Primary Section
Our curriculum, derived from the IPC, the IB Learner Profile, current research and best practices from around the world, supports our aim of helping children to develop holistically, to become life-long learners and to grow socially, emotionally, physically, morally, creatively and academically. In addition, we actively encourage all our students to develop and recognise these four key attributes, vital for success in life: resilience, reciprocity, resourcefulness and reflectiveness (The 4Rs)
We cater for a wide range of student needs and our Student Support Service Teams provide effective assistance to students newly learning English as a Second Language (ESL), students with Specific Learning Difficulties and those with social and emotional needs.
The Primary School is also fully committed to establishing positive and effective home-school partnerships. We actively encourage and expect all our parents to participate not only in their own child’s education but also in the wider life of the school. For those with time available, there is a strong parent volunteer programme providing valuable support for teachers in class and beyond. There is also a rich calendar of extracurricular community events, and information evenings to which parents are warmly welcomed.
A child’s time in Primary School is very special, whether they are taking their first steps away from mum and dad or preparing to move onto their next phase of education in the Upper Secondary Section or in other schools around the world. We are proud of our commitment to making their experience during their time with us rewarding and positive
We trust that, as you browse through the Primary Section of the site, you’ll find answers to many questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like further information.
Primary Section
Our curriculum, derived from the IPC, the IB Learner Profile, current research and best practices from around the world, supports our aim of helping children to develop holistically, to become life-long learners and to grow socially, emotionally, physically, morally, creatively and academically. In addition, we actively encourage all our students to develop and recognise these four key attributes, vital for success in life: resilience, reciprocity, resourcefulness and reflectiveness (The 4Rs)
We cater for a wide range of student needs and our Student Support Service Teams provide effective assistance to students newly learning English as a Second Language (ESL), students with Specific Learning Difficulties and those with social and emotional needs.
The Primary School is also fully committed to establishing positive and effective home-school partnerships. We actively encourage and expect all our parents to participate not only in their own child’s education but also in the wider life of the school. For those with time available, there is a strong parent volunteer programme providing valuable support for teachers in class and beyond. There is also a rich calendar of extracurricular community events, and information evenings to which parents are warmly welcomed.
A child’s time in Primary School is very special, whether they are taking their first steps away from mum and dad or preparing to move onto their next phase of education in the Upper Secondary Section or in other schools around the world. We are proud of our commitment to making their experience during their time with us rewarding and positive
We trust that, as you browse through the Primary Section of the site, you’ll find answers to many questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like further information.
Rex Geissler- Primary Head Teacher
Curriculum Overview - Early Years
A child’s early years are an exciting time of growth, learning and development. At BISJ, we put all our children aged between 2 and 5 years old at the centre of all our decisions and actions, and aim to nurture their holistic development including language and communication skills; emotional and social awareness; health and physical development; and learning. We recognise the unique pathway every child follows and respect the rate of progress each child makes.
Nursery
Year E
Year R
Curriculum Overview - Year 1 to Year 6
In Y1 to Y6 we pride ourselves on putting the students’ learning and well-being at the forefront of everything we do. While academics are of course incredibly important, we believe that providing an extensive broad-based curriculum where every child has the opportunity to flourish is essential for our students to become successful life-long learners.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Music
Music is often called a universal language and at BISJ we encourage students to immerse themselves in the musical universe.
Students from YN to Y6 receive a weekly music lesson from a specialist music teacher in one of two dedicated music rooms. In these lessons, children discover the musical elements of pitch, dynamics, rhythm, texture and timbre through singing, movement and the playing of instruments. Both Music classrooms are equipped with a wide variety of tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments for children to play.
Arabic
BISJ starts our Arabic language programme in YR (4 and 5 year olds) as a second language for all students. Each child receives four Arabic lessons a week led by our Arabic language specialist team. Upon reaching Year 2, we stream our students based upon their competency in the language extending those who may be native Arabic speakers and further exposing those who are beginners to the sounds, alphabet and richness of the language.
After School Activities
At BISJ we are proud to offer a wide range of different sports and arts activities that complement our compulsory curriculum.
Student Support
In seeking to provide the highest standard of education possible, BISJ provides tailored learning intervention programmes to support the development and consolidation of key skills that are essential to wider curriculum access. Learning intervention programmes are provided at no additional cost and students typically work in a small group setting to maximise learning engagement and progress.
Celebrating Our Host Country
As an International School, BISJ aims to embrace and value the learning opportunities afforded by its situation within Saudi Arabia. All our students in Year 5 and Year 6 have formal timetabled lessons when the history and geography of Saudi Arabia and Islamic Civilisation are studied and appreciated.
In addition, teachers and students actively seek to make connections to the host country’s culture, history and geography in the Integrated Thematic Units they study.
Primary Section Libraries
The Primary Section Libraries serve the community with an ever-growing collection of books, reference materials and online resources. The libraries are at the heart of the school and aim to promote and embrace a reading culture with all our families, nurturing curiosity and fostering research skills.
Home Learning
Home Learning can support student learning by:
- Developing independent learning, self-discipline, time management and organisational skills.
- Providing opportunities to practise and consolidate the skills introduced during the school day.
- Understanding how their in-class learning can be applied to their at-home world.
- Extending students’ knowledge of the world around them.
- Providing opportunities to learn more about individual interests.
Music
Music is often called a universal language and at BISJ we encourage students to immerse themselves in the musical universe.
Students from YN to Y6 receive a weekly music lesson from a specialist music teacher in one of two dedicated music rooms. In these lessons, children discover the musical elements of pitch, dynamics, rhythm, texture and timbre through singing, movement and the playing of instruments. Both Music classrooms are equipped with a wide variety of tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments for children to play.
Home Learning
Home Learning can support student learning by:
- Developing independent learning, self-discipline, time management and organisational skills.
- Providing opportunities to practise and consolidate the skills introduced during the school day.
- Understanding how their in-class learning can be applied to their at-home world.
- Extending students’ knowledge of the world around them.
- Providing opportunities to learn more about individual interests.
Student Support
In seeking to provide the highest standard of education possible, BISJ provides tailored learning intervention programmes to support the development and consolidation of key skills that are essential to wider curriculum access. Learning intervention programmes are provided at no additional cost and students typically work in a small group setting to maximise learning engagement and progress.
Celebrating Our Host Country
As an International School, BISJ aims to embrace and value the learning opportunities afforded by its situation within Saudi Arabia. All our students in Year 5 and Year 6 have formal timetabled lessons when the history and geography of Saudi Arabia and Islamic Civilisation are studied and appreciated.
In addition, teachers and students actively seek to make connections to the host country’s culture, history and geography in the Integrated Thematic Units they study.
After School Activities
At BISJ we are proud to offer a wide range of different sports and arts activities that complement our compulsory curriculum.
Primary Section Library
The Primary Section Libraries serve the community with an ever-growing collection of books, reference materials and online resources. The libraries are at the heart of the school and aim to promote and embrace a reading culture with all our families, nurturing curiosity and fostering research skills.
Arabic
BISJ starts our Arabic language programme in YR (4 and 5 year olds) as a second language for all students. Each child receives four Arabic lessons a week led by our Arabic language specialist team. Upon reaching Year 2, we stream our students based upon their competency in the language extending those who may be native Arabic speakers and further exposing those who are beginners to the sounds, alphabet and richness of the language.