Lower School - Ages 6 to 10

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

- William Butler Yeats

Lower School - Ages 6 to 10

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

- William Butler Yeats

Welcome to our  Lower School

From Class One to Eight, the Class Teacher plays a pivotal role in leading children on a journey of discovery and learning.

Through a vibrant academic curriculum that is integrated into storytelling, art, music, nature science, and hands-on activities, students’ imaginations are sparked and nurtured.

During these formative years, a deep love of learning is cultivated, while a strong academic foundation is established through meaningful and emotionally rich experiences.

Class 1

Age 6-7

Developmental Stage
Class One represents a significant transition from the nurturing, communal atmosphere of kindergarten to a more conscious and self-aware classroom experience, as students approach seven years of age.

Curriculum Themes
Creating a rhythm and structure for classroom life lays the groundwork for positive and enthusiastic learning in the years ahead. The curriculum is rich with folk and fairy tales, sparking imagination and curiosity.

Students begin their journey into reading, writing, early arithmetic, and languages, all interwoven with art, music, and movement. The relationship between education and curiosity, joy and engagement is developed.

Class 2

Age 7-8

Developmental Stage
By Class Two, children are developing a growing awareness that there is more to life than the innocent understanding of early childhood, when they felt at one with the world. At this stage, as they turn eight, they begin to recognise both the greatness and fallibility of humanity.

Curriculum Themes
Students explore fables and Celtic mythology, reading, listening, discussing, and writing about stories that highlight exaggerated human traits like greed, pride, and stubbornness. These are contrasted with the lives of inspiring figures who have overcome such challenges.

The study of mathematics becomes more rigorous, languages lessons continue, and the natural world invites exploration. Craftwork, painting, modeling, movement, and music remain integral parts of daily learning. The children’s studies of their home environment and natural surroundings lay the groundwork for future science education.

Class 3

Age 8-9

Developmental Stage
Class Three marks a period of profound psychological, cognitive, and physical changes as students become more self-aware. This emerging sense of separation from their environment can feel both unsettling and empowering as they turn nine.

Curriculum Themes
Stories from the Hebrew Scriptures, paired with practical experiences in building, farming, gardening, and cooking, help students build positive connections with others and their surroundings.

Mathematics takes on a practical focus, emphasizing real-world applications such as calculations, measurements, and money. Long division and multiple digit multiplication begin this year, and place value is continued up to the millions.

Class 4

Age 9-10

Developmental Stage
In Class Four, students begin to explore and express their unique interests, talents, and challenges. This stage celebrates each child’s individuality while embracing the rich diversity of the class community as students turn ten.

Curriculum Themes
Literacy skills take a significant leap as students engage in reading chapter books, writing book reports, and composing original works. The study of Norse myths provides a dramatic lens through which students examine different personality traits which also work to help relate to themselves and others. Focus on animals, nature, and local geography fosters a deep respect and connection to the environment. As students progress, their skills in Mathematics, languages, geography, Craft, Music, and continue to evolve and strengthen.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”