When children start their journey, there are three prime areas which are essential for healthy development and future learning: communication and language, physical development and lastly, personal, social and emotional development. These are considered the fundamental building blocks for a child’s overall growth as it teaches them the necessary skills to enable them to flourish throughout their time in school and beyond.

Pupils at Aldenham Prep Riyadh are taught communication and language skills in a number of ways, including class readings, where they have the opportunity to follow along with stories and join in. As for their physical development, children have plenty of opportunities to play and be active thanks to our facilities, such as in the playground where they can interact and take part in a variety of activities. 

To align with our nurturing approach to education, we encourage pupils and teachers alike to engage with active listening, as well as conveying non-verbal communication. It’s important that our youngest children not only feel heard, but also develop a sense of empathy with one another. At this time in their lives, children are especially receptive to their environments, so creating ones where they are safe and cared for is the true foundation of a healthy development. 

The Four Specific Areas

As children progress to the next stage, we introduce four specific areas into the curriculum to further develop their skills: maths; literacy; understanding the world and expressive arts. Mathematics and literacy are two core subjects that lay the grounds for other subjects, such as history, geography and science. They are also essential for gaining entry into higher education.

In addition to the core academic areas, we also focus on helping pupils to develop an understanding of the world. This includes school trips where they can absorb different environments, as well as providing a space where curiosity is fostered through hands-on experiences. Additionally, we encourage open discussion where pupils can come together to learn about the wider world and its many cultures, customs and traditions. 

Additionally, we encourage our younger pupils to engage in expressive arts and design. Research from the University of Durham found that being creative “helps children cope with their feelings and fears, and to manage their emotional states”. We believe that expression is a spectrum and that it’s important to provide the means in which pupils can freely articulate their thoughts and emotions, and in turn, understand their peers better. 

With school being one of the first times a child experiences the world outside of their home and family life, it’s imperative that we build upon those crucial developmental and learning skills. At Aldenham Prep Riyadh, parents can feel assured that their children are receiving the best start in their education, where individual needs are acknowledged and nurtured.