Program and Philosophy

At UAS Elementary School, our vibrant learning community is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of every student in a warm and nurturing environment. Our focus is on educating the whole child, fostering a safe and joyful space where both children and staff can thrive through the love of learning.

Our classrooms are dynamic learning spaces that encourage student engagement through collaborative group work and engaging activity centers. We believe that experiential learning is essential for developing problem-solving and creative abilities. Literacy serves as the foundation for success across all subject areas, and students engage in guided, shared, and independent reading and writing activities to enhance their skills.

Alongside our academic focus, we offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities that allow students to explore their interests, foster teamwork, and showcase their talents. These activities include field trips, activity days, sports events, assemblies, music concerts, interdisciplinary projects, science activities, swimming competitions, holiday celebrations, Night at the Library, plays, and classroom presentations.

At UAS Elementary School, we are committed to working in partnership with parents and families to nurture a lifelong love of learning in all our students. By providing a safe, caring, and engaging environment, we strive to empower our students to become active and responsible global citizens, ready to shape a sustainable and just future.

Our Grade One experiential learning program is designed to ignite curiosity and promote a love for learning through hands-on exploration and discovery. It ensures that learning is meaningful, memorable, and fun. Our program features four thematic units that encourage learners to inquire, explore, and create. Each theme is carefully crafted to integrate essential academic skills and standards, including reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, while also nurturing social-emotional development. With a strong focus on experiential learning, learners will develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

 

Curriculum

The Elementary School curriculum aligns with the American Common Core Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards providing a comprehensive education in core subjects such as English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Additionally, we offer specialized instruction in Arabic Language Arts, Kuwait Social Studies, and Islamic Religion for our Muslim students. Specialized classes in Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology and Coding, Swimming, and Library allow students to explore and develop their diverse talents and skills.

 English Language Arts & Reading

The English Language Arts and Reading Block is made up of several components, including: Guided, Shared, and Independent Reading and Writing. Word study and phonics are taught within the components of the language block as part of the guided and shared lessons so that students learn these skills within the context of reading and writing. Whole-class instruction, small group instruction, independent group work, and center-based activities are the instructional methods used during the language block. Running record assessments are completed regularly to monitor student reading levels and to inform instructional practices to support student learning needs. 

Mathematics

We believe that all students need a thorough foundation and knowledge of mathematics to succeed and excel in our increasingly complex world. The fundamental goal of the mathematics curriculum is to provide a strong understanding of the basics of mathematics in addition to problem-solving skills. Competency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and exposure to geometry is essential. 

Social Studies

The Social Studies program focuses on the major themes relating to our environment and ourselves. Our goal is to provide students with multiple opportunities to learn about themselves and explore the world around them by studying their families, communities, and different countries, as well as current and historical events. Kuwait Social Studies is also an integral part of the curriculum. In Grade 4, students follow the Ministry of Education’s Social Studies curriculum. 

Science

The Science curriculum consists of earth, life, and physical science as well as investigation and experimentation. Emphasis is placed on the science process skills of inferring, observing, predicting, classifying, identifying, comparing, communicating, measuring, and analyzing. Hands-on experiences are vitally important in the study of science concepts, and therefore, are incorporated within the science curriculum.

Arabic/Islamic Religion

Arabic Language instruction is provided for all students in Grades 1 – 4. Islamic Religion is required for Muslim students by the Kuwait Ministry of Education and is provided three periods per week. 

Technology

Students are able to access technology through an integrated classroom approach and the use of various digital platforms.  Students will be exposed to digital citizenship, keyboarding, productivity tools, coding and much more to be utilized in their learning experiences. These important skills and the use of educational games are a part of our ongoing training to prepare students for 21^st Century learning.

Coding

Students will be introduced to basic coding skills. By providing hands-on opportunities to explore coding and robotics, we aim to foster problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and excitement for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects, shaping innovative learning experiences that inspire students and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Art

Students are provided with a wide variety of mediums and materials to express their ideas in visual form. In addition to drawing and painting, students experiment with various expressive artistic resources and techniques such as linoleum, block printing, weaving, and ceramics.

Library/Instructional Media

The goal of the library program is to develop a love of reading in students and includes scheduled class periods with librarian. Students will learn basic library and research skills.

 Music

The program includes the teaching of music elements that include rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and expression. Music activities include listening, singing, using instruments, and learning and understanding composition and movements. The course is global and strives to develop an appreciation that reflects the international background of the student body.

Physical Education

The Physical Education curriculum encourages physical and motor development, mindfulness, and body and spatial awareness. The course teaches basic movement skills, fitness activities, and games that support the learning of team sports. The program promotes a healthy attitude towards competition while emphasizing the qualities of sportsmanship. The overall goal of the program is to teach students the importance of physical fitness in their lives. Students have regular swimming classes throughout the year with water safety and the acquisition of swimming skills being the main goals of this curriculum.