Curriculum
Alongside the rigour and structure of our Maths and Literacy programme linked to the English National Curriculum, our international frameworks aim to support learners through addressing three guiding questions:
- What kind of world will our children live and work in?
- What kinds of children are likely to succeed in the world?
- What kinds of learning will our children need and how should they learn it?
Ages 3-5
Our Foundation class serves children from 3 to 5 years of age and follows the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). This is an innovative research-based framework built on international best practice and the developmental needs of 2-5 year olds. It has eight essential Learning Principles and a structured process that captures children’s natural curiosity as a starting point. Within an enabling environment, it balances child-initiated and teacher-scaffolded provision. Ongoing assessment through reflection and regular collaboration with home, supports each child’s learning journey.
Ages 5-11
Through connections in Maths, Literacy (English National Curriculum) and all other subjects through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Seoul Foreign British School continues to promote a cross-curricular approach to learning, built on the research and belief that connections between subjects supports and enhances the learning process.
Bringing these frameworks together with international, social and personal goals, the curriculum we offer our students has more opportunities to engage our community in thinking, collaboration and relevance in all aspects of school life and service learning. Indeed our six core values and links to the UN Sustainable Goals, allow our students to develop empathy and seek out ways to have an impact, big or small on our global community. Through formative and summative reflections, individual needs are assessed and used to craft circumstances to develop each child academically, physically, emotionally and socially.
World Languages are taken daily, in addition to our innovative curriculum and teaching and learning practices. Extracurricular activities are supported in music, drama, art, and sports.
Ages 11-14
The Key Stage 3 frameworks for Literacy and Maths (English National Curriculum) and for all other subjects through the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) build on the firm foundations, philosophy and pedagogy laid down through Primary School, preparing students for the MYP in our High School and for any move to a new learning context.
The IMYC is designed to support five key needs of the developing adolescent brain. These include the need for learners at this age to interlink learning, make meaning, take risks, work with peers and be supported in their transition from the Primary to Secondary school (something the British School does well as both Primary and Secondary are housed in the same building). As such, we craft learning experiences to support these needs.
As one of the core values in our school, KS3 students are required to take responsibility throughout learning in Years 7, 8 and 9. They are guided to lead and initiate learning related activities linked to a Big Idea and link this to local or wider global community matters, making meaning for themselves and taking risks as they do so. Students act as positive role models and develop close and positive relationships with their peers and others.
Creating situations that develop empathy, the IMYC also allows students to explore action in the global context where sustainability (supported by the UN Sustainable Goals) is a key component of our program.