EDUCATIONAL AIMS
It is the policy of The Junior School to provide pupils with a sound British style primary education giving emphasis to the basic skills of literacy, numeracy and ICT. We aim to provide a broad, appropriate and challenging curriculum which also takes into account the local language and environment.

Above all, however, we aim to provide a happy school environment in which pupils are encouraged to develop lively, inquiring minds, and to enjoy the process of learning.

CURRICULUM
Responding to the advanced technology of today, as well as to the recent changes to the British National Curriculum, results in a time of challenge, change and development for our school.

The British National Curriculum is implemented with adaptations (suitable to our needs). The children take SATs (Standardized Assessment Tests) at the end of KS1 (Y2) and KS2 (Y6). Our results are exemplary.

The main curriculum subjects are English, Mathematics, ICT, Science, Geography/History, Music, Art, Physical Education, Greek for native-speakers and Greek for non-native speakers (French as a foreign language is offered as an alternative option). Subject co-ordinators are appointed to ensure that individual subjects are under constant revision. They advise on new innovations to be introduced and new materials to be employed. The school also arranges for annual INSET courses which are an integral part of our professional development programme. All subjects are supported by the resources in the school library, a computer laboratory and audio visual aids.

There is no formal religious education taught in the school. However, the moral code of our school is reflected in daily activities and through school assemblies which are usually led by the headteacher or individual classes.

Homework is an essential, complementary part of school life. It provides the opportunity for pupils to learn to organize their time and to study on their own. All KS2 classes (Years 3 to 6 ) are set homework on a regular basis. Children in KS1 are also given homework. The work for this age group will vary according to each child’s needs and abilities.

In order to widen our pupils´ experiences at first hand, we organize regular educational trips. These relate to particular areas being studied and make use of the varied historical, geological and environmental riches which are unique to Cyprus.

THE GREEK DEPARTMENT
Promoting proficiency in the Greek language is an integral part of The Junior School´s programme.

All children have the opportunity to learn Greek. Oral preparatory work is introduced in the early years. Starting from year one, the Greek language curriculum is the same as that followed by Greek elementary schools in Cyprus. Our policy is to help children to become bilingual.

Non-native speakers are encouraged to learn Greek as a foreign language. The aim of this programme is to ensure that all children have some ability in the local language.

FRENCH
French is taught as an afternoon activity option for children who wish to pursue a third language.

MUSIC
Under the enthusiastic guidance of our music specialist, we have a thriving Music Department! Children from Pre-Reception onwards are given regular music lessons during morning school.

As well as singing, playing percussion instruments and learning musical appreciation, the children (from Year 3 onwards) are given the opportunity to learn the descant recorder. They are subsequently entered for the exams of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music – Grades 1 to 3.

The school choir, held as an afternoon activity, is very popular with the children. Any pupils from Year 3 to Year 6 are welcome to join and we usually have between 75 and 90 enthusiastic members.

The choir prepares two concerts per year, usually in collaboration with the Drama Department. The children who take part thoroughly enjoy these occasions.

Groups of singers and recorder players regularly represent The Junior School whenever we are invited to participate in events outside the school. Our flourishing Music Department maintains a well-earned reputation throughout Nicosia and is a great asset to our school.

SPORTS
Sports play a very important role in the life of The Junior School. We have a specialist Physical Education teacher who takes all classes for P.E., with the exception of Pre-Reception, where PE is taught by the class teachers.

This is further supplemented by a wide variety of afternoon sporting activities. Children can choose from a selection of games, which include hockey, soccer, basketball, rounders, softball, volleyball, athletics, table- tennis and jogging. The activities vary slightly from year to year. Swimming, tennis and Taekwondo are also taught by specialist teachers.

Children have the opportunity to represent their House in sports´ events such as football, hockey, basketball, rounders and volleyball. The annual cross country event and Sports` Day are also highlights in the Interhouse Calendar with tournaments in tennis and table- tennis also taking place.

We recognize and value the need to provide opportunities which will nurture positive team spirit, sportsmanship, co-operation, respect for each other and a sense of fair play.