Familiar Settings

Read short stories and serialised long stories, focusing on characters,

plot and setting. Compare settings and analyse descriptions. Plan and

write a story set in a familiar place with a clear beginning, middle and

end.

Reports

Take notes from paper, video and online texts about dinosaurs.

Identify presentation techniques and language. Use notes to write

non-chronological report about dinosaurs.

Information texts

Information writing linked to the Footprints from the Past topic.

Shape Poems

Compose own calligrams. Make comparisons between shape poems.

Compose shape poems using language effects and making decisions

about form.

2

Active Planet

Feel the Force

Instructions

Compare the effectiveness of written and video-based instructions.

Review common features and analyse effectiveness. Follow basic

picture instructions then create own video-based instructions on

iMovie.

Myths and Legends

Read a range of myths, legends, fables and traditional tales, identifying

common themes. Sequence key events and describe key characters

with reference to the text. Children plan and write own stories.

Authors and Letters

A link to Active Planet, writing a letter from a person to a family

member affected by the Vesuvius eruption that destroyed Pompeii.

3 Saving the World Adventure and Mystery Stories

Read and analyse examples of the genre. Discuss characters. Recount a

particular incident from a story from different ways. Plan and write a

longer story with a conflict and resolution.

Persuasive Writing

Read and evaluate a wide range of simple persuasive texts, explaining

and evaluating responses orally. Begin to use words, pictures and other

communication modes to persuade others. Create a persuasive advert

Poems to Perform

Read and discuss a range of performance poems, identifying features.

Children write verses of a poem using a known pattern. They rehearse

and perform their poem, recording it on iPads to self evaluate.

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Year 4 English Overview

Term IPC Links Text Genres

1

Explorers and

Adventurers

How Humans Work

Recount

Reflect and write about real-life events and experiences. Explore

planning and organisation of text, use of first and third person, past

tense and adjectives.

Creating Images

Respond to a range of poems that use similes and other imagery and

then write their own poems.

Historical Settings

Listen to a variety of stories. Write original short stories set in the

past.

Discussion Text

Write an effective persuasive argument and/or balanced discussion,

making appropriate language, style and structural choices to meet a

particular purpose and audience

2

Shake It

Paintings, Pictures

and Photographs

Explanation Texts

Investigate an explanatory text. Orally explain a process and develop

awareness of the language features. Write an explanation text using

key language and structural features.

Stories set in Imaginary Worlds

Read and write stories relating to imaginary worlds. Focus on language

used, moods and atmospheres.

Poems Exploring Form

Experiment with the use of simile and form. Poems selected could

include examples of: haiku, songs, simple rhyming forms, list poems

and simple shape poems related to the unit.

3 Do You Live Around

Here?

Turn It Up

Novel Study

Examine elements of writing and practice key reading skills through the

study of text.

Information Text

Read and discuss examples of information texts. Using a related item,

research the information and then present it in one simple format.

Stories with Dilemmas

Read a variety of stories and understand the difference between an

issue and a dilemma. Recap elements of good story writing and invent

and write a story with an issue or dilemma.

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Year 5 English Overview

Term IPC Links Text Genres

1

Investigators

Making the News

Instructions

Understand the conventions of writing instructions and compose

instructions linked to the IPC theme of Electricity, including the use of

control technology in ICT.

Classic Narrative Poetry

Explore and analyse a narrative poem (The Highwayman) and use this

as a stimulus for artwork and creative writing.

Recounts and Newspaper Reports

Understand the conventions of writing a newspaper and compose their

own.

Play scripts & Film Narrative

Research the use of classic, radio and television play scripts and create

a script for television broadcast, voiceover and play.

2

Full Power

(Electricity)

Space Explorers

Novel Study

Follow the plot and analyse language and techniques. Produce an

extended piece of writing based on a book.

Stories from Other Cultures

Read examples of stories from different cultures. Retell stories from

alternative points of view.

Traditional Stories, Fables, Myths and Legends

Read a variety of myths or fables or legends and understand the

difference. Plan and write own stories, linked to themes In the IPC unit

‘Space Explorers’ for example creating myths about how the stars were

formed.

3 Human Body

Go with the Flow

Novels and Stories

Write a complete story with a sequence of events arranged into

paragraphs, linked with a range of connectives and using varying

sentence length (marking and feedback against agreed success

criteria).

Persuasive Writing, Non-Fiction Reports, Travel Writing

Using the Year 5 residential as the stimulus, create presentations,

posters and leaflets to persuade people to care for the environment

and visit the local area. The students will also develop their

understanding of non-chronological reporting and create a report

related to the residential trip.

Choral and Performance Poetry

Hear, read and perform poetry. Learn about performance and poetic

techniques. Write and rehearse own performance poems.

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Year 6 English Overview

Term IPC Links Text Genres

1

Look Hear!

Out of Africa

Explanation + Speech Writing

Explaining processes linked to our IPC 'Look Hear' topic, through text,

speeches and media.

Narrative - Comparing Media

Investigating the different representations of some of our most loved

stories, including books, films, musicals and television. During this unit

we will analyse how to reach audiences in different ways and become

critical reviewers.

Biographies

Focus on the biographies of famous individuals linked to our IPC "Out

of Africa' topic, looking at accurate use of tense and adapting the

author voice to the appropriate audience.

Poetic Style

Comparing the poetic styles of Roger McGough and Michael Rosen,

then write their own free verse inspired by the works of these two

poets.

2

Making New

Materials

The Great, The Bold

and The Brave

Poetry - Finding a Voice

Explore a range on poems on issues that are relevant to the children.

Analyse the language and poetic techniques that have been used,

before working collaboratively to write, share and perform poems.

Narrative

Create impactful and exciting short works of fiction, to review and

extend the narrative techniques taught throughout the key stage.

News Writing

Compare formal and informal writing, as well as the active and passive

voice. Link to IPC topic 'The Great, the Bold and the Brave' with a focus

on reporting key historical events in a range of formats.

3

Making Things Go

What A Wonderful World

Balanced Argument / Debate

Discuss the difference between facts and opinions, research and hold

a class debate and discover ways to make arguments represent more

than one perspective.

Public Speaking

This short unit will prepare for ISP's Public Speaking competition.

Novel Study – Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo

We will explore the writing of Michael Morpurgo, using this extended

text study as our base. We will follow how the narrative and

characters develop throughout the story, discussing critical responses

and analysing the voice of the author.

Mathematics in Key Stage 2

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Mathematics is essential to everyday life and students need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. A high-quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all students: ● become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics.

● develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply

knowledge rapidly and accurately.

● reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and using

mathematical language.

● can solve problems by applying their mathematics with increasing

sophistication.

The programmes of study are organised into distinct domains but pupils should make connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, reasoning and competence. They should also apply their mathematical knowledge to Science and other subjects.

For details of our programme of study, click here.

The International Primary Curriculum (IPC)

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The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is based on the English National Curriculum but sets learning within an international context. By focusing on a combination of academic, personal and international learning opportunities, the IPC provides innovative and exciting ways for children to learn.

Thematic units of work (each lasting on average four to eight weeks) span through the Primary Phase. Through its cross-curricular approach, each unit separates yet integrates many primary subjects including History, Science, Geography, PE and the Arts, while enabling links to English and Mathematics. Each unit ensures rigour by identifying clear learning outcomes. The IPC is designed to help children:

● Learn the essential knowledge, skills and understanding of a broad range of

curriculum subjects.

● Engage with their learning so that they remain committed to learning throughout

their school careers and their lives.

● Develop the personal qualities they need to be good citizens and to respond to

the changing contexts of their future lives.

● Develop a sense of their own nationality and culture at the same time as

developing a profound respect for the nationalities and cultures of others.

Close links between English and the IPC are made and Mathematics is set within the

context of the IPC wherever possible. The following subject areas are specifically

covered within the IPC themes:

● Science

● Geography

● History

● Society

● International studies

● Design Technology

● Art

● ICT

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In addition the following subjects, taught by specialist teachers, also make links with IPC units where possible:

● Performing Arts (Music & Drama)

● Languages (Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Spanish)

● PE & Swimming

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Footprints from the PastBefore People

Bright SparksElectricity

Active Planet

Earthquakes and

Volcanoes

Feel the ForceForces

Saving the WorldRainforests

Year 4 IPC Units

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Explorers and

AdventurersDiscovering the World

How Humans

WorkHuman Body

Shake ItChanging & Separating Materials

Paintings, Pictures and Photographs

Visual Representation

Do you live

round here?

Habitats

Turn It Up!

Sound & Light

Year 3 IPC Units

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Year 5 IPC Units

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Investigators Scientific Enquiry:

Materials and their properties

Making the News

Print, Broadcast and Online Journalism

Full Power

Electricity

Space Explorers Astronomy and

space

Being Human Human Body

Go with the Flow

Rivers

Year 6 IPC Units

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Look Hear

Sound and light

Out of Africa Evolution and

inheritance

Making New Materials

Reversible and irreversible

changes

The Great, The Bold and The

Brave Classical civilisations:

Greece, Rome and beyond

Making Things Go

Energy and fuels

What a Wonderful WorldThe natural world

Overview of IPC Topics in Year 3

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Overview of IPC Topics in Year 4

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Overview of IPC Topics in Year 5

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Overview of IPC Topics in Year 6

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Performing Arts in Key Stage 2

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MusicAll students in the Primary school receive one lesson a week from our specialist music teacher. An overview of this curriculum can be seen below. There are also opportunities to learn instruments in school.

Drama

All students in the Primary school receive one lesson a week over the course of a term from our specialist drama teacher. An overview of this curriculum can be seen below. Year 3 & 4 students perform drama pieces in special assemblies in Term 1. Year 5 & 6 students participate in the Key Stage 2 production in Term 2, which is the flagship annual performing arts event in the Primary School.

Physical Education in Key Stage 2

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The Physical Education curriculum is categorised into invasion games, swimming, striking/fielding games and athletics. Through these units we aim to develop in every student their movement skills, physical fitness levels, communication skills, teamwork and most importantly an appreciation of being physically active and having fun. Children have 2 PE lessons and 1 Swimming lesson each week.

In Primary years, the MFL curriculum is designed to introduce students to the techniques needed to learn foreign languages in a fun, engaging and inspiring way. At all times, students are taught with equal weight given to listening, reading, writing and speaking. The skills and aims of the curriculum are broadly outlined below:

a. how to use and respond to the foreign language b. how to listen carefully in order to discriminate sounds, identify meaning and develop auditory awareness c. to listen for and produce correct pronunciation and intonation d. how to ask and answer questions e. techniques for memorising words, phrases and short extracts f. how to use context and clues to interpret meaning g. how to make use of their knowledge of English or another language in learning the foreign language.

In Key Stage 2, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are offered to Years 3-6. Bahasa Malaysia is compulsory for all Malaysian passport holders. Spanish is offered to Years 5 and 6 as an alternative to Mandarin. All languages cover a range of topics each year to different levels of detail. A summary of the topics covered is outlined below.

Languages in Key Stage 2

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We are very proud of the teaching and learning that takes place at ISP and

invite you to visit Key Stage 2 in our Primary School, to speak to our

students and staff and find out more, and see great learning in action.

Melissa Bautista-Turner Rik Millington

Head of Key Stage 2melissa.t@isp.edu.my

Head of Primary Schoolrik.m@isp.edu.my