Stage 3

Stage 3 of the British International Curriculum is crafted to nurture an early appreciation for learning and foundational academic skills. This stage is focused on introducing students to core subjects in a manner that is engaging and suited to their developmental needs, ensuring a solid groundwork for future academic achievements.

Curriculum: British International
Requirements: Completed Primary Stage 2 or an equivalent
Age group: 8 to 9 years of age
Language of instruction: English

Subjects

The curriculum for Stage 3 is designed to offer a broad range of introductory subjects that lay the groundwork for comprehensive educational development.

English First Language

Emphasis on basic reading skills, simple comprehension tasks, and introductory writing exercises.

Afrikaans Second Language

Focus on improving language and grammar for spoken and written communication.

Mathematics

Focus on number recognition, counting, simple addition and subtraction and basic shapes.

Personal Power

Focuses on personal development, covering emotional literacy, understanding feelings, healthy eating habits, safety principles and the basics of physical education. This subject aims to empower students to make informed decisions about their well-being and interpersonal interactions.

Student preparation for Stage 3

Students are encouraged to adopt initial study habits that include regular reading times and basic organisational skills like keeping track of their belongings and organising their online school materials.

Parental involvement for Stage 3 students

Parents are integral at this stage by:

Participating in interactive learning activities at home.
Reading regularly to and with their child.
Reinforcing the lessons learned in their online lessons through practical, everyday examples.

How are parents kept informed?

Parents receive weekly reports that provide updates on student’s online activity, giving insight into their child’s progress. Regular blogs provide guidance on various topics from how to assist with homework to creating an ideal learning environment at home.

Support offered by Think Digital to students

Stage 3 students receive optional support through the online tutor chat which provides access to a panel of online tutors who provide guidance and help clarify fundamental concepts. Interaction with peers through the controlled online forum is also encouraged to enhance social learning.

Stage 3 assessments

Assessments in Stage 3 are primarily focused on testing basic concepts through simple quizzes and termly assessments that reinforce learning in a non-stressful manner.

Equipment and supplies needed

The essentials include access to a desktop / laptop or tablet, basic stationery and lined exercise books. All educational content is made available online, including interactive games and videos, which are fundamental at this stage.

British International Curriculum – Stage 3 overview

The Stage 3 curriculum is carefully devised to ensure that students not only enjoy their learning experience but also build a robust base of essential academic skills.

Developmental milestones during Stage 3

Students begin to show early signs of reading and mathematical abilities, develop better language skills and start to understand relationship dynamics. They also show greater autonomy in personal care and decision-making on simple matters.

How parents can support this age group
Support from parents can include:

Encouraging explorative play which complements academic learning.
Ensuring consistent bedtime routines to help with concentration and mood.
Providing a variety of learning materials at home to broaden their exposure to new concepts.

Additional resources

Story time sessions: Online sessions where stories are read, often followed by a discussion or related activity to enhance comprehension and verbal skills.

Skill development clubs: Optional live online sessions focusing on fun topics from Drama Stars to Jewels and Jems clubs!

Meet and greets: Organised events that allow students and their families to meet face-to-face while enjoying fun activities with the Think Digital team.