The Curriculum

EPS provides two primary-level pedagogies, the Modern Montessori and the Hybrid Montessori-Cambridge Program. Each school year, we request parents to choose the approach they believe is most suitable for their child. All children at EPS participate in the Hybrid Montessori–Cambridge Program unless the Modern Montessori Program option is selected at the start of the Scholastic year.

What sets EPS apart in the Primary years (ages 6 – 11) is the curriculum that challenges children academically while safeguarding their well-being and sense of self. Our students engage as contributing members of a respectful community; they learn to question, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning—skills that will support them in later education and life.

As at all Montessori levels, the Primary program is based on the belief that children learn best when provided opportunities to apply their learning practically through movement and witness for themselves where that learning can be used outside school. This includes addressing their needs as they enter a new period of development characterised by the following:

• A transition from concrete to abstract thinking.

• Growing interest in socialisation.

• Thinking and memory that are enhanced by creativity and imagination.

• An interest in fairness, social justice, and compassion.

In our custom-designed Primary school building, natural lighting, soft colours, and uncluttered spaces set the stage for focused and calm activity. Learning materials are arranged on accessible shelves according to the curricular area, fostering independence as students work. Everything is where it is supposed to be, conveying a sense of harmony and order that both comforts and inspires. Montessori Early Childhood programs, the environment offers continuity with familiar routines and learning materials that provide new lessons and opportunities for more complex exploration and discovery.

Expectations are both exquisitely clear and engagingly open-ended. We are keenly aware that every child is unique. For returning Montessori students, the Montessori Primary program expands upon the learning fostered in an Early Childhood program. For students new to Montessori, it orients them to the joys of responsible participation.

Montessori Areas of Study

Practical Life

Within the Primary program, the Practical Life curriculum expands from the foundation laid in Early Childhood. Practical Life at the Primary level shifts from focusing on self-care and fine motor skills to skills that help children connect with their interests in the outside world, organise their time, and participate in their community. While self-care and appropriate social interactions continue to be supported, lessons that teach responsibility are the focus. The use of tools, such as work plans to support organisation and time management skills are incorporated into the daily routine. Teachers and students often work together to post reminders about assignments, projects, and ideas. Children make independent work choices, prioritise activities, and meet deadlines using these.

Math

The ideas of number concepts, place value, numerals, and related quantities are reinforced and expanded upon within the Primary program. Newfound purposes for familiar math materials provide children with the means to consider number concepts, mathematical operations, and more complex functions, helping to expand advanced mathematical knowledge and understanding.

English Language and Literacy

Reading and writing are integral to all subjects at EPS, as children express their interests and satisfy their curiosity. Students master conventions with thorough studies of grammar, spelling, and mechanics. They produce final copies with careful penmanship and keyboarding. They read, analyse, think critically, and compare and contrast literature to support personal opinions and perspectives. They present ideas through formal and informal presentations using these reading and writing skills.

Cultural Studies

Cultural studies are interdisciplinary and integrate zoology, botany, geography, geology, physical and life sciences, and anthropology. Through these lessons, children explore the interconnectedness of all living things. Additionally, in-depth studies of history, physical and political world geography, civics, economics, peace and justice, the arts, world language, and physical education are introduced.

Science and Social Studies

Interdisciplinary and integrated studies of geology, geography, physical and life sciences, anthropology, and history are built around a series of dramatic stories that explore the origins of the universe, our planet, and continuous human advancement. The laws of physics and chemistry reveal the interdependency of all living things. Beginning with a study of civilisation, students explore the contributions of history and what it means to be a responsible citizen and to seek ways to make the world a better, more peaceful place.

At EPS, our Primary students don’t just memorise facts and figures. They also learn the “how’s”, “when,” and “whys,” ensuring that learning takes place on a deep and fundamental level. Specially designed learning experiences that use real objects and actions to translate abstract ideas into concrete form support them in this learning.

Our Geography and History project work allows for individual research and planning. Our Montessori focus will be on honing time management and execution skills independently. OrgaOrganising sourcing materials for their projects and preparing their projects to be presented to their peers and the wider community.

The Primary Explorers French Language and Literacy Program

Our French school program sets the stage for academic enhancement, cultural immersion, and personal development.

This program is included in our school day.

Our robust French Language and Literacy curriculum is tailored to equip students with a deep understanding and appreciation of the French language.

We are immersed in French language instruction, dynamic classroom activities, and interactive role-play experiences for two hours a week.

We aim for our students to gain fluency in French while also developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

At the heart of our program is our dedicated team of qualified teachers and native French speakers who create a nurturing and engaging learning environment. With their expertise and guidance, students are encouraged to actively speak, read, and write in French.

Primary Explorers goes beyond traditional academics by offering various extracurricular activities that enhance the educational experience. Students can engage in French role-play, drama, art workshops, and games.

By emphasizing academic rigour and cultivating global citizenship, the Primary Explorers French Language and Literacy curriculum aims to empower students to become self-assured and well-rounded individuals, ready to excel in an evermore interconnected world.

The Primary Explorers English as a Second Language Program

For the past 17 years, Explorers Schools has been proud to welcome children from diverse backgrounds and cultures across the globe.

We celebrate the rich linguistic diversity within our student body, as most of our students are bilingual or multilingual. This year, we are excited to welcome students from 38 different nationalities, collectively speaking a remarkable 14 languages.

As a result, supporting ESL students is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy at the Primary Explorers School Program. We believe in creating an inclusive and nurturing environment that embraces English language learners' unique needs and challenges.

Our dedicated team of educators and support staff are trained to provide tailored guidance and resources to help students thrive academically, linguistically, and emotionally.

We offer specialised language instruction that focuses on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency. Beyond language acquisition, we also recognise the importance of cultural integration and foster an environment where students can share their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

To cater to specific learning needs, we offer additional support through various avenues such as small group activities, one-on-one tutoring, and targeted interventions. To facilitate a smooth transition for ESL students, we connect them with other students who share their mother tongue. This helps create a supportive community and fosters a sense of familiarity.

Through our holistic approach to education, the Primary Explorers School Program empowers ESL students to overcome language barriers, achieve academic success, and embrace their fullest potential in a multicultural society.

The Primary Explorers Enhancement Program

These programs are additional and separate enrollments also open to children from other schools.

Welcome to the Primary Explorers Enhancement programs, where we are dedicated to providing nurturing and stimulating opportunities through our After School modules and Saturday Learning hub modules. These programs are designed to fuel curiosity, cultivate creativity, and foster personal growth in our students. Each Module is thoughtfully designed to support and enhance our children's educational journey. Explorers Primary offers diverse, engaging activities that blend fun, learning, and skill development.

Our passionate team of experienced external educators and permanent Explorers Team are committed to creating an atmosphere where each child feels valued, inspired, and empowered to explore their full potential.

From enriching academic support to exciting extracurricular adventures, our program strives to serve various interests that celebrate individuality and encourage collaboration. Join our Long Day or Saturday learning Hub offerings. Let your child's brilliance illuminate the path to discovering their potential!

The Long Day or After-School Program:

The Explorers Primary After-School Program sets the standards for excellence in education and holistic child development. This program creates a nurturing and engaging environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Primary Explorers, our highly qualified and passionate educators go above and beyond to provide a diverse range of activities that cater to every child's individual needs and interests. The program offers a well-rounded curriculum, stimulating academic enrichment, creative arts and crafts, sports and physical fitness, and character-building exercises.

Academic support is a top priority at Explorers Primary. The program offers dedicated Revision and Project work assistance, ensuring students have a structured environment to complete their assignments and receive guidance from knowledgeable staff. With small group sizes, personalised attention is given to each child, fostering a deep understanding of the subjects and encouraging a love for learning.

The creative arts component of the program allows children to explore their imaginations and express themselves through music, drama, and visual arts. Whether participating in a lively musical performance or crafting a masterpiece, children are encouraged to unleash their creativity and develop their artistic talents.

Physical fitness and healthy living are integral parts of the program. Explorers Primary provides a variety of sports and recreational activities that promote active lifestyles and teamwork. From organised team games to dance classes, children learn the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind while having fun and building friendships.

Beyond academics and physical activities, Explorers Primary instils essential values and character traits in its students. Children develop empathy, respect, resilience, and leadership skills through character-building exercises and group discussions. They learn to be responsible and caring individuals, ready to contribute positively to their communities.

We offer primary school children a safe, stimulating, and enriching environment. Its comprehensive approach to education and child development empowers children to reach their full potential and prepares them for a bright future. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are in the hands of dedicated professionals who prioritise the well-being and growth of their children.

The Long Day Program at Explorers Primary offers extended school hours from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the school term. This program operates in small groups, providing a focused and supportive student environment. It's important to note that the Long Day Program does not run on the last day of every term.

The Saturday Learning Hub:

Our Saturday Learning Hub Modules are designed to introduce high-quality, exciting programmes, including the Royal Academy of Dance and ABRSM Examination-level music programs.

The Great Explorers Learning Hub has been designed to enhance and complement the education of children aged 3 to 8 through diverse Math, Language, Music, Dance, Language & Sports programs for eight weeks each school term.

Engaging in such Saturday extracurricular programs from a young age offers many cognitive and physical benefits, including an improved sense of achievement, discipline, confidence, resilience, strong coordination, and enhanced communication skills.

The Learning Hub will be open from 9:00a.m – 1:00p.m on specific Saturdays – Non-LEMP students are welcome. The Learning Hub will offer 60-minute advanced lessons on Saturdays in specific programs. Depending on the chosen program, some lessons will be conducted one-on-one or in small groups.

Curriculum Outline

For the past 17 years, Explorers Schools has been proud to serve its uniquely diverse community. Our families are familiar with best educational practices and travel extensively with their young ones. We have always prepared well for our children to flourish in these circumstances. We use the Cambridge Curriculum and Learning Schedule to ensure our children transition strongly toward other schools, methodologies and countries. This allows our parents to have the transcripts required by other primary-level schools.

All our children have the necessary books and stationery to complete the daily lessons, projects, tests, homework and exams outlined in the Cambridge Curriculum outline. In our experience, because of this dynamic interaction between the Concrete and Abstract, our children’s understanding of all concepts is deeper, and we see our children excel.

All children in the Hybrid Program will complete these tasks with an atmosphere of calm and positivity fitting our Montessori identity daily.

Students in the Classic Montessori program will not be obligated to do these tasks and will be otherwise gainfully occupied in Montessori concrete exploration during this portion of the lesson.

More About the Cambridge Curriculum

The Cambridge International Curriculum sets a global standard for education and is recognised and respected worldwide.

At EPS, we offer a flexible, challenging, and culturally sensitive curriculum that inspires students to become lifelong learners. Our approach is international in scope, providing students with the essential skills they need to succeed academically and personally.

The school's curriculum is designed to be engaging, comprehensive, and diverse. From Year 1 to Year 3, the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Computing will follow the international curricula of the University of Cambridge in England while maintaining a Montessori Philosophy. Time will be dedicated to Montessori research and collaborative tasks. This will allow us to build on the students' independence and self-discipline through challenging tasks and time management. The students will also have access to safe walkways to the music room, reading library, and auditorium, promoting their sense of independence.

At EPS, we provide a well-rounded academic program that includes subjects such as Art, Drama, Music, and Physical Education. We prioritise student-centred learning, ensuring that our students are happy and engaged. Throughout their educational journey with us, we place the student at the centre of our school, providing a unique and personalised approach to education.