PRIMARY SCHOOL
Learning at Arbor
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From Year 1 to Year 6, students build strong subject knowledge alongside Ecoliteracy, interdisciplinary projects and practical learning across the Arbor campus.
Primary education at Arbor follows the English National Curriculum, enriched by Ecoliteracy and project-based learning.
Students develop knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects, with specialist teaching and regular use of Arbor’s Eco Exploratorium, biodomes, Biofarm, learning gardens, science laboratories and creative spaces.
Three term-long projects each year bring together subjects including science, history and geography. Students examine ideas from different perspectives, make connections between subjects and apply their knowledge to a central question, with each project culminating in an outcome shared with others.
As students progress through Primary, the level of challenge and responsibility increases. Teachers use ongoing assessment to understand what each child knows, address misconceptions and determine the appropriate balance of support and extension.
Alongside subject knowledge, students learn to manage themselves, work productively with others, communicate clearly and make informed decisions. These shared learning skills support their progress through Primary and transition into Secondary School.
Explore the Early Years curriculum
Explore the Primary curriculum
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Why families choose Arbor Primary
- The English National Curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6
- Specialist Ecoliteracy lessons, with Ecoliteracy also integrated across the curriculum
- Three term-long interdisciplinary projects each year
- Specialist teaching across a broad range of subjects
- Structured development in English, mathematics and science
- Regular use of Arbor’s biodomes, Biofarm, gardens and outdoor environments
- Seven shared learning skills embedded across lessons and projects
- Personalised support and extension through the Thrive Team
- Enrichment, leadership, competition and service opportunities
- Curriculum-linked day trips and progressive residential experiences
Ecoliteracy is an important part of learning throughout Arbor Primary. Students investigate relationships between people, communities and natural systems while developing knowledge across the English National Curriculum.
Specialist Ecoliteracy lessons are organised around six year-long studies of local biodiversity. Learning progresses from the plants and animals in Arbor’s immediate surroundings to the ecology and conservation of flagship UAE species.
Across Years 1 to 6, students learn through direct observation, inquiry and practical experience, beginning with habitats on campus before progressing to the study of mangroves, sea turtles, corals and other UAE species.
As students progress, they move from identifying and describing elements of the natural world to investigating relationships, considering human impacts and examining conservation challenges and possible responses.
Students complete three interdisciplinary projects each year, each structured around an inquiry question.
Projects begin with a launch that introduces the subject and establishes the context for investigation. Students then develop relevant knowledge and skills through lessons, research, discussion and practical work.
Each project concludes with an outcome. Depending on the subject and year group, this might take the form of a presentation, exhibition, performance, designed solution or community action.
This structure allows students to draw on learning from different subjects, apply their knowledge in context and communicate what they have learned to others.
Explore our Primary curriculum
Primary students regularly use specialist facilities across the school, including:
- Biodomes and the Eco Exploratorium
- Biofarm and learning gardens
- Science laboratories
- Art and music spaces
- Food technology laboratory
- Library
- Swimming pools and sports facilities
- Outdoor classrooms and Reflection Garden
- Black box and performance spaces
Curriculum-linked day trips, fieldwork and residential experiences also give students opportunities to study different environments and apply their learning away from the school site.
Year 2 students begin with an overnight experience on campus. From Years 3 to 6, students progress to off-site residential experiences that develop independence, teamwork and resilience.
Teachers use assessment throughout the learning process to understand what students already know, identify their next steps and provide an appropriate level of support or challenge.
Where a child requires additional provision, the Thrive Team works with teachers and families to develop a suitable pathway. This may include support for Students of Determination, English Language Learners and Accomplished Learners.
The aim is for every student to access the same broad curriculum while working at an appropriate level of challenge and complexity.
Visit Arbor School to see our Primary classrooms, biodomes, learning gardens and specialist facilities, and learn more about the English National Curriculum, Ecoliteracy and project-based learning at Arbor.
