Invictus International Preschool Curriculum

From birth, children are learning language and developing the ability to communicate. The Communication, Language, and Literacy domain describes many important aspects of children’s language and early literacy development. An internationally recognised phonics and grammar programme, Jolly Phonics, is adopted to develop a thorough foundation for reading and writing. Children can learn in an enjoyable, multi-sensorial way which enables them to read and write letters, words and then sentences. Through songs, games, stories and picture talks, children acquire phonological awareness and will be able to identify the 42 different sounds in the English language and use them to blend sounds together to start reading and spelling. Storybooks and level readers are introduced in the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes as we expand on their vocabulary and allow opportunities for children to relate pictorial cues to words. Puppets, feely bags and other teaching resources are utilised to extend the stories and to help children establish meaning in print.

To develop an appreciation for reading and literature, the children are immersed in a wide range of children’s literature.

Through the Virtues Project which is based on the beliefs and virtues valued by diverse cultures and world religions, a ‘Virtue of the Week’ is introduced so that over time, children gain a deep understanding of what each virtue means and how they can practice virtues in their daily lives.

The Virtues Project enables teachers and children to address not only our core values, but also to meet the personal and social development goals at the heart of our goal for the children to develop good character through the implementation of the Five Strategies.

Inquiry-based learning begins with a question, a problem or an idea. It involves children in planning and carrying out investigations, proposing explanations and solutions, and communicating their understanding of concepts in a variety of ways. Throughout the inquiry process, children observe, raise questions, and critique their practices. It is an approach that encourages collaboration and ownership of children’s learning.

The children experience a wide range of lines of inquiry including the domains of Science, History, Geography, Social Studies and Technology.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This is a forward-thinking, integrated approach to learning that combines these subjects to guide children’s inquisition and critical thinking.

Science

Children learn about new concepts through a systematic line of questioning and scientific approaches. There is differentiation in the instruction as children become more independent in their experiment and discovery. This learning opportunity is further propelled by varying levels of support where activities are planned so that children progress through the specific skills and concepts they have developed.

Technology

Digital resources such as narrative-rich videos, apps, and games can play productive roles in teaching and learning. With thoughtful integration, technology is introduced alongside caring and knowledgeable teachers to help children navigate and learn about the world that is otherwise inaccessible for example; how seeds sprout roots and grow into plants. Technology is used effectively in our schools to support the lives of young children and the families and communities within which they live, play, and learn.

Engineering

Hands-on engineering activities empower young children to see themselves as problem solvers. Children learn that there is more than one way to solve a problem, and that it is okay to fail and try again. Our learning environment provides fun and engaging opportunities for our young learners, and this can take various forms such as at the block centre with children working together to build a long bridge, the sensory table with materials for children to make their own bubble wands and the cookery table where children are making pancakes.

Mathematics

The programme is based on the Singapore Mathematics framework, which strongly reflects the philosophy that children learn through active involvement and can be influenced through instruction. Communication between adults and peers, as well as between peers, helps children to internalize and acquire new concepts and skills. The programme builds upon children’s curiosity, enthusiasm, and intuitive mathematics knowledge and utilises children’s experiences and interests.

The children commence preschool with a wealth of knowledge and experiences of numbers, shapes and space in the environment. The world of numbers and numeracy is already familiar to them and at Invictus Preschools, teachers build on this prior knowledge by designing learning experiences that enable them to make connections between what they already know and can do, and the planned curriculum. The children are provided with many hands-on learning experiences giving them opportunities to construct their own understanding. Relationships in numeracy are discovered and explored through this use of concrete materials. The children are provided with opportunities to communicate their ideas, clarify their thoughts and share their thinking. The teachers take time to observe the children – what they do and say – and facilitate the understanding of numeracy concepts.

Penn Junior Academy works in partnership with a team of premium enrichment providers to facilitate a wide range of learning opportunities for the Invictus International Preschools.

Our range of programmes are carefully planned and designed to grow the interests of our young learners and unlock their full potential. Each instructor is committed to bring a nurturing and supportive climate which encourages curiosity, creativity, and promotes problem-solving and critical thinking to inspire and instil the desire to become lifelong learners.

Every child has the option to participate in the learning opportunities within our premises. Having our programmes based in the same location the children attend school provides families with the ease and convenience of no outside travel time, a location close to home, and reassuring familiarity of staff.