Languages
We will work towards all children being fluent in 3 languages. The main 2 languages will be English and Polish. The 3rd language should be a European language. In 2021/2022, the 3rd language will be Spanish. As the school grows, there will be more options for the 3rd language.
As well as proficiency in these first 3 languages, by the end of class 8, the children should be familiar with at least the basics of Russian, Chinese, Arabic, French, and Latin.
Literature
We will cover all aspects of both the British and the Polish curriculum.
The children should also be familiar with a number of classical texts, including some famous works of Homer in classes 6 to 8. The reading of physical books will be encouraged beyond the basic curriculum. Children will read books in both Polish and English.
Music
We will cover all aspects of both the British and the Polish curriculum.
The children will learn music theory beyond both the British and Polish curricula.
It is expected that by the end of class 8, each child will be competent in playing at least 1 musical instrument. The school will focus on being competent in playing the piano. Parents are encouraged to facilitate the development of musical skills, such as learning to play other instruments.
We encourage singing. However, singing should be an addition to the aims of learning to play 1 or more musical instruments.
The school will encourage various activities, such as musical productions in which the children can perform both individually and collectively. We will work towards children playing their part in a school orchestra and also in smaller bands. Solo performances will also be encouraged.
Pluralism, Respect, and Inclusiveness
Within our school, we respect the diverse values that people have, including those who are deeply religious and those who are atheists. We all share a common goal – of being decent human beings and developing children who will become decent and respectful adults.
Manners and Culture
The children are expected to conduct themselves in appropriate and respectful ways. The school respects the fact that the main moral authority of any child is always their parents. While present at school the staff has an important duty “in loco parentis”. The children will be encouraged and guided by the staff to conduct themselves in ways that expresses the high cultural values and diplomacy. This will include the way the children communicate with each other, the way they communicate with various adults and the way they conduct themselves during various activities throughout the day, including meal time.
Being confident, articulate, critical, and assertive
There are a number of important ways in which children and adults can become confident, articulate, and assertive individuals. Of course, developing their general abilities in all of these criteria is important. Here are some aspects of our curriculum that are very important:
- Developing skills in Formal Logic.
- Learning about Practical Reasoning.
- Learning Presentation skills and using these skills when giving presentations.
- Having formal debates. Engaging in debating competitions.
- Assertiveness training. This includes identifying and finding ways to deal with bullying or domineering behavior of others. It also includes identifying their own personal actions, which can be considered by others as bullying or unfair.
- Conflict resolution: In cases of conflict between children that may cause distress to either or both parties, these conflicts will be resolved after discussion with the children and, if necessary, the parents of the children involved.
- Playing Chess will be encouraged.
Sport and Physical Education
We will cover all aspects of both the British and the Polish curriculum in the areas of sport and physical education. The children will normally spend time outside during the breaks, including their lunch break.
Both team sports and individual sports are encouraged.
It is important for children living in Europe to have the necessary skills in these team sports: Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball. It is also important that the children know the current rules of these sports. These are considered life skills.
Individual sports such as athletics (and also martial arts) should be encouraged. They should also be competent swimmers. The school will provide some additional clubs to facilitate this, which will be optional.
Good sportsmanship and being graceful in both your wins and losses are important. These are considered important life skills. When entering a competition, children should always do their best.
Competitiveness and Fair Play
- We encourage our children to be both competitive and cooperative.
- We encourage the children in our school to compete in local and national competitions.
- We encourage the children to improve on their current or recent achievements.
- We encourage the children in our school to cooperate with each other, work as a team, and bring out the best in each other.
Mobile Phones and Social Media
The children will not have access to mobile phones and other means of spending any time on Social Media while at school.
The school provides various meaningful activities throughout the day while the children are present. There should not be any reason to be on social media.
Staff Selection
The staff is naturally selected according to their qualifications, experience, and a proven aptitude for teaching and managing children, as they would be in any school.
However, we also have some further criteria. Candidates who show a willingness to learn beyond their expected competencies and/or demonstrate competencies in self-learning will always be given priority.
Competency in critical thinking of teachers is a selection criterion. We always prefer staff members who have both a breadth and depth of intellectual, sporting, and other interests that could be of educational value to the children.
