Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)

Lois Conley

Key Stage 1 Coordinator

Key Stage 1 - Curriculum Guidelines

The Key Stage One Curriculum at Diyafah International School is based on the National Curriculum of England, which has been adapted to the UAE setting. In Key Stage One, the curriculum is delivered through a thematic approach which creates a learning experience that links curriculum areas together and allow our students to make connections in their learning. We strive to deliver lessons that are engaging and meet the needs of individual students daily.

As our students move from EYFS into the Primary School, they start to access subject specialists in most areas of their learning. This transitional period is an incredibly important part in our students’ learning journey, which is why we offer learning experiences that promote a love of learning. We ensure that we actively engage our students in independent study, cross-curricular development and effective collaboration with one another. This helps them reach their true potential in an enjoyable and inspirational way. We believe that the students in our Primary School need this specialist teaching to be appropriately challenged and provide motivation and increased engagement.

Students in this school belong to 4 Houses, which provides them with a sense of identity, promoting the family-feel nature that resonates throughout the whole of DIS. This programme and our life skills programme ensures that we have the well-being of our students at the forefront of everything that we do. Both the Specialist Teaching Model and the Pastoral Programmes prepare the students in the Primary School for their transition into the KS3 School. 

Subjects Offered

At Key Stage 1, we offer a wide range of subjects to our students. These subjects include:

• English
• Arabic
• Maths
• Science
• Islamic
• Humanities
• Art and Design
• Music
• Physical Education
• Information Computer Technology
• Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
• and Moral Education.

Assessments

We use both formative continuous assessment and summative to assess our students. Our focus is more on continuous assessment throughout the term. This is a more effective way to support learning and progress. We use our internal data and the external assessments such at the CAT4 assessment to drive the instruction.

Personalised Enrichment Programme

We have a holistic approach to education which extends beyond the classroom to embrace a wide range of Personal Enrichment Programmes. These include Sports, Arts and Crafts, Drama, Educational Minecraft and a range of STEAM activities. By providing these well-rounded experiences, students will be able to develop a range of skills which include physical, intellectual, linguistical, emotional and social skills. Our aim is to grow the unique needs of each child.