WASCZ | How do We Teach English in Lower School?

Classrooms are full of speaking opportunities, such as role plays, group discussions, and class presentations. “We place a particular emphasis on embedding language learning within simulated or real-life scenarios. This way, students not only practise the vocabulary and sentence structures they’ve learned but also gain the confidence and willingness to use English in interactive settings,” says Ms Hany.

In addition to the English curriculum, our bilingual integration courses naturally embed English learning within subjects like mathematics, science, global perspectives, and the arts. This cross-disciplinary approach provides students with opportunities to practise spoken and practical English. Moreover, our boarding life, starting from the lower school stage, creates a full-time English immersion environment, making English a natural tool for communication, teamwork, and daily interactions.

02 Differentiated Support and Skill Development

We recognise that each child enters the classroom with different language starting points and learning paces. To address this, we consistently implement a personalised teaching approach, developing a variety of strategies to support each student’s language development.

In response to the varied language levels of our students, English teaching is designed with differentiated tasks and personalised support. We tailor learning activities according to each student’s language ability, ensuring that every child faces challenges appropriate to their level and continues to make progress. “For learners who require additional support, we not only provide targeted tutoring and resources but also focus on creating an inclusive and encouraging classroom atmosphere, allowing each child to progress at their own pace,” Ms Hany adds.

This systematic teaching design and support framework ultimately targets a clear language development goal: to help students steadily build strong English proficiency, laying a solid foundation for their future academic growth and lifelong learning.

03 Creativity Unleashed: The 500-Word Story Competition

The true measure of a curriculum’s philosophy and design lies in its practical application and creativity. Initiated by Mr Awad, Lower School Head of English, the “500-Word Story Competition” has now been successfully held for two consecutive years. It has become a platform that sparks students’ enthusiasm for writing and brings their learning achievements to life.

This English creative writing competition, open to students from Grade 1 to Grade 6, encourages children to unleash their imagination and weave stories of fantasy adventures, heartfelt moments, or thrilling mysteries. In just 500 words, students must carefully select words, arrange their structure, and convey emotions. This not only assesses their language proficiency but also serves as a deep exercise in creative thinking.

Under the guidance and encouragement of Mr Awad, children are inspired to write freely and share their work. “Seeing students confidently write their unique stories and express their thoughts and emotions through words, while witnessing their growth, is truly gratifying,” says Mr Awad.

Language learning goes far beyond the mere transmission of knowledge; it expands the boundaries of the learner’s understanding. As a practical tool that connects the world, we view English teaching as a system of support, a companion in growth, and a journey that encourages creativity and expression. We believe that when language learning merges with real life and connects with personal expression, children gain not only communication skills but also the ability and confidence to explore themselves and understand the world.

The moving stories that emerge from the 500-Word Story Competition are the most vivid and authentic testament to this educational philosophy.