Following on from the Champions phase, Explorers embark on a challenging and enriching journey from approximately ages 8 to 14. Our curriculum, now builds upon the foundations laid earlier in the school, fostering a spirit of exploration, reasoning and independence in maths, phonics, science, social studies and cooking.
Subjects:
- Maths (following White Rose Maths curriculum)
- English (incorporating speaking and listening, phonics, reading and writing)
- Science (aligned with the English National Curriculum)
- Social Studies (incorporating humanities, UAE social studies and moral education)
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
- Art & Design
- Music
- Physical Education (including swimming)
Class Structure:
- Male and Female classes are separate with classes divided by age
- Curriculum Approach:
- Theme-based with themes such as: All About Me, Our Community, Weather, Habitats, Food and Holiday. Topics linked to the UAE and the wider world such as Emirati Cuisine, My family and People who help me.
- Project-based learning experiences to encourage deeper exploration, such as art based projects – portraits, habitats – Dioramas and ASDAN life skills projects.
- Continu-focus on individual education plans.
Here's a closer look at some of the key subjects in the Explorers phase:
- Maths: Continues with the White Rose Maths curriculum, with an increased emphasis on problem-solving and reasoning. Students explore more complex mathematical concepts and begin to apply their learning to real-world situations.
- English: Focuses on developing strong communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Literacy skills are further refined, with a focus on vocabulary development, grammar, and comprehension. Phonics instruction continues for those who need it. Reading becomes more complex, with exposure to a wider range of genres and literature.
- Science: Students delve deeper into the natural world, conducting experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions. The curriculum is supported by White Rose Science which follows the English National Curriculum whilst also incorporating local contexts and environmental issues.
- Social Studies: A captivating blend of history, geography, and UAE social studies. Students explore the past, present, and future, examining the UAE's rich heritage, diverse geography, and its role in the global landscape.
Additional Subjects:
- ICT: Students develop their digital literacy skills, utilising technology for research, communication, and creative projects.
- Art & Design: Encourages self-expression, creativity, and critical thinking through various art techniques and design principles.
- Music: Students are exposed tom music from different cultures and are supported to create their own music using various instruments and music software. They develop performance skills and confidence through participation in termly concerts.
- Physical Education: Continues to promote a love for sports and physical activity. Students refine their motor skills, participating in a variety of team and individual sports (including football, basketball, badminton, and swimming), learning the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy living.
- PSHE: Equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate social and emotional challenges, fostering positive relationships, self-esteem, and responsible citizenship.
Focus on Individualised Learning:
The Explorers phase continues to prioritise individual student needs. Teachers create personalised learning plans that support each student's development and interests.
The class sizes allow for more individualised attention and support whilst allowing students to develop their collaborative skills.
Collaboration and Community Involvement:
The Explorers programme fosters collaboration and teamwork through group projects and activities. Field trips and partnerships with local organisations provide opportunities for students to connect their learning to the real world. These include National Identity Manarat Al Saadiyat Art projects. Special Olympics – training and competitions.
Independence is nurtured through the curriculum by developing life skills, financial literacy and a lifelong love of reading. The Explorers phase empowers students to become independent, well-rounded individuals with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning.
Students express themselves and their emotions through their artwork, building their confidence and self-esteem
Art practice involves students using their fine motor skills to complete art projects. The enhanced fine motor control carries over to other situations that require hand-eye coordination and other precise movements. Art also develops problem-solving skills enabling students to think creatively in other circumstances. Moreover, the enjoyable nature of art reflects on students’ engagement and gives the students a sense of achievement and empowerment.
Through the Explorers curriculum, art lessons are planned to meet our student's individual needs. Students work on different objectives in drawing, painting, sculpture, art history and developing ideas, and they have the chance to learn and develop new techniques. Students participate in art competitions and projects within the community and are also involved in school decoration and display.
English at Al Karamah School
At Al Karamah School, we follow the Little Wandle Phonics program to support our students' early reading and literacy development. Through this structured approach, students build strong phonics skills to become confident readers and writers.
In addition to phonics, students explore a wide range of both international and local stories that foster a love of literature and develop comprehension skills. Our English curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, enhance language skills, and encourage students to connect with diverse narratives, promoting both their spoken and written language development.
Students explore how people’s lives have shaped Britain, the UAE and other nations.
Students learn about both geography and history in Explorers phase. In geography they gain a knowledge of globally significant places and how animals and humans live in various habitats. There is also a focus on understanding the processes that give rise to key physical geographical features of the world.
The history curriculum focuses on learning about various civilizations as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day. Students explore how people’s lives have shaped Britain, the UAE and other nations. Lessons also focus on helping students to know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires; and the achievements and mistakes of mankind.
Students work on a variety of topics relevant to preparing them for independent living.
Life Skills is a key subject in Explorers with a focus on developing independence and exploring the world of work. Students work on a variety of topics relevant to preparing them for independent, careers and employment. This include personal care, meal preparation, going out into the community, using money, social skills and self-regulation. Students have the opportunity to achieve ASDAN accreditation.
Maths at Al Karamah School
At Al Karamah School, we follow the White Rose Maths curriculum from Reception through KS1 and KS2. Our Maths lessons are designed to help students develop essential mathematical skills and reach their full potential, at their own level and ability.
We focus on:
- Understanding and modelling addition and subtraction
- Numbers and operations in base ten
- Geometry: comparing and describing plane figures
- Measurement and data: recognizing and categorizing items
- Counting money
- Telling the time
Our lessons are structured using the "I do, We do, You do" approach: beginning with a teacher-led demonstration, progressing to guided practice together, and finally, encouraging independent work as students gain confidence and skills.
In Explorers, students follow the National Curriculum of England and learn the musical elements - pitch, melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, structure, texture, and expression, as well as the fundamentals of music theory.
We offer the students the opportunity to initially connect with musical instruments to be open to others who are also interacting with the instruments to enhance communication between students. Students in Explorers learn to play together in a group using a variety of instruments which demonstrably increase socialization including spontaneous social engagement to play ensemble and perform on the stage. , students learn to compose their own music parts, assembling them together to make a composition, and analyzing the outcome of their compositions.
At Al Karamah School, our Physical Education (PE) curriculum supports the holistic development of our pupils through inclusive, meaningful, and engaging physical experiences. Aligned with the English curriculum and carefully adapted to meet individual sensory, social, and physical needs, our PE lessons help pupils to develop gross and fine motor skills, build emotional regulation, and enhance cooperation through structured teamwork activities. Pupils take part in a wide range of activities, including gymnastics, ball skills, dance, football, golf, and athletics, all delivered through differentiated approaches and tailored resources. We foster independence, confidence, and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. PE at Al Karamah is not just about movement, it is a key part of preparing our pupils for joyful, healthy, and active lives.
