DETU R
inspiration starts
Guide to Years 1 & 2
www.dulwich-yangon.com.mm
P O N S MU
NDO
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Contents AN INTRODUCTION FOR PARENTS
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THE SCHOOL DAY
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INTRODUCTION TO THE CURRICULUM
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ENGLISH
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MATHEMATICS
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TOPIC - SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
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ART AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
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COMPUTING
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DRAMA AND PERFORMANCE
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PERSONAL, SOCIAL, AND HEALTH EDUCATION
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MANDARIN
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MUSIC
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MYANMAR STUDIES
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
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MYANMAR LANGUAGE
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ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
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BUS SERVICE
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LUNCH
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SAFEGUARDING
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UNIFORM
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FRIENDS OF DULWICH
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ADMISSIONS
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GUIDE TO YEAR LEVELS
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ADMISSIONS CRITERIA AND PROCESS
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AN INTRODUCTION FOR PARENTS AT DULWICH CHILDREN COME FIRST At Dulwich College Yangon we firmly believe that ‘Children Come First’. Our aim is to ensure that all children in our care are happy, confident, well-motivated, enthusiastic and excited about life. We aim to provide an appropriate, balanced and challenging curriculum which will enable each child to realise his or her potential in a safe, caring and supportive environment. We provide our students with a broad-based introduction to the English National Curriculum, developing skills, knowledge and understanding in Key Stage One that will be built upon as they enter the Junior School. We strive to encourage a love of learning by providing an interesting and stimulating school environment in which our children are encouraged to be individuals and recognise their own contributions to the life of the class and our school. At Dulwich College Yangon, we enhance the English National Curriculum by providing the children with a greater range of specialist teaching and the careful selection of learning experiences more appropriate to their international setting.
THE CLASSES AND TEACHING STAFF Key Stage One (KS1) is part of DUCKS (Foundation Stage and KS1) and is led by our DUCKS Coordinator. It is divided into two age groups for the Year 1 and Year 2 classes. Each class is taught by a fully qualified English speaking lead teacher and supported by an English speaking assistant teacher. In Key Stage One we also have specialist teachers to enhance your child’s learning. They work closely with the year group teams to plan the curriculum. We have specialist teachers in Mandarin, music, Myanmar studies, Myanmar language and PE. The Year 1 classes are for children who will turn six on or after 1st September of the current academic year. The maximum size for this age group is 18 children. The Year 2 classes are for children who will turn seven on or after 1st September of the current academic year. The maximum class size for this age group is also 18. The KS1 Stage classrooms are located in the main College building with access to their own outside learning area, as well as enjoying lessons in the Mandarin, music and art Rooms, library and school sports areas. This ensures that all students have a balanced learning experience utilising experiential and formal teaching, providing them all with opportunities to develop resilience and communication skills, which are essential in building the ethos of life-long learning. At the end of Year 2 the children will progress smoothly into Key Stage Two of the English National Curriculum by joining a Year 3 class in our Junior School.
THE SCHOOL DAY THE SCHOOL DAY The school day begins at 8.00am with registration followed by the first lesson. The day is divided into eleven 30 minute lessons which can be combined and extended to make best use of the children’s current learning needs. Parents are welcome to bring their child into the classroom before saying farewell. The children have a mid-morning break at 10.00am and eat lunch at 12.15pm followed by lunch play. The afternoon session begins at 1.00pm following the lunch break. Kindness and co-operation to each other is always encouraged and positive behaviour is reinforced during break times. Every Friday the Key Stage One classes join the rest of the College for our end of week assembly at 8am. As the year progresses each class takes a turn to organise and lead an assembly. The children are dismissed at 3.00pm apart from the selected afternoons each week when they are able to choose from a variety of enrichment activities, which includes our Myanmar language programme for native and second language speakers (which is scheduled on separate afternoons from the other activities). The activities schedules will be sent to parents in advance of the new school year, so that they can plan accordingly.
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CURRICULUM The Key Stage One curriculum is taught using an inquiry-based, cross-curricular approach to education, making links between different curriculum subjects to deepen the children’s understanding of their learning. Dulwich College Yangon recognizes the importance of teaching English and Mathematics, which are each studied for a minimum of one hour each day, both as discrete subjects and as tools to support learning across the whole curriculum. This reinforces the philosophy that learning should be transferable across a wide range of different contexts and subjects. Topic (science and humanities) is taught using a selection of topics or themes which will stimulate the children’s interest. The time devoted to each subject in any given week depends upon the focus of the topic, but a clear progression of key skills, knowledge and understanding is carefully planned across the Key Stage to ensure a comprehensive coverage of the curriculum. Computing and art and design technology are integrated into the topics to further enhance cross-curricular learning, whilst still allowing for the discrete teaching of key skills where necessary. Computing is an integral part of 21st century learning. It is essential that all our students are confident users of information technology and that it is used to stimulate, develop, apply and share their own thinking. Digital competency will therefore be encouraged to enhance the children’s teaching and learning in all areas of the curriculum. Parents will be informed of the topics at the beginning of each year.
ENGLISH Each classroom is a language rich environment ensuring that the children experience a variety of texts and instructional information. The children have opportunities to develop their writing through a range of methods that will encourage both creativity and a structured use of language. Our English curriculum is divided into the following key areas: •
Speaking and listening (discussions, questioning, responding, oral presentations)
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Reading (phonics, word recognition, comprehension)
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Writing (spelling, handwriting, composition, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation).
The children develop their phonics, reading and writing skills during focused literacy sessions which will expose them to a range of different genre, such as fairy stories, traditional tales, poetry, narratives, non-fiction and informational texts. At this age it is important that they learn to speak with confidence to support all areas of their learning, presenting to a variety of different audiences. Drama is additionally used to explore space, ideas, feelings and texts. In short, an enjoyment of literature is fostered throughout our curriculum. Children benefit from a well-stocked library and are encouraged to share this facility with their parents, taking out books on a regular basis. They also have one class library session each week. This is further encouraged by planned author visits which provide a stimulating ethos of literature and performance.
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MATHEMATICS The overarching aims of our mathematics curriculum provide the children with a firm understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics, the ability to reason mathematically using the appropriate language, and plenty of opportunities to apply this knowledge in practical ways through problem-solving activities. The curriculum is divided into four broad areas, which increase in complexity across the Key Stage: •
Number (place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions)
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Measurement (length, weight, capacity, time, money)
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Geometry (shape, position and direction)
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Statistics (data handling)
The children develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematics through exploration and discussion. They learn to count, read, write and order numbers to 100 and beyond, whilst developing a range of mental calculation skills to use in a variety of different settings. The children learn about shape, space and measurement through hands-on experiences that build upon an understanding of their immediate environment.
TOPIC - SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES Science and Humanities are carefully intertwined to create stimulating topics to nurture the children’s understanding of cross-curricular learning.
Science Children study the science curriculum using practical hands-on experience as we consider this the most effective tool for learning. In all areas of work children are encouraged to closely observe and interrogate their findings, whilst developing the skills to help them discover their own answers to scientific questions. They are taught to carry out experimental investigations through a topic-based approach to scientific enquiry in the following areas of the curriculum: •
Life processes and living things - humans, animals and plants
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Materials and their properties - grouping and changing materials
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Physical processes - electricity, forces and motion, light and sound.
In lessons, the children make predictions and learn how to use appropriate apparatus. They are given opportunities to draw conclusions from their work and to use these to inform future investigations. Work is also undertaken outside the classroom as a means of placing Science in context and drawing on the wealth of resources that the local environment has to offer.
Humanities In both Year 1 and Year 2 humanities encompasses both geography and history, allowing children to learn through a thematic approach using cross-curricular links. The topics provide a variety of exciting activities where they can find out about their own environment and that of the wider world. They are encouraged to research and explore the past through a variety of topics. For example, topics based on transport or homes and holidays will introduce children to ways that these concepts differ throughout the world and how they have changed through time.
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ART AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Art and design technology is about developing children’s creativity and imagination through art, craft and design activities that relate to the children’s own identity and experiences. Children experiment with a variety of media to inform and extend their ideas. They develop their creativity and imagination by exploring the visual, tactile and sensory qualities of materials and processes. The children use a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, collage, printing and clay modelling to express themselves through a variety of media and tools.
COMPUTING By using digital displays, computers, laptops, iPads and other devices, children are taught how to research, record and utilise their learning through a range of different programmes. It is essential that children are versed in a multitude of platforms, as technology constantly evolves. Classrooms are well equipped so that computing skills can be taught throughout the day and used by the children to support their learning in all areas of the curriculum. Technology is also used to ensure collaboration between all learners, which is essential to becoming rich critical thinkers who are successful in tomorrow’s society.
DRAMA AND PERFORMANCE Drama is an important part of the curriculum and is integrated into English and other curriculum areas. The children will be actively encouraged to take part in a range of musical and theatrical activities to promote confidence and enjoyment in the arts. They have a range of opportunities to perform in school assemblies and music and drama programmes. The emphasis is on participation and enjoyment while developing the necessary skills that will encourage children to become confident young adults.
PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION In Years 1 and 2 the children are learning about themselves as developing individuals and our PSHE and citizenship sessions help them to see how and where they fit into the class, school, community and the wider world. This is taught through discussion and helps children to recognise and understand their feelings and emotions. Children learn to express themselves, listen to each other and offer an opinion on a discussion theme. Teachers also take the opportunity to discuss questions that children raise as well as topics of relevance in children’s lives.
CULTURAL STUDIES Cultural studies is the study of the beliefs and practices of the major world faiths. It allows students to understand their own beliefs and learn about the beliefs and rituals of the world’s six main religions. The religions are taught comparatively with no element of worship or emphasis upon one particular faith. Students are told that their opinions, regardless of whether or not they have a religious faith, are valued.
The following subjects are taught by our team of specialist teachers.
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MYANMAR STUDIES It is very important that our children appreciate the culture, history and traditions of Myanmar. The weekly Myanmar studies lesson is taught by a Myanmar teacher and gives all children an understanding of key points of interest from our host country, such as traditions, costumes, cooking, festivals, famous people from history and local landmarks. Wherever possible we seek to link our learning to a Myanmar context. In KS1 nearly every topic will be able to incorporate influences from our local and national community.
MYANMAR LANGUAGE Our Myanmar speaking children are able to learn Myanmar language and culture during two afternoon lessons at 2.30pm during the week. The timing of the lessons ensures that the children will not miss any other learning or enrichment activities. The lessons are part of the mainstream curriculum for these students and will be reported upon alongside all other subjects. The curriculum is designed for native and second language speakers only.
MANDARIN The children learn to speak, read and write Mandarin through a range of different topics and activities, which also look at important aspects of Chinese culture and festivals. The children are placed into groups with students of a similar ability level, ranging from native speakers to complete beginners. They will have one lesson each day and the main part of the lesson will take place in Mandarin.
MUSIC During music lessons, the children have the opportunity to listen and comment on music, rhymes and songs from a variety of eras and cultures, celebrating the international nature of our school. They are encouraged to develop an appreciation of music by experiencing a range of musical genre through singing, playing and composing, as individuals, in groups or as a class. Our music room is well resourced with a range of instruments including percussion, keyboards and other tuned instruments. During the school year, all Year 1 and 2 students are given the opportunity to perform during assemblies and other events.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION In PE the children develop physical skills in the following four areas: games, gymnastics, dance and swimming. They are taught by our specialist teacher. The children learn to perform and practise simple skills and to show control in linking actions together. They are taught the importance of exercise in keeping healthy and are encouraged to be physically fit by improving their strength, agility, co-ordination and endurance. As individuals they are encouraged to work co-operatively with a partner, within a group or as part of a small team. Children will enjoy swimming lessons over the course of the year and take part in the KS1 sports day.
ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Dulwich College Yangon welcomes a great diversity of students, many of whom have different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds and some who have specific learning needs. We believe that such diversity enriches our school community. Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports children both within and outside the classroom. As it is of primary importance for children to first master their English skills, the EAL students remain in the classroom during their English lessons. However, they are withdrawn by the specialist EAL teacher for extra English support during their daily Mandarin lessons. Children also receive extra English support within their own classroom. All these EAL lessons are tailored to meet the needs of the individual child and raise their language skills to meet the demands of the mainstream curriculum. Children with other specific learning needs are supported by the class teacher who will compile Individual Education Plans where necessary. This includes support for students who are deemed gifted and talented in one or more subject areas and require further challenge and enrichment in their learning.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES Outside of the mainstream curriculum, children are offered enrichment activities on one night per week from 2.30-3.30pm. A variety of activities are available for students to choose from, including sports, music, art, drama and some that are fun-based. A conversational Myanmar activity is also held for beginners and intermediate speakers of the language. Educational trips are an integral part of the children’s time at school and are linked to the study of the topics. They may also be taken to bolster learning in other subjects such as Myanmar studies, Mandarin, art and music.
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HOME LEARNING Our children work very hard during the school day and homework at this level is limited. Home learning is considered an extension of classroom activities. In Year 1 and 2 children spend a great portion of their time acquiring and improving their literacy skills. Sharing books at home is an important part of a child’s reading development and children are encouraged to take books home to assist with their reading progress. Reading books will be changed according to the needs of each child. Their required reading is recorded in their diaries. Children are encouraged to use the library and take home books in addition to those sent by the class teacher. In Year 1 children are given a home learning task each week in addition to their reading books. In Year 2 children also have one home learning task in addition to their reading and will receive weekly spelling lists to learn. They are also set Mandarin tasks appropriate to their level. All tasks are recorded in the child’s diary so that parents can support their children at home.
PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS We know that children learn best when parents and teachers work in partnership so we keep parents informed and give them opportunities to be actively involved in their children’s learning through a variety of different ways.
CONSULTATIONS AND CURRICULUM INFORMATION SESSIONS Parent-teacher consultations, information evenings and workshops are scheduled throughout the year. Our parent workshops focus on different aspects of learning such as phonics, early reading/ writing and mathematics, and we strongly encourage all parents to attend. We are keen to keep dialogue between parents and teachers open; consultations take place three times a year but if parents wish to see teachers at other times, they are very welcome to make appointments to do so. School reports are issued in December and June.
HOME/SCHOOL DIARIES Parents are encouraged to communicate closely with their children’s class teacher. All children have a Home-School diary for day-to-day communication between the home and school, which we look at daily and encourage parents to do the same.
PARENT HELPERS AND CLASS REPRESENTATIVES We warmly welcome parents who would like to contribute their skills and time to our school. There are opportunities to help during the school week or to contribute with a special skill that you may have. Each class has a class parent representative who acts as a link between the teacher and the parents for social events or supporting the class.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION BUS SERVICE The College Bus Service is optional. We may not be able to serve some locations due to distance/ direction and traffic conditions. We do not provide a bus service for Toddler of Foundation Stage students. Each route/pick-up point is designated to optimise the travelling time and the number of bus riders. Therefore, it might not always be possible to comply with individual needs.
LUNCH Lunch and snack time are an important social part of the day in DUCKS. All students, except Toddlers in half-day programmes, should bring a healthy nutritious snack and packed lunch from home, which they eat in their class or the dining area under the supervision of our staff for lunch. Even though parents provide their children with their own food, it is critical for parents of children with food allergies to keep the College staff fully informed of the nature and severity of the allergies, and we work closely with them to ensure that their children are not exposed. The College also has a nut free policy, as we have children with serious allergies to these foods, and request parents not to send nuts or nut-based products to school. The school discourages children from bringing in unhealthy food such as chocolate, chips/crisps and fizzy drinks.
SAFEGUARDING In putting students first in all that we do, the issues of safeguarding and child protection are of paramount importance in Dulwich College International schools. As a world-class organisation with a strong moral purpose, we make certain that every step is taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each child in our care. All our staff members are subject to thorough reference and criminal record checks, and all are required to wear identification badges at all times they are on school premises. Every staff member goes through safeguarding training on induction and all are required to take further training throughout their tenure with the College. Parents are asked to submit photographs and basic information so that the College can provide them with parent identification badges. All staff members and parents are required to present their identification badges to the guards/College staff when entering the campus. All other visitors are required to sign in at the Reception desk and wear a visitor’s ID badge whenever they visit the campus. Children are not allowed to leave the campus during the school day.
SAFETY The College will conduct regular evacuation drills to prepare for the unlikely event of a fire, lockdown or earthquake, with procedures designed to account for every child, staff member and visitor on campus. Drills are conducted with appropriate sensitivity in the DUCKS classes and appropriate rigour for the older children.
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UNIFORM
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All children except those in Toddler classes are required to wear the school uniform. Toddlers are required to wear the school polo shirt with the school shorts being optional. Uniform items will be available at the College for purchase throughout the school year. In the weeks before school begins in August, the College will make special arrangements for the general sale of uniforms to all students. Uniform requirements differ for each school within the College. Boys up to age 7 (DUCKS) wear a polo shirt and navy blue shorts. Girls up to the same age wear a light blue gingham dress. Cardigans are optional, but those worn must be school uniform. All children are required to wear black leather shoes with their uniform and a school hat when outdoors. PE uniforms are the same throughout the College and parents should provide appropriate sports shoes for these lessons. From Year 1 the children will also wear House kits for their inter-House competitions.
GIRLS UNIFORM
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BOYS UNIFORM
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FRIENDS OF DULWICH OUR PARENTS ASSOCIATION Every parent at Dulwich College Yangon is a member of the Friends of Dulwich (FoD), which is a valuable part of every Dulwich international school. They are also invited to stand for membership of the FoD's Executive Committee, which supports the students and teachers by helping to organise class or school-wide events, as well as putting on events of their own. In addition, they make significant contributions to charities through fund-raising events and direct contributions. FoD is also a wonderful source of support for parents, offering help and friendship to both new and old families in the College.
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ADMISSIONS
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ADMISSION TO DULWICH COLLEGE YANGON Dulwich College Yangon expects students and parents to understand and support the school’s aim to serve a diverse community. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds. The administration, teachers, students and parents are always working to maintain an environment that is welcoming to all students. Each application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee, comprising of the Headmaster and a member of the admissions team. Year level placement is determined by an applicant’s age as of 1st September in the academic year of entry (see the ‘Guide to Year Levels’). Applicants come from many different countries with varying school calendars and enrolment age practices. The DCY 1st September cut-off date and year level placement policy reflects what we believe to be the most appropriate alignment for academic and social readiness. Exceptions to this policy are made only at the recommendation of the Headmaster after further detailed assessment can show how a child will benefit from being placed out of their chronological year group. At DCY differentiated lessons are the norm, so teachers are able to challenge and support a wide range of different abilities within each age group.
GUIDE TO YEAR LEVELS
DCY Year Level
Approximate Grade Equivalent
DCY Pun Hlaing campus
DCY Star City campus
2
Toddler
3
Foundation 1
4
Foundation 2
Pre-Kindergarten
DUCKS
DUCKS
5
Year 1
Kindergarten
6
Year 2
Grade 1
7
Year 3
Grade 2
8
Year 4
Grade 3
9
Year 5
Grade 4
10
Year 6
Grade 5
11
Year 7
Grade 6
12
Year 8
Grade 7
13
Year 9
Grade 8
14
Year 10
Grade 9
15
Year 11
Grade 10
16
Year 12
Grade 11
17
Year 13
Grade 12
Junior School Junior School
Middle School
Senior School
Curriculum
The Dulwich College Yangon Curriculum is an enhanced version of the English National Curriculum
Age as at 1st Sept.
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ADMISSION CRITERIA Admission to Dulwich College Yangon is open to all children regardless of nationality. Students applying for entry into Year 1 and Year 2 must submit current/prior school records. A confidential report from their class teacher or Principal is also required. Once the confidential report is submitted, the student will also be assessed by a senior member of our teaching staff. This involves an assessment of literacy, numeracy and reasoning skills based on their current year level. Finally, the Admissions Committee reviews the application to decide if a place is to be offered.
ADMISSION PROCESS
Complete and submit application form, application fee and supporting documents placed on Candidate List.
Admissions Department to arrange assessments. Overseas candidates can be assessed at their current school.
Admissions Committee will review the file once all supporting documents are submitted and assessments completed.
Candidate meets entry requirements
Place Oered/ Accepted
Deferment Requested
Waiting List
An enrolment fee is required on acceptance of oer
One deferment will be allowed, but application will be considered withdrawn/ closed thereafter
If there are more candidates than available places the applicant will be placed on a waiting list
Application Denied. Parent Informed
Application Closed. Candidates may reapply after one academic year has passed.
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Pun Hlaing Golf Estate Avenue Hlaing Thayar Township Yangon (+95) 0 1 687701
Star City, Kyaik Kauk Pagoda Road, Thanlyin Township, Yangon (+95) 0 562 3135 ext. 1304 admissions@dulwich-yangon.com.mm www.dulwich-yangon.com.mm