Lower School

Small sized classes make that we can give our children the personal attention they need

Learning Enhancement at Primary Years

The Learning Enhancement (LE) curriculum delivers the programme of studies which incorporates interdisciplinary approach to learning, scientific enquiry and diversity. All students from Reception to Primary Y 5 take part in this unique and innovative curriculum, enabling the school to provide a learning experience unlike any other.

Right from the start, we encourage our children to read widely, discuss ideas and think for themselves. Taking part and doing well are only ever seen as good things, while students flourish with so many activities to fulfill in the classroom and outside. Every child is supported to do their best, and many will go on to excel in their exams. All should leave as socially aware citizens with a love of learning and a confidence that will carry them far in life.

Maths

At Le Fort we utilize the Pearson Maths programme. It offers an integrated approach to Mathematics throughout the school year. Pearson Maths is based on a spiral, where mathematical concepts are introduced and then revisited every term, each time building on and extending knowledge and understanding so that children approach each new challenge from firmly established foundations.

Students progress through three stages of understanding: basic, developing and secure. Assessment and evaluation are aligned with these stages. Throughout the year, students are evaluated in five strands including: Number Sense, Operations, Problem Solving, Geometry, Data Management and Measurement.

To complement the students’ mathematical understanding and application, students develop skills in problem solving and maths fluency daily.

ICT - Computing, information technology and digital citizenship

The information technology curriculum has changed in recent years, with an increased focus on AI, practical skills and the science of computing — on helping our children have a good understanding of how computers work and how they can help in our everyday highly digital life. Computing classes in Lower school are centred on problem-solving which can be applied in many other contexts.

The objectives for Key Stage 1 and 2 fit into two main strands: information technology and digital literacy.

Science: exciting and practical

Along with English, Reading and Maths, Science (in the form of KUW: Knowing and Understanding the World around us) is the core subject in primary years.

It is one of the most exciting and practical subjects and, as a result, is a real joy for the students. Children love the chance to learn through being totally hands-on and finding things out for themselves — the perfect way to understand the world around them. A positive primary science experience is also key to encouraging the students to not only study this at secondary school, but also potentially to follow it as a career.

Le Fort School of Science follows the National Curriculum for primary schools in England. Within this, certain topics and areas are repeated across year groups, meaning that children may revisit a particular subject area in each year of primary school but with increasing difficulty and with a different focus each time. For example, the area of animals, including humans is examined in every single year group, with a very clear progression of knowledge and understanding over these years.

As students progress, their growing knowledge about the world helps them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes.

English and Language Arts

At Le Fort, literacy is taught through a balanced literacy model. Students have daily English lessons where they explore grammar, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation, read, write and discuss across the subject areas. Instruction is very often delivered using the reading and writing workshop framework.

This includes a balance of whole group experiences, small, flexible-group instruction based on specific needs, and independent practice opportunities. Data is collected throughout the year using a variety of methods, both formal and informal, to guide instruction, assess student progress and monitor curriculum.

The reading curriculum includes a balance of classical fiction and non-fiction units of study. In writing, students write opinion, narrative and informational pieces several times across the school year.

Topics at Le Fort Lower school - the doorway to Humanities

Topics, or Integrated Learning as it’s known in KS2, encompasses the study of history and geography. In Key Stage 2, children receive 2 hours of Integrated Learning per week. These are usually topic based studies covering a wide range of themes which are specific to one of the humanities subject areas, but also incorporate the development of key science, literacy and numeracy skills. We use a creative, collaborative and cross-curricular approach to topic learning.

The main topics for younger students are Prehistory and Early Civilizations with a focus on early humans, the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras, and river valley civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. Each topic can be enriched with project and practical work, master classes, seminars, and school excursions. Our approach challenges children to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.

Our curriculum equips children with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and both natural and human environments.

Russian Language and Literature programme for Russian students

Le Fort teachers of Russian follow the Russian National curriculum for the Russian Language.

The Russian Literacy components are part of every Russian lesson. Students participate in shared Russian language lessons, small group instruction, specific mini-lessons and classical literature readings. Students are given time to read independently and the opportunity to read aloud. The writing workshop model is used in years 3-6. Writing fundamental units are delivered every lesson, and two academic hours a week are dedicated to Russian Grammar and writing skills.

Planning is based on RF state educational standards and benchmarks.

Russian as a Foreign Language (RAF)

Le Fort school welcomes international families who come to Moscow and helps them to connect with the host culture and language. We offer lessons of Russian as a foreign language (RAF) to our expat students twice a week (three academic hours).