Lower Senior School

Project-based Learning

Project-based learning involves students researching themes or finding solutions to set problems, therefore cultivating an inquiry-based profile. Projects combine various subjects’ syllabi under one umbrella theme. The syllabus is then taught by the students as they present their work/findings to the class.

Communication

Great importance is placed on the presentation and communication of all student work. Teachers encourage sharing larger projects or smaller activities, such as written text. Arrangements are made so that students share their presentations and work collaboratively with other year groups as well as with parents and the school community. Students develop public speaking skills through Drama, English, and Portuguese classes.

Autonomous Work & Individual Learning Improvement

When working autonomously, students gain in-depth knowledge of subject contents and can produce intellectual material with guidance from subject teachers. On the other hand, teachers will be available to students who need individual learning improvement. Our Assessment, Reporting, and Intervention systems ensure all students are supported in their specific learning needs.

Class Management & Organisation

Tutor Time and Social Skills are moments to discuss the daily life of each class/group. The monthly plan is designed and reviewed as a class and specific tasks are assigned to students on a rotating basis. Students will evaluate and be evaluated for their involvement in school life.

Sports

At the Senior School stage, our students begin to develop a deeper understanding of their sporting and physical abilities. In physical education and sports activities, students develop skills such as collaboration, fair play, and resilience. The Cambridge Key Stage 3 curriculum from Grades 6 to 8 provides them with a comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of sports, including gymnastics, dance, athletics, racquets, and various team sports. Ultimately, this prepares them for potential engagement in the IGCSE PE course in the next stage, if they choose to pursue it.

Music

By engaging in performing, composing, and active listening, our Lower Senior School music students develop their vocal and/or instrumental fluency. Students gain a deep understanding of musical structures, styles, genres, and traditions. To support the development of their composition skills, they use ukuleles and keyboards. 

Throughout the course, we encourage students to explore music through improvisation, enabling them to discover their unique compositional voice by the end of Grade 8. At this time, all students should also be able to use primary chords in multiple keys, incorporating embellishments like bass lines, melodies, and rhythmic accompaniments, instilling them with the confidence to handle more sophisticated harmony. With music, students also develop performance and presentation skills.

Drama

Drama classes in Senior School provide a platform for students to interact with one another, build strong interpersonal relationships and develop effective communication techniques. Through collaborative activities and improvisational exercises, students learn to respond to the unexpected, adapt to new situations, and think critically. By exploring different characters, perspectives, and emotions, students broaden their understanding of the world and enhance their ability to empathise with others.

Furthermore, by integrating drama with literature, history, and social sciences, students gain a deeper understanding of the material and enhance their critical thinking abilities.  At our school, drama serves as a powerful tool for personal growth, interpersonal connection, and academic enrichment.

Visual Arts

In our Lower Senior School visual arts curriculum, we foster interdisciplinary learning and encourage students to explore the intersection of art with various subjects. Through Art & Design, students are exposed to a wide range of artistic techniques, mediums, and art forms, enabling them to express their ideas and emotions effectively. In Design & Technology, through a comprehensive range of projects, students develop their knowledge and skills in designing, manufacturing, and problem-solving using various materials, tools, machinery, and processes. Our curriculum aims to nurture resourcefulness, innovation, and adaptability in students.

Technology

At PaRK IS, students use technology to build innovative solutions to real-world problems, and they learn to be creative, critical thinkers. PaRK IS helps students succeed in their academic and professional journeys, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to face future challenges. Students have the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a collaborative environment, where they can work together with peers and teachers to create projects and develop their skills. PaRK IS provides a range of platforms for students to explore and develop their interests, and discover their potential.

We begin our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) laptop program in Grade 6 and students continue using Google Apps for Education and communication platforms. Within the scope of the curriculum, they explore Canva, Khan Academy, Inspired Artificial Intelligence platform, TinkerCAD software, and 3D printers, as well as more.

Technology at PaRK IS goes beyond instruction; it involves integration and innovation.