Curriculum

Our core curriculum is the National Curriculum of England, as prescribed for use in all government schools within England. Detailed information on this can be found on the official UK Government website for the National Curriculum.

All students also study the three compulsory subjects from Year 1 to Year 6, Arabic, Islamic Studies and Qatar History. Arabic and Islamic Studies lessons are also available for our native Arabic speakers in Foundation Stage 2.

Foundation Stage (KG)

Children under 5 years of age (at the start of the academic year, in August) will normally be placed in Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) or Foundation Stage 2 (FS2). These year groups are collectively referred to as EarlyYears.

The Early Years uses a subset of the National Curriculum of England, called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. Detailed information on this can be found on the official UK Government website for the EYFS.

We use the EYFS framework to develop a cross-curricular, thematic, creative curriculum that incorporates key areas of learning and development. We implement a holistic approach which supports the development of all areas of learning; creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where young children can thrive and learn at their own pace.

The EYFS framework identifies seven areas of learning and development:

• Communication and Language

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Physical Development

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

The seven areas of the EYFS are interconnected, building strong foundations for children’s learning while developing essential skills and knowledge.

We provide a nurturing and engaging environment where play is recognised as a vital part of early development. A balance of teacher-led and child-initiated experiences fosters curiosity, with meaningful interactions extending learning.

By exploring and expressing their ideas in different ways, children deepen their understanding and grow in confidence. Our approach ensures learning is inspiring, engaging, and joyful, allowing children’s personal interests to flourish.

Monster Phonics

Monster Phonics is our structured phonics programme, taught from FS1 to Year 2, that lays the foundation for confident reading and spelling. It helps children break down words by identifying letter combinations (graphemes) and blending their sounds (phonemes).

What makes Monster Phonics truly special is its fun, multi-sensory approach. Sounds are grouped into ten colour-coded categories, each brought to life by a playful monster character. These characters make learning interactive and engaging, sparking children’s interest and making phonics lessons something they look forward to.

This programme is carefully designed to support all learners, including those who may need extra help, ensuring every child can succeed. Fully aligned with the National Curriculum for England, Monster Phonics provides a consistent and effective pathway for developing literacy skills during the crucial early years of education.

By combining structure, creativity, and fun, Monster Phonics helps children develop a love for reading while building the skills they need for lifelong learning.

Year 1 to Year 6

At AWIS, we follow the British National Curriculum, with all objectives in Maths, English, and Science derived from it. These objectives are delivered through tailored schemes of work designed for each Key Stage. Other subjects are taught through thematic units from the IPC (International Primary Curriculum).

Children in Years 1 to 6 are grouped into two Key Stages, each following a consistent and cohesive curriculum:

• Key Stage 1: Years 1–2

• Key Stage 2: Years 3–6

Mathematics

Our core mathematics programme, Power Maths, is a mastery-based approach designed to ignite curiosity, foster enthusiasm, and build confidence in mathematics. This child-centred programme is built on a lesson design that promotes a growth mindset, helping all children develop a deep, conceptual understanding of mathematics.

Power Maths incorporates the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach, using hands-on tools and visual representations to support children in grasping abstract concepts. The programme aligns fully with the outcomes of the National Curriculum for England, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key objectives.

To support this, we also give children regular opportunities to practise using mathematical language. This helps them think critically and approach maths as a problem-solving tool, rather than just memorising facts.

To enhance learning at home, we use the Times Tables Rock Stars Programme, which motivates students to practise their times tables regularly through fun, interactive challenges. This has significantly improved their fluency and accuracy, and we are proud to have won Qatar-wide competitions, reflecting their hard work and enthusiasm.

English

At AWIS, our English curriculum is guided by the outcomes of the National Curriculum for England. We believe that a strong foundation in key language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing)nis essential for children to succeed in all areas of learning. To support this, AWIS has made significant investments to help students develop these skills as quickly and effectively as possible.

Oxford Reading Tree

Our main reading scheme is Oxford Reading Tree, which provides a structured approach to reading. This is complemented by a variety of additional reading materials designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of reading among our students.

Monster Phonics

Monster Phonics is our structured phonics programme, taught from FS1 to Year 2. This is described in detail in the above section on the Foundation Stage curriculum.

Literacy Tree

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, we are excited to use the Literacy Tree scheme to enhance our reading and writing lessons. Literacy Tree is a complete, book-based platform that meets all National Curriculum requirements, providing a robust framework for our lessons.

The programme is divided into three key sections:

• Writing Roots: This section features book-based planning sequences that cover writing skills comprehensively. It engages children in writing with a clear audience and purpose, fostering creativity and expression.

• Spelling Seeds: Literacy Tree teaches spelling and vocabulary in context, encouraging investigation and application. The Spelling Seeds component works alongside Writing Roots, using the same texts to provide additional opportunities for learning and practice.

• Literacy Leaves: This section focuses on enhancing reading comprehension through a series of activities that guide children through entire books. It aims to develop critical readers using a variety of texts, including novels, poetry collections, and high- quality non-fiction books. These texts are connected to the Writing Roots through overarching literary themes, enriching the overall learning experience.

To support our writing programme, we incorporate the Oxford Writing Criterion Scale, which breaks down children’s writing development into small, manageable steps. This approach helps us understand each child’s current level and the next steps they can take to continue progressing.

With Literacy Tree, we ensure that our students receive a well-rounded literacy education that fosters a love of reading and writing while meeting key curriculum objectives.

Science

We use White Rose Science, a programme designed to spark curiosity and excitement while nurturing confidence in science. Using a small-steps approach, it helps children explore scientific concepts deeply and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Aligned with the National Curriculum for Science from Years 1 to 6, White Rose Science encourages hands-on investigations and meaningful discussions that bring science to life. The programme builds children’s understanding step by step, ensuring every learner can actively engage and succeed in their scientific journey.

By combining exploration, inquiry, and practical learning, White Rose Science inspires children to see the world through a scientific lens and develop a lifelong love of discovery.

International Primary Curriculum (IPC)

For the remainder of the curriculum we follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), a cross-curricular, thematic, and creative curriculum designed to inspire and engage children. Rooted in the latest research on learning styles, the IPC takes a global approach, encouraging children to connect their learning to their local context while exploring perspectives from other cultures and countries.

The IPC provides a clear framework of what children should learn, covering a broad range of subjects found in a well-rounded primary curriculum. It supports the development of subject-specific knowledge and skills while emphasising the interconnectedness of different disciplines, ensuring a cohesive learning experience across all areas of the curriculum.

At the heart of the IPC are its specific learning goals, which focus on subject knowledge, personal learning, and international mindedness. Personal learning goals ensure children are taught in such a way that they become adaptable, ethical, resilient, empathetic, respectful, thinkers, communicators, and collaborators. 

These goals are embedded into our teaching of History, Geography, Art, and other subjects, creating a seamless approach that connects all aspects of our curriculum. This ensures that children not only develop a deep understanding of each subject but also see how their learning fits together in a meaningful and global context.

Arabic

At AWIS, we value Qatar's native language and culture, ensuring that all students in Years 1 to 6 study Arabic as either a first or second language.

All students receive five Arabic lessons each week. Native Arabic-speaking students follow the Ministry of Education’s curriculum, with lessons covering speaking and listening, reading, writing, grammar, and dictation. To further enrich their learning experience, the Arabic Department organises special events and competitions, such as the Arabic Spelling Bee and Reading Competition.

For non-native speakers, lessons focus on building confidence in the language through engaging speaking and listening activities, helping students develop an appreciation for the Arabic language and culture.

Islamic Studies

All Muslim students in Years 1 to 6 study Islamic Studies as either a first or second language.

All students receive two lessons of Islamic Studies each week. Native Arabic-speaking students follow the Ministry of Education’s curriculum, learning and explaining Surahs, understanding the six pillars of Eman, and exploring the five pillars of Islam.

Non-native speakers study Islamic Studies in English, following the Call to Faith teaching resource. These lessons provide an engaging introduction to Islamic values, practices, and beliefs while fostering understanding and respect for the Islamic faith.

Qatar History

All students at AWIS have one Qatar History lesson per week, taught using the Ministry of Education’s textbooks in both English or Arabic, depending upon the Arabic language ability of the student.

Additionally, connections to Qatar are integrated within our IPC units, allowing students to relate their learning to their host country. This approach encourages respect for Qatari culture while fostering international mindedness and an appreciation for the diverse nationalities within our school.

As part of our commitment to celebrating Qatar’s heritage, we recognise key national events such as Qatar National Day and Qatar Sports Day. These celebrations provide opportunities for children to embrace and appreciate the traditions and values of their host country.