Preschool Programme
We draw upon the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum to establish clear guidelines on learning outcomes for children aged 2 to 6. We then develop our own teaching methodologies, lesson plans and resources to ensure that learning milestones are achieved through play, creative activity and study.
The context of learning at Clarence is adapted to an international setting with a focus on the arts.
Tiny Star
...
where stars are born
For most of the children we welcome into our Tiny Star group, this is the first time they leave their parents. We aim to make this transition into school life as smooth as possible by ensuring our classes are friendly and fun — full of songs, dance, games, and laughter.
It is here in this setting that our Tiny Stars begin to twinkle! We devote our attention to nurturing their emotional development, honing their motoric skills and encouraging them to communicate and work together happily and confidently. Tiny Stars learn to explore the world through sensory play-based learning experiences designed to stimulate them and introduce them to a world full of vibrant colours, exciting textures and endless possibilities.
Each day is really an adventure for our Tiny Stars!
18 Months to
2 years old
Teacher:Pupil Ratio of 1:3~4
Minimum 2 days/week
Half-day and Full-day programmes available
Little Star
...
where stars learn to shine
The Little Stars are the role models to our Tiny Stars and help them learn the routines and skills required for daily life. Once we have welcomed all children to the group our Little Stars begin to work on the foundations required for future learning.
For this age group, we focus on the development of personal, social and emotional skills, physical development, and communication and language abilities — all through a fun and expansive arts-based curriculum. Little Stars develop the solid ground they need for the next years through pre-phonic and pre-writing activities.
The children explore our unique monthly themes, play and interact with their peers and teachers, and learn early life skills.
2-3 years old
Teacher:Pupil Ratio of 1:3~4
Minimum 2 days/week
Half-day and Full-day programmes available
Blue Sky
...
the sky is no limit
As children grow and develop confidence and independence, we build upon their skills established in Little Star by achieving a deeper exploration of language, senses, and appreciation for the world around them.
Our arts-based activities also become more sophisticated, children have opportunities to experience rhythm, colours, textures, construction and imaginative play. We also focus on the development of literacy and numeracy both through artistic exploration, and through structured pedagogy, with a focus on counting, shapes, space, and comparison of objects. These help to develop children's visual-spatial aptitudes.
We encourage children to observe, question and comment on things they see around them to instil an inquiry based approach to life and learning.
3-4 years old
Teacher:Pupil Ratio of 1:7
Minimum 5 days/week
Full-day programme only
Rainbow
...
bridge to the future
4-5 years old
Teacher:Pupil Ratio of 1:8
Minimum 5 days/week
Full-day programme only
In this age group, children begin to solidify and reveal their personalities and interests which are the foundation from which they begin to form opinions about the world around them. As result, pupils in Rainbow Class will be encourage to learn through inquiry based methods.
The longer pupils study a particular theme/topic, the more their knowledge deepens,and their ability to confidently express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions strengthens. Through inquiry-based learning, our pupils are able to feed their curiosity, pursue their interest and become well prepared for elementary school.
We endeavour to give all pupils the fundamental academic tools needed to succeed at Key Stage 1 level of the English National Curriculum (or equivalent) at the age of seven.
All core academic lessons and units are taught to pupils grouped by age and ability, whereas activities that foster the development of social skills and moral understanding take place in a mixed-group setting.
We believe in developing well-rounded children. In Rainbow, our pupils are introduced to a deeper exploration of both Physical and Human Geography. Their technological skills are developed in a more structured way, by introducing typing, Lego coding and SCRATCH with increased interaction with purpose-built applications on the iPad, as well as robotics. Furthermore, to ensure the development of artistic dimensions in both their perspectives and personalities, each child has the opportunity to experiment with new forms of expression through music. This encompasses playing and improvising with the mini-piano, introduction to the recognition and reading of musical notation, as well as developing rhythm through percussion.
Sunshine
...
beaming with confidence
5-6 years old
Teacher:Pupil Ratio of 1:8
Minimum 5 days/week
Full-day programme only
Sunshine aptly describes the stage of development where our children find themselves. In this class our children really shine as confident learners, sparkle with positivity and throw light upon problems with rays of creativity!
At this age the children have moved on from the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and are following the British Key Stage One curriculum. We continue to use an inquiry based model for teaching and learning and children are encouraged to connect their learning to current world issues and make links to their own lives and community. Learning becomes more abstract and the learning experiences are designed to encourage much more problem solving and exercise critical thinking.
Science and technology plays a larger role in the Sunshine curriculum and children have plenty of opportunities to hone their analytical and evaluation skills. They are encouraged to discuss, try, test, reflect and improve and learn the hard lesson that a failure is not to be feared but an opportunity to grow further and become better!
Complementing the 'rational' growth of the child is of course our highly valued arts programme. Children in Sunshine class create exciting, mature artworks employing the large range of skills they have acquired through school; their exhibitions are always a high point in the academic calendar. As the children embark on their second year of piano tuition they become more adept at playing, get a feel for conducting others and develop their composition skills to create their own pieces.
By the time children come to leave Clarence International School and the sun sets on their days here with us, we feel that they have not only laid a very strong academic foundation but that they have had the bountiful realm of the arts unlocked to them and they have been given the confidence and creativity to explore them on their future journey.
ENRICHMENT &
THE ARTS
Outdoor Enrichment
Throughout the preschool years, pupils will take their learning beyond the classroom walls as we take part in school events and outdoor activities around the Greater Tokyo Area. From these real-life experiences, pupils are able to enhance their learning by including an interactive, real-world perspective to their class themes.
Music Programme
Another highlight of interactive learning at Clarence is our weekly music lessons, where the children are able to explore the world of rhythm, sound, and harmony.
During this time, our music teachers introduce pupils to the subject through our specially crafted programme, which aims to develop their knowledge and to further encourage their freedom of expression. Children will learn musical notation through singing and piano tuition.
Poetry Recital
The aesthetic and intrinsic beauty of language is often best captured through the exploration and recital of poetry. Like song, dance, and visual arts, poetry comes to us naturally. Through recital, children find patterns in the sounds of words. When gradually combined with the deeper poetic meanings of these words, children absorb a landscape of linguistic appreciation and a love for language.
SCHOOL | HOME
PARTNERSHIP
Regular communication with parents is very important in forming a strong partnership between Clarence and its parent body. Information is shared with parents through our school communication channels, including apps, daily-termly reports, letters and meetings on a formal or informal basis.
While we do not believe in solely preparing children for tests/exams, we do understand the importance of academic rigour and measuring progress. A crucial factor in a child's learning and development journey is the quality of feedback they receive from their teachers, peers, and parents. Therefore, at the end of each school term, parents will receive a comprehensive report that illustrates the child's big picture learning, development and growth experience. In keeping with Clarence standards, this follows the British Early Years Foundation Framework; and reaching the milestones is something that children will naturally absorb through their day-to-day learning and play at Clarence.