During the first years of Elementary, there is an emphasis on developing linguistic skills in Spanish and English because, together with Maths, they are the keys to accessing comprehensive learning in higher studies. With their English-speaking teacher, they continue developing through the literacy sequence. It is normal for everyone to be at a different point in their language development when they begin this stage. With their Spanish teacher, they begin to receive individual or small group presentations that cover the Spanish curricular contents of the Spanish Language area. We have a special reading programme designed so each child can enjoy books appropriate for their level in both languages. We put a lot of emphasis on developing an enthusiastic and genuine love of reading. The great majority of our students are bilingual at this stage.

Each area of calculus has many presentations, and students work with Montessori materials, allowing them to explore and experience mathematical concepts easily. Children around the age of 8 or 9 begin to move towards abstract learning, which is especially important in mathematics. However, concrete materials continue to support more advanced applications of concepts such as raising to the power, squaring, and cubing. These and the introduction to algebra continue to be fascinating materials for older children in our Elementary programme. The study of geometry engages children through active learning, exploration, discovery, logical thinking, and reasoning. The presentations provide enough information so that children can continue manipulating the specific materials and discover relationships, variations and extensions for themselves.

The Geography curriculum is designed to show how the physical configuration of the Earth contributes to the history of people. The study of physical geography (including geology) is the basis for the study of economic geography, which reveals the interdependence of all nations and people. There are several interconnected areas including:

• Physical Geography
• Scientific understanding of geological formations/Geology
• Economic Geography
• Political Geography
• Maps and Graphs

Children study Spanish geography with their Spanish teacher.

In the study of History, we begin by seeing, from a very broad perspective, the development of the universe, the solar system, and the Earth; we see the evolution of life on Earth and the arrival of human life and the first civilizations. We foster gratitude and respect for what human beings have achieved by presenting the great work and labour of our ancestors that has contributed to the lives we can enjoy today. Studies related to Geography, Science and other related disciplines flow naturally from the study of History, which provides a chronological framework for scientific studies.

Children study Spanish history with their Spanish teacher.

Our Biology curriculum includes the areas of Botany and Zoology. The study of Biology reveals that the classification of living beings follows the path of evolution. The ultimate goal is to develop an ecological understanding of the web of life and a sense of responsibility for the environment and nature. Systems for classifying plant and animal life provide children with intellectual tools to organize and relate information in all areas of learning.

In the Integrated education curriculum, the study of Science and Technology is intertwined with the study of History, Geography and Biology:

• When children study Geology and Geography, they also develop basic knowledge of Physics and Chemistry. They can participate in lots of interesting experiments in their mini lab area.
• When students explore Biology, they are also discovering the history of life on Earth.
• The history of human progress is a history of scientific discoveries and technological developments.

All of these areas of study are accompanied by relevant presentations, including scientific experiments and the use of visual graphs and timelines to generate discussion and create powerful and lasting mental impressions.