Teacher Student Ratio

Our classes are small enough to ensure that each child gets the focus and attention they deserve. A standard student-teacher ratio of 1:17 at Primary school guarantees that children get the attention and support they need to reach their highest potentials. Each class is completely dependent on the pupils’ development stage, rather than their age.

Age Groups

CLASS 1:       6-7 Years

CLASS 2:      7-8 Years

CLASS 3:        8-9 Years

CLASS 4:        9-10 Years

CLASS 5:        10-11 Years

Curriculum

The Primary Years curriculum seamlessly builds on the robust foundation established by our Early Years program, ensuring a continuous and cohesive learning journey. It is designed to foster spiritual, moral, social, intellectual and physical growth through a diverse array of activities in addition to focusing on traditional subject areas. Our curriculum employs varied teaching, learning and assessment strategies, all within a well-structured framework that prioritizes strong teacher-student relationships, which are vital for a child’s development.
At the core of our curriculum is the mastery of English, Urdu and Mathematics, supplemented by foundational studies in Science, History and Geography. Moreover, students are enriched through Art, IT, Drama, Music and Sports, promoting a holistic educational experience.

Our curriculum aims to cultivate:

• Successful learners who find joy in learning, make consistent progress and achieve their goals.
• Confident individuals who are equipped to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
• Responsible citizens who actively contribute positively to society.

Development and Literacy

Language development stands as a cornerstone in a child’s journey toward social and academic growth. Mastering a language empowers children to effectively communicate, express emotions, comprehend others’ feelings and nurture meaningful relationships. Beyond these fundamental aspects, language acquisition fosters cognitive abilities, igniting imagination, creativity and critical thinking skills. Thus, investing in language skills lays the groundwork for holistic development and shaping young minds who are not only proficient communicators but also innovative thinkers and empathetic individuals.

In the dynamic landscape of childhood development, language acquisition emerges as a pivotal force that serves as both, the warp and weft, intricately intertwining communication, emotional expression, cognitive and academic prowess by:

• Building Varied Vocabulary: Incorporate a wide range of vocabulary words in daily conversations, activities, and lessons. Encourage students to explore new words through reading, writing and discussions. Introduce themed word banks or vocabulary walls to facilitate learning.
• Increasing Phonological Awareness: Implement interactive and engaging activities that focus on phonemic awareness, such as rhyming games, syllable segmentation and phoneme manipulation exercises. Utilising multimedia resources like songs, videos and interactive games to reinforce phonological skills.
• Encouraging Story Comprehension Skills: Foster a love for reading by providing access to diverse and engaging literature. Model effective reading comprehension strategies, such as predicting, summarizing, questioning and making connections. Incorporating interactive read-aloud sessions where students actively participate in discussions and reflections on the text.
• Supporting Decoding Skills: Provide explicit instruction in phonics and decoding strategies to help students become proficient readers. Utilising systematic phonics programs and scaffolder activities to teach letter-sound correspondences, sight words and decoding patterns. Offer opportunities for guided and independent practice through leveled reading materials and differentiated instruction.
• Implementing Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI): Integrate the Leveled Literacy Intervention program into classroom instruction to provide targeted support for struggling readers. Utilising the leveled texts and accompanying lesson plans to address specific reading needs, such as fluency, comprehension and word recognition. Monitor student progress regularly and adjust intervention strategies as needed to ensure effectiveness.

By enhancing these strategies for Language Development and Literacy, Westminster creates a supportive learning environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential in communication and academic success.

Mathematical Development

Mathematics, often heralded as the cornerstone of a school’s curriculum, is far more than just numbers and equations – it is a dynamic and creative discipline that lays the foundation for a child’s educational journey. A robust understanding of mathematics is not merely advantageous but essential for a student’s academic success. Beyond its academic significance, mathematics endows students with a potent toolkit to decipher and transform the world around them.
By delving into mathematical concepts, children develop vital problem-solving skills, hone their logical reasoning abilities and cultivate mental agility crucial for navigating everyday challenges. The importance of mathematics transcends the confines of the classroom, permeating various fields such as science, technology, medicine, economics, environmental studies and public policy.
In the realm of primary education, harnessing hands-on activities and games emerges as a pivotal strategy for imparting mathematical concepts effectively. Seasoned mathematics educators at Westminster recognize the value of experiential learning, providing students with ample opportunities to engage in games that not only reinforce mathematical principles but also stimulate their curiosity. Through playful exploration, students uncover new patterns, forge connections and devise innovative strategies, fostering a conducive environment where mathematical ideas seamlessly flow into solutions.

Historical, Geographical & Social Understanding

Understanding history, geography, and society is akin to igniting a flame of curiosity and imagination within children, prompting exploration into our origins, current existence and future trajectories. This multidisciplinary realm bridges the chasm between past, present and future, enabling children to navigate their place in the world with clarity and purpose, and fostering their growth as engaged and conscientious citizens.
Encouraging children to delve into historical, geographical and social inquiries is not merely about rote memorization but about fostering a spirit of inquiry and discovery. It empowers them to dissect the intricate tapestry of the natural and human worlds, urging them to pose probing questions and seek answers from various perspectives and scales.

This holistic approach cultivates a profound understanding of global landscapes, instilling in children not only knowledge of diverse places and environments but also the skills to navigate them adeptly. Through immersive learning experiences both within and beyond the classroom, children develop the ability to decipher maps, hone investigative techniques and cultivate problem-solving skills vital for their academic and personal growth.
History, in particular, serves as a catalyst for curiosity, prompting students to unravel the mysteries of the past and discern its enduring impact on contemporary society. By scrutinizing past civilizations, political structures, cultural beliefs and societal norms, students develop a chronological framework that underpins their understanding of significant historical events and figures, equipping them with a nuanced perspective on the evolution of human civilization.

Expressive Arts

“I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for”- Georgia O’Keeffe

Engaging in artistic creation offers children a profound opportunity to interact with their surroundings, facilitating self-expression and enhancing communication skills. Through art, children not only exercise the creative faculties of their right brain hemisphere but also nurture essential skills crucial for holistic development. This unrestricted exploration of artistic mediums fosters connections, enabling children to articulate their thoughts and emotions, harness their imagination, experiment freely and unleash their creative potential.
Art transcends mere aesthetic expression; it is an intrinsic aspect of humanity, akin to language in its capacity to convey meaning and emotion. By embracing various art forms – such as visual arts, drama, music and movement, children embark on a transformative journey that fuels their personal, social and emotional growth. This multifaceted approach cultivates confidence, responsiveness, critical thinking and appreciation for the arts, empowering children to navigate the complexities of the world with grace and sensitivity.
Participation in diverse art forms not only exposes children to the inspirational and transformative power of the arts but also nurtures their innate creative and aesthetic talents. Through meaningful engagement with culture and artistic expression, children deepen their understanding of the world, forging connections that transcend boundaries and enriching their lives immeasurably.

Physical Development

Physical Education (PE) is indispensable for fostering not only motor skills and physical fitness but also knowledge, competence and confidence among children. It offers them invaluable opportunities to cultivate creativity, competitiveness, and resilience, both individually and within groups or teams. In today’s fast-paced world, where leading a healthy, active lifestyle is paramount, PE plays a pivotal role in instilling a positive attitude towards challenges, fostering enterprising spirit and nurturing self-confidence and physical prowess. This foundational aspect of learning serves as a cornerstone for long-term well-being, contributing significantly to children’s holistic development across mental, social, emotional, economic and physical domains.
At Westminster, we are committed to delivering a high-quality PE curriculum that ensures every student can derive enjoyment and success from a diverse range of physical activities. From football and cricket to volleyball, basketball, badminton, table tennis and karate, our comprehensive curriculum caters to a spectrum of interests and abilities. Through targeted interventions, our experienced coaches adeptly engage students of all aptitudes, fostering inclusivity and promoting healthy lifestyles. With certified athletic coaches at the helm, our programs have been successfully cultivating physical literacy for many years.
To further cater to the needs of our more athletically inclined students, we offer exclusive after-school Sports Clubs, providing specialised training under the guidance of our experienced coaches. Through these initiatives, we aim to empower every student to unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling lives grounded in physical well-being.

Scientific & Technological Understanding

In an era characterized by rapid advancements in science and technology, this domain of learning assumes paramount importance, serving as the gateway to unraveling, comprehending and shaping the intricate natural and manmade environments that encompass our lives. It presents a vast realm of experiences and ideas that fuel children’s innate curiosity and ingenuity, evoking a sense of wonder and awe.
Science not only underpins technological progress but also thrives on it, ushering in new discoveries that redefine our understanding of the world and influence societal norms. At its core, the scientific method embodies a relentless pursuit of knowledge, driven by empirical evidence and modeling, thereby fostering critical thinking and fostering a culture of creative inquiry.
The pervasive integration of technology across all facets of society underscores the indispensability of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficiency in navigating the complexities of modern life. Beyond technical proficiency, ICT capability encompasses the judicious application of skills to purposeful ends, fostering digital literacy, safety, and responsibility vital for active participation in contemporary society.
At our institution, the bedrock of our science curriculum lies in immersive hands-on practicals and integrated experiments, igniting scientific fervor and engagement among students. As they progress through their educational journey, students embark on the path of skill development, characterized by exploration and discovery. We firmly believe that anchoring learning in real-world applications nurtures lifelong skills such as curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration, equipping students with the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
“Citizenship and Religious Education stand as pillars in shaping individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of public life and grapple with existential questions of purpose and meaning. Citizenship education empowers young people with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to actively participate in public discourse, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and engagement. Through exploration of topical issues and engagement in debate, students not only gain insights into their rights, responsibilities, and freedoms but also develop a nuanced understanding of concepts such as justice, democracy, and the rule of law.

Citizenship And Religious Education

Citizenship and Religious Education are pivotal in shaping individuals prepared to engage with the complexities of public life and contemplate fundamental questions of existence. Citizenship education instills in young people the knowledge, skills and awareness necessary for active participation in civic life, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement. By exploring contemporary issues and participating in dialogue, students develop an understanding of their rights, responsibilities and the principles of justice and democracy.
Religious Education delves into profound aspects of human experience, addressing questions of purpose, morality and the nature of humanity. It provides opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual growth, fostering an understanding of different belief systems and their significance. By studying religious teachings and practices, students gain insights into ethical dilemmas and the complexities of human identity.
At Westminster, we emphasize the importance of these subjects in nurturing informed and engaged citizens. Our curriculum focuses on experiential learning and critical thinking, equipping students with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate the challenges of public life and engage with questions of meaning and morality.

Assessment

At Westminster, our commitment to nurturing children’s development is reflected in our comprehensive assessment approach within a supportive and enriching learning environment. Our aim is to provide a diverse and stimulating curriculum that challenges and stretches students while fostering a sense of joy in learning.
We aspire to excellence, striving to ensure that our students consistently exceed standards and expectations for their age group. Assessment methods evolve with the students’ progression, transitioning from primarily observational assessments to a broader range including formal examinations as they advance through the school.
Our overarching goal is to cultivate a love for learning and critical thinking in every child. Assessment practices at Westminster are designed to be collaborative, involving parents, teachers and students in a shared journey towards academic, social, cultural, emotional and physical growth. Through regular monitoring of progress, students undergo a series of monthly, mid-year and end-of-year tests and examinations, ensuring continuous feedback and support for their ongoing development.

“The whole world opened up to me when I learned to read”

Mary McCleod Bethune