Q. What curriculum do you adhere to?

A. At Aspenshire International School, we've crafted a unique and forward-thinking curriculum tailored for ages 5 to 11. Drawing inspiration from the English National Curriculum, we've intricately woven elements that reflect our international context and celebrate the rich diversity within our community. Our curriculum is designed around cross-curricular units of study, fostering exploration and understanding across various subjects. This approach empowers students to forge connections between different areas of learning, providing them with meaningful opportunities to apply their knowledge both within and beyond the classroom.

Q. What languages are taught at Aspenshire International School?

A. In our curriculum, the primary emphasis is on honing essential English skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing, which serve as foundational pillars for excellence in all other subjects.

All students partake in weekly Chinese lessons. From Years 1 to 6, Mandarin is studied for two and a half hours per week.

Mandarin instruction is organized into working groups based on similar abilities, with additional enrichment provided for native and near-native speakers who meet specific criteria. This enrichment program aims to offer these students enhanced exposure and targeted learning experiences in Chinese, facilitating the realization of their fullest potential in the language.

Q. What are the opportunities for sports?

At Aspenshire International School, we are proud to offer a diverse array of sporting opportunities that cater to every student’s interest and ability. We provide both competitive and non-competitive sports experiences throughout the year.

We believe in instilling valuable life lessons through sports, teaching our students the importance of both winning graciously and losing with humility. Our sports program emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth, fostering qualities that extend far beyond the playing field.

From traditional team sports like football, basketball, and netball to individual pursuits such as athletics, swimming, and tennis, our comprehensive sports curriculum ensures that every student can find their passion and thrive. Additionally, we offer a range of extracurricular clubs and activities, allowing students to explore new sports and develop their skills further in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Whether it's competing in inter-school tournaments, participating in friendly matches, or simply enjoying recreational sports during PE lessons, every student at Aspenshire has the opportunity to engage in physical activity, build confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love for sports and fitness.

Q. What artistic opportunities does Aspenshire offer?

At Aspenshire International School, our commitment to the arts is evident in our comprehensive and enriching program. With dedicated specialist teaching in Music, Drama, and Art, we strive to provide every student with the tools and support they need to realize their creative potential.

In Music, we've developed a dynamic curriculum that emphasizes practical engagement, encompassing essential elements such as performing, composing, and listening. As part of their musical education, all students learn to play a string, wind, or brass instrument. Additionally, we offer individual instrumental lessons delivered by specialist tutors during the school day, providing personalized support to further enhance students' musical abilities.

Our Drama program benefits from specialist teaching and top-notch facilities, creating immersive experiences for students. Regular visits from international theatre companies and practitioners enrich students' understanding and appreciation of the dramatic arts. Opportunities abound for students to showcase their talents through both intimate performances and large-scale productions, fostering their growth in drama. We also prioritize the English Speaking Board (ESB) exams as part of our curriculum.

Art and Design form an integral part of our curriculum, providing students with opportunities for personal expression and growth. Through a diverse range of media and materials, students explore and develop their creative ideas, nurturing their artistic talents and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts.

Q. How does Aspenshire cultivate a vibrant learning community?

At Aspenshire International School, fostering a community of learning is not just a goal; it's at the core of our educational philosophy. Our commitment to this ethos is evident in our school's values, which emphasize the reciprocal relationship between teachers and learners. We believe that everyone in our community has the potential to both teach and learn from one another.

To bring this vision to life, AIS has embarked on a journey of reimagining traditional classroom practices and learning environments. Our classrooms are designed to facilitate deep collaboration, with flexible layouts that encourage interaction between students and teachers. We recognize the importance of technology in modern education and have integrated it seamlessly into our learning spaces, empowering students to share their learning with their peers, both within the classroom and beyond.

But fostering a community of learning goes beyond physical spaces and technology. It's about creating a culture where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and every individual feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential. Through a combination of innovative teaching practices, personalized learning experiences, and a strong sense of belonging, we strive to cultivate a learning community where curiosity thrives, collaboration flourishes, and every student can succeed.

Q. How do you ensure every child reaches their full potential?

At Aspenshire International School, we understand that each child is unique and may have evolving needs throughout their educational journey. That's why we've established a dedicated personalized learning team, offering a range of support services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. From learning support to precision teaching booster lessons and enrichment activities, we strive to provide every child with the necessary support and challenges, regardless of their academic starting point.

We firmly believe in unlocking every child's potential, which is why we offer a broad and balanced curriculum enriched with quality sports and arts programs. Through these diverse experiences, we aim to inspire and empower every student to discover their passions, develop their talents, and achieve their personal best. Whether it's through academic pursuits, sports, or the arts, we are committed to helping each child flourish and succeed.

Q. How many teachers and teaching assistants (TLA’s) are there per class?

Year 1 - 1 teacher, 1 TLA

Year 2 - 1 teacher, 1 TLA

Q. If my child isn't British, will the curriculum still be relevant if they don't pursue education in the UK system?

While our curriculum draws inspiration from the English National Curriculum, it's important to note that it's been carefully tailored to suit the needs and backgrounds of our diverse student body within our international setting. In addition to incorporating elements from the UK framework, our curriculum is informed by global educational research and best practices. This ensures that every child receives a well-rounded education that prepares them for success, regardless of their future educational pathway.