Our educational philosophy combines unapologetic academic rigour with holistic development. Aligned with the English National Curriculum and enhanced through IEYC, IPYC and IMYC frameworks, our AldenhamPlus curriculum delivers:
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Greater depth and strong conceptual understanding
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Higher-level thinking with structured intellectual discipline
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Cross-curricular integration and concept-driven learning
The AldenhamPlus Curriculum extends beyond the UK national requirements, combining mastery learning with breadth, conceptual depth and structured practice. It is deliberately designed by Aldenham Education Group to reflect how children truly learn over time.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Age 3+
Early Years at Aldenham Prep Riyadh is structured education, NOT daycare. Pupils ages 3-5 are taught through the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) which is a research based and progressive program where learning is play-based yet purposeful, with clear outcomes that are planned, observed and assessed. The IEYC is squarely grounded on the UK EYFS framework and standard.
The IEYC is a research-based, child-centred early education framework designed for children aged 2–5 years. It focuses on developing the whole child by integrating academic learning with personal, social, emotional and physical development.
In the Early Years at Aldenham Prep Riyadh, you can expect a British-qualified lead teacher, a qualified support teacher, as well as dedicated classroom assistants. This ensures a significant adult-to-pupil ratio, providing excellent well-being support and robust safeguarding for every child.
Key Stage 1
(Years 1–2): Age 5+
A carefully supported transition into structured academic learning through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) framework. The IPC is learner focused and personalised approach that promotes multi-disciplinary and holistic education. This thematic and inquiry-based model is the foundation of all classes, but it is customised by AEG to include deeper level instruction of the core subjects such Mathematics, Science and English.
The IPC is a research-based, globally respected curriculum framework for children aged 5–11 years, designed to support high-quality primary education. It integrates academic learning, personal development and international mindedness through engaging, thematic and concept-driven units.
Phonics, reading, writing and mathematics are taught systematically, developing confident readers and independent learners. Specialist teaching begins in PE, Art, and Music all with their own dedicated facilities. We also employ specialist teachers for Arabic and Modern Foreign Language.
In the primary years, you can expect a British-qualified lead teacher alongside a qualified support teacher, who is either credentialed in their home country or holds advanced degrees in their subject or specialty. This staffing model is an AEG standard that exceeds both UK and local Ministry of Education requirements, ensuring pupils benefit from a higher level of expertise and instructional quality.
Key Stage 2
(Years 3–6): Age 7+
Key Stage 2 at Aldenham Prep Riyadh is a broad and ambitious curriculum with increasing challenge and independence. It focuses on mastery, conceptual understanding and clear thinking. Pupils learn to explain, solve and reflect, with cross-curricular enquiry through IPYC.
It is very important to note that, starting from Year 5, separate subject-specialist teaching in core disciplines such as Mathematics, Science, English, and Humanities are also introduced. This highly academic model marks the beginning of what might be considered a "Junior Senior School"—an approach less commonly implemented due to its resource-intensive requirements, but one to which AEG is fully committed. This model reinforces our “This and That” philosophy and pedagogical approach, ensuring depth and breadth in subject expertise while maintaining holistic development.
Key Stage 3
(Years 7–9): Age 11+
Our Key Stage 3 programme provides a strong academic bridge between primary education and senior school, delivered through subject-specialist teaching across all core disciplines. Learning is carefully aligned with UK National Curriculum expectations and mapped to the progression pathways of Cambridge Assessment International Education, ensuring both rigour and global relevance.
Pupils benefit from high expectations, structured challenge and purposeful stretch, building secure foundations in English, mathematics, science, humanities, languages and the creative arts. Lessons emphasise critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning, helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and intellectual curiosity.
Alongside academic excellence, we place strong emphasis on character, wellbeing and leadership. Through enrichment opportunities, pastoral support and personalised guidance, pupils are prepared not only for successful transition into senior school but also for future pathways both locally and internationally.
By the end of Year 9, pupils are academically prepared, socially confident and ready to make informed choices about their next stage of education, equipped with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an increasingly global world.
Key Stage 4
(Senior School): Age 14+
Our Key Stage 4 programme offers a rigorous and forward-looking senior school experience, fully aligned with the English National Curriculum and structured around internationally recognised Cambridge Assessment International Education IGCSE pathways.
Delivered by subject-specialist teachers, the curriculum places strong emphasis on deep subject mastery, academic rigour and examination literacy. Pupils develop secure knowledge, refined study skills and confident exam technique across a broad range of disciplines, including English, mathematics, sciences, humanities and languages.
Learning at this stage is purposeful and demanding, encouraging analytical thinking, independence and intellectual resilience. Teachers provide expert guidance, targeted intervention and personalised support to ensure every pupil is challenged appropriately and enabled to achieve their full potential.
Beyond academic excellence, we continue to prioritise character development, wellbeing and future readiness. Structured pastoral care, career guidance and enrichment opportunities help pupils clarify aspirations and make informed choices about post-16 pathways, whether progressing locally or internationally.
By the end of Key Stage 4, pupils leave us as confident, motivated learners, well prepared for advanced study and equipped with the academic foundations, personal maturity and global outlook required for success in sixth form and beyond.
Key Stage 5
(Senior School): Age 16+
Our Key Stage 5 provision offers a demanding, future-focused pre-university experience aligned with A Levels and internationally recognised qualifications from Cambridge Assessment International Education.
At this stage, learning moves beyond content mastery towards higher-order thinking. Pupils are challenged to analyse, evaluate and synthesise ideas, developing strong research habits, academic writing skills and intellectual independence. Small-group teaching, specialist mentoring and structured academic guidance ensure each pupil receives personalised support while being stretched to achieve ambitious outcomes.
The curriculum is complemented by enrichment, leadership opportunities and tailored university guidance, enabling pupils to build strong academic profiles and articulate their aspirations with confidence. Emphasis is placed on independent scholarship, reflective learning and purposeful preparation for life beyond school.
By graduation, pupils are confident, articulate and academically accomplished, equipped with the skills, mindset and global perspective required for entry into leading universities worldwide and for success in their chosen future pathways.
