Elementary Grades 1-5

Our Elementary Programs

The elementary curriculum is centered around the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), American Education Reaches Out (AERO) Social Studies Standards, and Virginia State Standards (VSOL) to develop academic competencies. We implement the balanced literacy approach with levelled books to support differentiated learning in all classrooms.  Teachers use modelled demonstration, shared demonstration, guided and independent practice as a framework for planning and implementing instruction in literacy.

All teachers conduct the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) three times a year to set goals for reading engagement, oral reading fluency and comprehension and to document growth in these areas.  Comprehension strategies are explicitly taught, and 6+1 Traits of Writing are used as a framework for writing assessment and instruction.

We use the open-source instructional materials and rich mathematical tasks to delivery our math strands in a conceptual, cognitively demanding way.  Science and Social Studies units are taught each term using a conceptual-based curriculum framework.

Social Studies and Science units are taught in a conceptual manner, compelling students to ask questions, inquire, discover and make connections.

Students receive weekly instruction in specialist classes such as art, music, library skills, PE and Greek for native speakers or Greek as a foreign language, while technology skills are integrated throughout the elementary program.

English Language Learners (ELL) benefit from our ELL program and individualized support.  Students with mild learning difficulties receive attention from our Learning Support Department.

Our Individualized Programs

AISC uses a variety of ways to address the instructional and emotional-social needs of every child.  DRA, along with Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing and regular teacher-student goal setting experiences foster a sense of indpendence and creates a culture of responsibility for one’s own learning.  Students are taught how to resolve conflict and respect differences.  The small classes in the elementary school provide warm relationships between everyone.

Our 3 B’s

The American International School in Cyprus’ code of behavior for elementary students centers on the three ‘B’s. At the start of each school year, the children explore the three ‘B’s with their classroom community and identify their importance whether on a school bus, at Big Toy, in the cafeteria, or in the classroom.

The three ‘B’s are:

• Be Respectful
• Be Kind
• Be Responsible

For more information about our Grades 1-5 program, please refer to the Elementary Curriculum Overview document, the Elementary Information Sheet and the Supply List for your grade level.

Elementary Curriculum Overviews

• Grade 1 Curriculum Overview
• Grade 2 Curriculum Overview
• Grade 3 Curriculum Overview
• Grade 4 Curriculum Overview
• Grade 5 Curriculum Overview
  

Supply Lists

All items on our supply lists have been locally sourced, with the exception of PE/Swimming Supplies. Unless otherwise indicated, stationary items are available for purchase at Philippides Paper Works, 50 Kennedy Avenue, 1076 Nicosia Cyprus, +35722879222. Online ordering will available after July 1 on the Philippides Website, where you will find an AISC tab. You may pre-order and request delivery to AISC for pick-up on Orientation/Open House Day. Alternatively, you may pick up at the shop, or, for a nominal charge, home delivery is available.

• Grade 1 Supply List
• Grade 2 Supply List
• Grade 3 Supply List
• Grade 4 Supply List
• Grade 5 Supply List

Educational Technology – Laptops & Tablets

Students in grades 1 through 6 are provided with a personalized school-owned iPad in order to enhance understanding, increase learning, and be better prepared for the 21st Century. The iPad is purchased by the school and is used as an educational tool during classes. iPads will remain at school at all times. For more information, please consult the AISC iPad Program Handbook.