Early Years

At EPG, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a purposeful play-based adapted curriculum for children from 9 months to 5.5 years. This allows children to explore and learn in an environment that is secure and safe, yet challenging. We understand that this period in a child's life is an important developmental stage when they discover themselves and the world around them. Leadership and teaching teams in branches are dedicated and passionate professionals who embody all the values we teach children.

Curriculum

Aims of the Early Years Programme for children:

  • To develop confidence and skills in all areas of English and build a strong foundation for future learning.
  • To express thoughts, ideas and emotions freely through language, movement, art, music and play in both English and Arabic.
  • To know and understand their own feelings and the feelings of others, make friends and play cooperatively, and to feel secure as part of a learning community.
  • To use appropriate IT equipment and software safely and with confidence.
  • To believe that learning is life long, supporting personal growth and inspiring growth in others.

The EPG Curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) which consists of seven areas of learning and development:

Prime Areas

  • Communication and Language,

  • Physical Development,

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Specific Areas

  • Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Understanding the World

  • Expressive Arts and Design

EPG Experience

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Primary School

EPG continues to fulfill its dynamic mission in providing quality Primary & Secondary schools in Kuwait and building the skills and knowledge for pupils to be the best they can be. EPG’s growth in the primary school phase in September 2019 is exemplified by the opening of the new EPG School-Sabah Salem, the introduction of Year 6 in EPG School-Salwa and EPG’s first move into Year 7 in EPG School-Salmiya. At all stages in EPG Schools, pupils study the mandatory subjects under the Kuwait Ministry of Education curriculum alongside the English National Curriculum, valuing and celebrating the traditions and customs of Kuwait.

Our new school, EPG School-Sabah Salem, is in an excellent location with light, spacious classrooms. In line with EPG’s educational provision at EPG Schools-Salwa and Salmiya, Sabah Salem has teaching resources from the UK & well-qualified teachers, and school environment that is warm, welcoming with a family feel. Class teachers guide their pupils through their studies in Foundation Stage 2 and Years 1 and 2, teaching the English National Curriculum and the required subjects of the Kuwait Ministry of Education curriculum.

At EPG School-Salwa, the school now has its first Year 6. Pupils study the final year of the Key Stage 2 English National Curriculum, acquiring not only knowledge but also building the skills to apply that knowledge with greater independence in learning, whilst developing their thinking skills. At EPG School-Salmiya, EPG has introduced the first Year 7, which is the first year of Key Stage 3 of the English National Curriculum. Students continue to study the English curriculum at a more senior level, building on the skills and knowledge developed in Key Stage 2. In Key Stage 3, students can expect to be stretched and challenged even more than before in their learning and they feel the difference as they ‘step up’ from primary school into the first year of secondary education.

As a leading provider of education in Kuwait, EPG values and welcomes the partnership between the school and parents for every child. At EPG we know that each child is unique. At EPG, each child is encouraged and guided at every opportunity to be the best they can be.

Curriculum

Our Curriculum

The EPG Primary Curriculum is planned to fulfil and achieve the EPG vision ‘Be the Best You Can Be’ by promoting exceptional learning, personal growth and development. The curriculum is inclusive and ensures that all pupils have equal access to the school curriculum. By putting pupils and their needs at the heart of everything we do, we are able to adapt and meet every child’s individual needs, providing happy and memorable learning experiences. At EPG, we strive to nurture an environment where students are inspired, happy and seek to succeed. The education, care, happiness and wellbeing of every child is our priority.

The EPG curriculum provides an enhanced English medium, British curriculum that values and respects the local culture and traditions. The EPG Primary curriculum is broad, balanced and creative curriculum, where pupils have the opportunity to engage with and learn about their culture and the culture of others, in addition to the formal requirements of the Kuwait Ministry of Education subjects and the National Curriculum for England (DfE,2014).

Curriculum Intent

The EPG Primary curriculum is designed to be inspiring, enjoyable, relevant and purposeful. It enables teachers to strive to achieve the highest standards from their learners, in order for them to be exceptionally well prepared for the transition from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Key Stage One and Two and beyond into Secondary School. The EPG curriculum is cohesive and progressive, with skills built upon year-on-year, that are flexible enough to ensure that the curriculum evolves to remain relevant, stimulating and reflective of the EPG ethos and values and meets the needs of all pupils.

Early Years Foundation Stage Primary Secondary
Key Stage EYFS KS1 KS2 KS3
Year Group FS1 FS2 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Age 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Curriculum Organisation

The EPG Primary Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England, which provides the programme of study for English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, Art, Music, Computing and PE, supplemented by the programme of study from the PSHE Association. A thorough school plan has been designed to ensure that statutory requirements are covered. Progression, balance and creativity occur throughout each subject and continuity within and across each year of the schooling between phases of education.

Progression in learning is intrinsic within the National Curriculum for England throughout the Key Stages. The EPG Primary curriculum incorporates the Kuwait Ministry of Education subjects, with Arabic and Islamic Studies to meet each Year Group’s mandatory requirements. The curriculum also includes Arabic as a Foreign Language adapted to the Kuwait Ministry of Education requirements, to value the customs and traditions and take into account local cultural sensitivities.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Subjects
Kuwait Ministry of Education Subjects National Curriculum of England (2014)
Core Subjects Foundation Subjects
Topic Overviews
Arabic Islamic Studies English Maths Science Humanities Computing PSHE Art PE Music

Literacy

Literacy is taught at EPG Schools both explicitly through direct lessons and underpinned by a broad range of foundation subjects, taught through Topic Overviews. Themed topics provide a context that gives learning meaning and enables pupils to engage fully with the subject matter.

The children are actively encouraged to enjoy reading and writing, choosing exciting and challenging texts to interweave the teaching of spelling, grammar and handwriting. Literacy reinforces all aspects of learning, and we believe it is a vital medium enabling our pupils to access other areas of knowledge inspired by rich experiences in reading, writing, speaking and listening or drama.

Numeracy

EPG prides itself on developing strong mathematical skills within all pupils. Our maths curriculum follows the objectives outlined in the National Curriculum (2014). All new concepts are introduced using the Concrete Pictorial Abstract approach.

Topic Overviews

Literacy and Numeracy are evident in all the other curriculum subjects, providing opportunities to enrich and develop these skills. From Science, Geography, History and Physical Education to Art and Music, pupils are encouraged to make comparisons, investigate, enquire, and explore. Areas of the curriculum are linked together in half-termly Topic themes to make learning more meaningful.

By encouraging pupils to experience learning through themed life-relevant topics, pupils are equipped with the necessary skills needed for successful lives beyond school. Striving to nurture thinking and learning, teachers ensure pupils are inspired to develop a thirst for learning and make life-long happy memories.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) & Citizenship

PSHE is taught as a discrete subject by the class teacher in Primary. In-class teaching is supported by celebration events and themed assemblies promoting Kuwaiti and British values and global citizenship.

Topic Overviews for Y1-6
Year Group Topic Overview 1 Topic Overview 2 Topic Overview 3 Topic Overview 4 Topic Overview 5
Y1 Me, Myself and I Amazing Animals Celebrations Flower Power Happy and Healthy
Y2 Going Places Young Explorers Once Upon a Time A long Time Ago Changes, Changes, Changes
Y3 Ancient Civilisation Myths and Legends Inspirational People The Vikings Space and Time
Y4 Invaders and Settlers Extreme Earth Time Detectives Inventors Shed Under the Sea
Y5 The Big Blue To Infinity and Beyond Circle of Life Heroes and Villains People and Places
Y6 Exploring Cultures Our Lives before Yesterday Historical Investigators Save Our Planet Back to the Future

Curriculum Provision

At EPG Schools, ICT and Science provisions and facilities are well prepared with fully equipped ICT suites and Science laboratories, where pupils are able to learn, conduct Science experiments and apply ICT skills in all areas of the curriculum.

Following the Healthy Lifestyle policy, we ensure the four themes of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE); Healthy Eating; Physical activity; Emotional Health and Well-Being are rigorously adhered to. We have high expectations of all our pupils to achieve and do their best whilst staying safe, healthy and most importantly, enjoying and achieving during their time at EPG Schools.

Curriculum Leadership Opportunities

The EPG Primary curriculum and wider school experience encourage pupils to acquire skills essential for adult life. Students are encouraged to take on student leadership roles in the form of House Captains, Head Boy and Head Girl or acting as representatives through Pupil Council.

Educational Visits

Educational Visits are embedded within the curriculum plan wherever possible to enrich and enhance the curriculum. A wide range of venues in Kuwait are available for pupils across the whole age range.

EYFS / Primary / Secondary School Curriculum Liaison

At EPG Schools, we believe it is essential to make the transition from EYFS to Primary then Secondary as streamlined as possible and gain the benefits of the continuation of values and knowledge of the curriculum near the transition boundary is essential in maximising the benefits to pupil learning.

Topic Overviews

All new concepts are introduced using the Concrete Pictorial Abstract approach
National curriculum in England: English programmes of study – key stages 1 and 2
National curriculum in England: Mathematics programmes of study – key stages 1 and 2
National curriculum in England: Science programmes of study – key stages 1 and 2
National curriculum in England: Geography programmes of study – key stages 1 and 2
National curriculum in England: History programmes of study – key stages 1 and 2
Healthy (Eating) Lifestyle Policy

Distance Learning

Distance Learning

EPG schools are strictly following the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health guidelines and as result, all of our lessons are online, carried out remotely through our successful Distance Learning (Programme).

Whilst we recognise that this has been an extremely challenging time for all, the dedication from our staff, committed to provide the best remote learning experience possible, has been outstanding. We have ensured that our students have access to high quality education following the same curriculum topics as we would teach under normal circumstances in school, slightly adapted to meet the needs of distance learning.

All our students have access to live lessons, recorded videos, classwork and presentations in their Google Classroom (here, teachers mark work, record assessment and give feedback regularly).

We are proud of the progress made by all of our EPG community during this period as well as the ability to quickly adapt to change, this includes our teaching staff, our students and also our parents who have shown unlimited support throughout.

Distance Learning Policy
Distance Learning Guidelines
Parent Consent Letter for Distance Learning
Distance Learning Responsible User Agreement

Our Team

Hannah is originally from England and studied in the UK. She has a BA in Business and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. She is a dedicated and forward-thinking individual with over 20 years’ experience in education.

"Our staff shares a real passion for working with children. The safety and education of children are paramount and at the heart of everything we do. Our approach to learning is both interactive and innovative and we build positive relationships with children that are warm and kind and foster a sense of belonging."

Raymond has been a primary school teacher for ten years with 3 years experience teaching in Ireland, 3 years teaching in London in one of the UK's largest primary schools and 4 years teaching experience in Kuwait. He has always been very passionate about teaching and inspiring students to be the best they can be. His background is in Science and he has honors degree in Neuroscience from University College Cork in Ireland. He loves sport and has experience in coaching primary school boys and girls in football and basketball.

“I am very proud to work for EPG and to be part of an educational organisation that is supporting students reach their full potential.”

Hannah Paula Corner

Principal

Raymond O’ Sullivan

Principal

EPG Experience

Calendar

Secondary School

EPG continues to fulfill its dynamic mission in providing quality Primary & Secondary schools in Kuwait and building the skills and knowledge for pupils to be the best they can be. EPG’s growth in the primary school phase in September 2019 is exemplified by the opening of the new EPG School-Sabah Salem, the introduction of Year 6 in EPG School-Salwa and EPG’s first move into Year 7 in EPG School-Salmiya. At all stages in EPG Schools, pupils study the mandatory subjects under the Kuwait Ministry of Education curriculum alongside the English National Curriculum, valuing and celebrating the traditions and customs of Kuwait.

Our new school, EPG School-Sabah Salem, is in an excellent location with light, spacious classrooms. In line with EPG’s educational provision at EPG Schools-Salwa and Salmiya, Sabah Salem has teaching resources from the UK & well-qualified teachers, and school environment that is warm, welcoming and family feel. Class teachers guide their pupils through their studies in Foundation Stage 2 and Years 1 and 2, teaching the English National Curriculum and the required subjects of the Kuwait Ministry of Education curriculum.

At EPG School-Salwa, the school now has its first Year 6. Pupils study the final year of the Key Stage 2 English National Curriculum, acquiring not only knowledge but also building the skills to apply that knowledge with greater independence in learning, whilst developing their thinking skills. At EPG School-Salmiya, EPG has introduced the first Year 7, which is the first year of Key Stage 3 of the English National Curriculum. Students continue to study the English curriculum at a more senior level, building on the skills and knowledge developed in Key Stage 2. In Key Stage 3, students can expect to be stretched and challenged even more than before in their learning and they feel the difference as they ‘step up’ from primary school into the first year of secondary education.

As a leading provider of education in Kuwait, EPG values and welcomes the partnership between the school and parents for every child. At EPG we know that each child is unique. At EPG, each child is encouraged and guided at every opportunity to be the best they can be.

Curriculum

At EPG Lower Secondary School, we pride ourselves in the high standard of teaching and learning we provide for our students through the English language.
Students study the mandatory subjects under the Kuwait Ministry of Education alongside the National Curriculum for England. In KS3, Years 7, 8 and 9 follow a common curriculum that is structured and delivered to build strong foundations for our students further education into KS4 and beyond.

We consider KS3, Lower Secondary, an important transition for our students from Primary to Higher Secondary. They develop the skills and knowledge that will enable them to make confident choices for their future.

Subjects:

Our students study 12 subjects, their learning path is primarily leading to the provision of international certification through the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in KS4 and potentially A Level Exams (Advanced Level) at a later stage.

Core subjects include English, Maths, Science and Humanities (Geography and History). Students have access to the Arabic and French languages, Islamic supports religious education. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) provides students with a grounding in applications and programmes used daily in the computer driven world of today. Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) explores the students’ lives in a holistic way to support wellbeing and safety in an ever changing world. We provide Physical Education (PE) to ensure our students remain active and know the benefits of movement to their mental and physical health. Art and Music broaden the creativity and interest of our students.

Access our Curriculum Maps/Overviews here.

Support for learning:

Enrichment and Intervention enhance the students learning journey through Learning – Extra Support (LES) lessons. These lessons provide strategic support on an ongoing basis. This support is available to all students and builds on the in class teaching and learning to ensure students gain a full understanding in a small group context and in a timely fashion. We also accommodate one to one support on an individual needs basis to ensure each student has the best chance possible, to progress and develop.

Our Intentions:

Our intention is to create a learning environment that supports our students to become productive, confident and caring members of a local, international and global community.

This broad and balanced curriculum values and celebrates the traditions and customs of Kuwait and introduces our students to a worldwide view and consciousness of other nations. We are preparing our young people to be independent, skillful collaborators with the self confidence to become happy and fruitful adults. We encourage teamwork and leadership as key components to success in a modern and dynamic world.
We aim to produce lifelong learners with ample opportunities for full and expansive lives.

Explore Core Subject Outlines and Curriculum Maps:

Distance Learning

Distance Learning has strengthened us and allowed us to develop our skill set as educators.

In KS3 we are determined to ensure our students have access to a complete, fully developed online programme of teaching and learning. We have delivered a full timetable of LIVE Lessons to ensure we maintained a strong teacher student connection and deliver all the subjects required to provide a good foundation for our students’ futures. We follow the Kuwait Ministry of Education Curriculum alongside the National Curriculum for England.

We worked hard to present the best possible policies and procedures for the transition and maintenance of Distance Learning

In providing such a robust timetable we have been able to meet the required times needed to fulfill our curriculum commitments.

We have been actively evolving and learning with our students in the new online learning environment. It has highlighted the ever present willingness in our teachers to be flexible and determined in their teaching path.

Our students have likewise made significant changes to adapt to the online experience. They have made us proud in their conviction and commitment to their education, regardless of the challenges they face during these uncertain times.

It is of paramount importance that we ensure we are also mindful of the challenges that can compromise our well being. We have been working behind the scenes to protect, support and assist all of our students. They have been strengthened and supported by their teachers, our KS3 Social Worker, our leaders and each other. They have shown the best of human compassion throughout.

  • Wellbeing Workshop

It is important to remember that it is the small things that can make a big difference when working from home, as we are right now.

The following PowerPoint outlines the steps you can take, to ensure your son or daughter is happy, comfortable and in the right frame of mind for Distance Learning.

Our Team

Una’s journey in education began almost 30 years ago. She qualified from University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Higher Diploma in Education. She returned to learning in 2006 to do a Higher Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy in The Cork Institute of Technology also located in Cork, the largest in the county. She has worked in both the Primary and Secondary school systems of education in Ireland, since her graduation from UCC.

“It has been a lifelong and wonderful journey that brought me to Kuwait in 2018. My vision for education is one based on a holistic, child centered school experience that develops the child socially, morally and academically. The team I work with in EPG share my vision - we work to build a nurturing environment that is safe, inclusive and collaborative. We want to provide learning opportunities to each and every one of our students to equip them for their lives ahead. We could not achieve this without a close partnership with our parents. It is with great enthusiasm and passion that I hope to continue to contribute to young lives in EPG School-Salwa, Kuwait.”

Una Flynn

Secondary School Principal

Salwa School

EPG Experience

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