Curriculum
Grades 1 – 9, Primary and Middle School
Core subjects
· English
Phonics, spelling and vocabulary and grammar and punctuation are about use of English. Grammar and punctuation is further divided into reading and writing to reflect the different ways in which grammar and punctuation are applied in each of these skills. Reading, writing, and speaking and listening are about developing thinking skills and encouraging intellectual engagement. This curriculum aims to enable learners to communicate confidently and effectively and to develop critical skills in order to respond to a range of information, media and texts with enjoyment and understanding. Learners who follow this framework will develop a first language competency in English based on a curriculum designed to be successful in any culture and to promote cross-cultural understanding.
· Mathematics
The Cambridge Primary Mathematics curriculum is presented in five content areas: number, geometry, measure, handling data and problem solving. The first four content areas are all underpinned by problem solving, which describes using techniques and skills and the application of understanding and strategies in solving problems. Mental strategies are also a key part of the number content. This curriculum focuses on principles, patterns, systems, functions and relationships so that learners can apply their mathematical knowledge and develop a holistic understanding of the subject.
· Science
The Cambridge Primary Science curriculum is presented in four content areas: Scientific enquiry, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Scientific enquiry is about considering ideas, evaluating evidence, planning investigative work and recording and analysing data. The Scientific enquiry objectives underpin Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which are focused on developing confidence and interest in scientific knowledge. Environmental awareness and some history of science are also incorporated.
Other subjects
· Art
The art education program incorporates challenging and creative activities to meet artistic needs of children. Art is essential to the total development of a person.
· Character Studies
Character Studies encompasses a set of universal values supported by Biblical teachings. Students learn about personal responsibility focusing on integrity, conviction, self-discipline, diligence, wisdom, and interpersonal respect through loyalty, courage, humilty, kindness and thankfulness. This program aims to develop in students a fundamental knowledge of moral principles that will help them become well adjusted global citizens who develop their character in positive and meaningful ways. Our character qualities are chosen values on which morals and ethical actions and reactions are based upon. This program aims to develop in students a fundamental knowledge of moral principles that will help them become well adjusted spiritually.
Languages
· Bahasa Indonesia
Learning Indonesian enables students to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. Listening, reading, speaking and writing form the core content and vocabulary building is drawn from areas across the curriculum. Cultural awareness and understanding are at the heart of Bahasa Indonesia.
· Mandarin
This programme provides an introduction to Mandarin as a foreign language and Chinese culture. Students learn to speak, listen, read and write as well as gain valuable insights into Chinese culture and traditions.
· Social Studies
Social studies is a multidisciplinary subject that draws from the social sciences, humanities, human interactions and natural and social environments. The programme consists of four strands including History, Geography, Politics, Economics,Technology and Culture. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to critically reflect upon events and issues in order to examine the present, make connection with the past and consider the future.
· Physical Education
The PE program includes varied physical activities that would help students experience success and enjoyment while actively participating in physical activities. Men sana encorpore sano, the ancient Greek adage that means “a sound mind in a sound body,” is the guiding principle of the PE program.
As an extension of our PE Program, the school has joined the Bali Schools Sports Association (BSSA), which is a group of international and local schools working together to promote and implement friendly sporting competitions among schools in Bali.
Art & Craft
The art education program incorporates challenging and creative activities to meet artistic needs of children. Art is essential to the total development of a person.
Music
The music program puts emphasis on the appreciation, love and understanding of music through singing, playing and interpreting music. Students are grounded in traditional music theory and are also exposed to contemporary music-making.
Developmental Studies is for Grades 7 and 8 as an option if students do not wish to pursue Mandarin. This subject looks at changes in society that encourage or hamper human development. By emphasizing the interaction among economic, geographical, social and political processes, students gain a greater awareness of the local, regional and national issues that affect development in today’s world. This subject will also include global perspectives students learn about issues that affect the world today including climate change, pollution and other areas of concern. This subject will provide knowledge and skills, which will support other subjects such as social studies. This will also offer a foundation for further studies at IGCSE level once students reach Grade 9.
Information Technology
Students are given opportunities to explore and discover the wonders of computer technology, which is part and parcel of everyone’s lives nowadays. The IT program will provide students with appropriate computer skills and will be integrated into the various curricula at all levels.
IGCSE
Grade 9
· Business Studies
The IGCSE Business Studies syllabus develops students’ understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Students learn how the major types of business organisation are established, financed and run, and how their activities are regulated. Factors influencing business decision-making are also considered, as are the essential values of cooperation and interdependence. Through their studies, students not only learn about business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry. The syllabus provides both a foundation for further study at A Level, and an ideal preparation for the world of work.
· Chinese (Mandarin) as a Foreign Language
This is an examination designed for students learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as students’ progress through their studies. The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of countries where the language is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of foreign languages. Students who are at an advanced bilingual level or first language speaker will have the opportunity to sit this examination.
· Combined Sciences
This syllabus gives students the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. Students learn about the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, whilst also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. Students learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus therefore enables students to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
· Environmental Science
Environmental Science is concerned with education for sustainable development in a world where the security of resources and life-sustaining systems is endangered by human impact. The syllabus draws upon disciplines such as biology, earth science, geography, economics and anthropology. The syllabus starts with the interdependence of the Earth’s natural systems and how people use natural resources. It moves on to examine the impact of
development on the environment. Such issues as environmental pollution and resource depletion are examined, but the view of them is forward looking, to see how we may change the nature of development towards future sustainability.
· English
Designed for students for whom English is their mother tongue, IGCSE First Language English develops the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in both speech and writing. Students learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed. Students are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. IGCSE First Language English also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.
· English Literature
The syllabus enables students to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English. They develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed. Through their studies, students learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects, and will be able to present an informed, personal response to the material they have studied. The syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues, promoting students’ better understanding of themselves and of the world around them.
· Geography
Through the Geography syllabus, students will develop a ’sense of place’ by looking at the world around them on a local, regional and global scale. Students will examine a range of natural and man-made environments, and learn about some of the processes which affected their development. They will also look at the ways in which people interact with their environment and the opportunities and challenges an environment can present, thereby gaining a deeper insight into the different communities and cultures that exist around the world.
· Information Communication Technology
The Information Communication Technology syllabus combines theoretical and practical studies focusing on the ability to use common software applications, including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, interactive presentation software, e-mail, web browsers and website design. Students will develop a greater awareness of how applications are used in the workplace, and consider the impact of new technologies on methods of working and on social, economic, ethical and moral issues. The skills learnt will be useful to them in their work across the curriculum, and will prepare them for future employment.
· Mathematics
An essential subject for all students, IGCSE Mathematics encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a basis for more advanced study. The syllabus aims to build students’ confidence by helping them develop a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships, and places a strong emphasis on solving problems and presenting and interpreting results. Students also learn how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts.
· Bahasa Indonesia
Bahasa Indonesian studies enable the students to develop fluency in the Indonesian language and to be immersed in the culture.
Library
Students have the opportunity to borrow books from the library for up to one week during weekly class visits. In addition to these weekly visits, students are taken to the library for research purposes and and/or to borrow books for the classroom.
Wednesday (Grades 1-5) and Thursday (Grades 6 -9) Assembly
At SLK students showcase their current learning. As such, every assembly morning each class is rostered to lead the school assembly. All parents are invited to attend.
Praise and Worship
Every alternate Tuesday from 1:45 to 2:45 we have praise and worship at the auditorium. This incorporates contemporary singing, games, and activities. This is a way to come together and have fun on a Tuesday afternoon and parents are welcome to come along. SLK is a Christian school and the praise and worship is part of our school.
Reading Program
It is our goal to foster a love of reading in students at SLK. It is important that students are competent readers as the ability to read with understanding is needed across the curriculum. SLK places strong emphasis on reading. Our home reading programme enables students to borrow books and students are expected to read at home daily in order to ensure progress.
Some students need extra support to ensure that they make progress and through our parent volunteer programme identified students receive extra support.
