Inside the Early Years Programme at St. Andrews Green Valley

St. Andrews International School, Green Valley has a unique approach to early education. Combining a play-based learning environment with teacher-led activities, every child is seen as an individual. All of their teachers are dedicated to understanding your child personally to help them grow into confident learners and equipping them with the foundation they need to thrive in the future.

Plus, learning goes beyond traditional classroom settings. Boasting a vast and lush environment, St. Andrews International School, Green Valley gives children the freedom to learn outdoors, where they can improve their communication and social skills while fostering a love for nature and the world around them.

The UK Early Years Foundation Stage with IB Primary Years Programme

St. Andrews International School, Green Valley is dedicated to providing a transformative learning experience for their students. In the Early Years, the school follows the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum as a blueprint. With this curriculum, the school aims to develop your child with the foundational skills that set the stage for lifelong success. The key areas are Personal and Social Development, Communication and Language, and Physical Development.

Alongside the EYFS, your child will also engage in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This programme features Units of Inquiry where children explore important themes such as who we are, how to express ourselves, and living things. Mathematics and Literacy are also introduced at this stage. The school offers engaging activities that solidify these essential skills to make sure your child is well-prepared for Primary School.

Celebrating each child as an individual

Personalised learning is the cornerstone of early years learning at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley The school takes pride in helping children to reach their full potential and having high expectations of the children so that they can succeed.

This is accomplished, in part, by recognising and celebrating every child. The skilled teaching staff, which includes 60 outstanding educators with 14 different nationalities, identifies individual needs and provides tailored support. And thanks to the small class sizes, teachers can really connect with every student. Therefore, you can rest assured that your child receives one-on-one attention.

If your child is learning English as a second language, St. Andrews International School, Green Valley creates a welcoming atmosphere that boosts language skills through fun lessons and activities. They use songs, stories, and hands-on experiences with both teachers and classmates to help children pick up English quickly while having a blast.

In order to enhance children’s learning experience, the school also provides specialist lessons. These include specialist music, PE, and Thai lessons. In music, children enjoy two weekly sessions with a dedicated teacher. They will participate in performances while learning to sing, play instruments, and appreciate diverse rhythms. The PE curriculum, on the other hand, offers a variety of activities focused on body control, spatial awareness, and skill development. Additionally, weekly Thai lessons introduce students to the culture and language. The aim is to help them understand events like Songkran and Loy Krathong through songs, dance, and storytelling.

Indoor and outdoor learning for safe and happy children

For St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, valuable lessons happen both inside the classroom and outdoors. The Early Years programme at the school is designed to be spacious, bright, and full of natural light. It features dedicated indoor and outdoor learning areas that create a safe and exciting environment for young children starting their educational journey. From day one, children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards learning.

Children participate in various activities throughout the week. They might learn Thai through vibrant songs and dances or build swimming confidence in the pool. Music lessons allow them to explore their talents, while PE classes focus on developing coordination and balance.

To make sure these experiences are delivered effectively, the school offers fantastic facilities. Sensory walls, water play areas, climbing structures like jungle gyms and rock features, as well as a sandpit and mud kitchen are available for children to engage their senses in a fun way. In addition, there are reading corners for quiet time and role-play sections where kids can let their imaginations soar. Four dedicated playgrounds and a bicycle race track offer ample outdoor activities, while the Forest School provides exploration opportunities in nature.

What the Early Years school day look like

Designed to cater to both children and parents, St. Andrews International School, Green Valley offers a flexible structure. The school day starts at 08.30 am, but you can arrive as early as 08.00 am so children can enjoy some playful activities in the classroom before lessons begin.

Depending on their age, children have options for how many days they can attend: 2, 3, 4, or even 5 days a week are available. If you prefer shorter days, you have the choice of five half-day sessions.

For younger children in Pre-Nursery, the school day wraps up at 12.20 pm. For Nursery-aged children, the day extends until 03.20 pm. This setup allows for a smooth transition into school life while also accommodating different family needs.

Moreover, St. Andrews International School, Green Valley also provides an Afternoon Child Care program for extra support outside regular hours with an extra charge. This is available for Pre-Nursery students. It runs from 12.20 pm to 03.20 pm, so parents can pick up their children later if needed. During this time, kids enjoy healthy snacks along with indoor and outdoor play activities.

Free fun and educational playtime through Cubs Toddler Group

The Early Years Programme at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley caters to kids aged 2 to 5 years. However, if you have younger children and want to see them play and learn before starting their formal schooling, you can join the Cubs Toddler Group. Available for children aged 0 to 3 years old, it’s a great opportunity to meet some of the teachers and enjoy a wonderful environment. All of the activities are completely free of charge!

One of the most popular sessions is The Cubs Toddler Group Music and Play with Miss Retno, which takes place every Tuesday from 09.00 to 10.30 am. This session features lots of singing, dancing, arts and crafts, plus opportunities for socialising with other kids. It’s an excellent way for little ones to enhance their social skills while getting comfortable in a school-like atmosphere. Each child can be accompanied by one parent.

So, if you’re on the hunt for an early childhood education that focuses on your child’s overall well-being and prepares them with skills for the future, it’s time to book a tour to see what St. Andrews International School, Green Valley has to offer. The academic year starts in late August and wraps up at the end of June, but new students are welcome any time during the year.

For more information on the Early Years Programme, contact St. Andrews International School, Green Valley’s Admissions Team or visit their website.

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