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Overview of the Early Years

The early years is the cornerstone of education at Ambassador International Academy (AIA), setting the foundation for lifelong learning. Designed for children aged 3 to 6, the early years focuses on nurturing essential skills through inquiry-based and play-based learning. 

At AIA, the early years provides a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where young learners explore, discover, and grow holistically—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. It inspires curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning, laying the groundwork for future academic and personal success.

The Early Years lays the groundwork of curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning that will serve these children throughout their school career, and prepare them for a life of academic and personal success.

Key Components of the Early Years at AIA

Our Early Years is informed by a few key components that make up our holistic curriculum. Each element is crucial to the success of our youngest learners, helping them move into the Primary Years Programme ready to learn.

Learner-Centred Approach

Our inquiry-based curriculum empowers students to lead their own learning, by involving them in planning, decision-making, and reflection. Their natural curiosity is nurtured to help them become independent and self-motivated learners.

Transdisciplinary Framework

In the Early Years, we use the Primary Years Programme (PYP)learning themes encouraging our students to make connections between subject areas and the real world, while developing their ability to learn across disciplines.

Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry is the foundation of learning at AIA. In the Early Years, guided by the Curiosity Approach, our teachers design rich, engaging environments that inspire wonder. Through open-ended questions, thought-provoking provocations, and hands-on investigations with natural and real-world materials, children are encouraged to explore, question, and make meaningful discoveries. This child-led approach nurtures deeper understanding, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.

Play-Based Learning

Structured and unstructured play is crucial for learning, especially in the Early Years. Blending imagination and collaboration with purposeful activities help our students to develop cognitive, social, and motor skills while making learning fun and meaningful.

Skill Development & Conceptual Understanding

Through the Approaches to Learning (ATL), the Early years builds communication, research, critical thinking, self-management, and social skills. These are the tools our students will need for lifelong learning.

Global & Cultural Awareness

At AIA, students at levels are immersed in international-mindedness and cultural appreciation. We encourage them to recognize, respect, and celebrate diversity, preparing them to be responsible global citizens.

Holistic Development

The Early Years Programme fosters a balanced approach to learning, with activities that promote cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains. We emphasize the importance of creativity, self-expression, and collaboration, helping children become well-rounded individuals.

Enabling Environment

A crucial aspect of teaching young children is designing a learning environment that serves as a facilitator for their development. Our Early Years spaces have flexible layouts, open-ended resources, and access to outdoor areas, fostering a dynamic and stimulating setting that encourages exploration, creativity, and independent learning.

Partnerships with Families & Community

At AIA, we value strong partnerships with families and the wider community, encouraging active involvement throughout children’s learning journey.

Reflective Practice & Assessment

Even in the Early years, students and teachers engage in reflective practices to enhance learning. Formative assessments are ongoing, through observations, interactions, and intendent tasks, guide instruction and inform future planning, fostering student agency in the process. 

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Benefits of the Early Years at AIA

The Early Years is a subset of the PYP, forming a crucial foundation for learning through the International Baccalaureate. Our Early years builds a strong foundation, encouraging our young learners, nurturing their curiosity, and empowering them to become confident, independent, and reflective individuals.

Through a curriculum centred around inquiry and play, we help our students develop many skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Social and emotional growth is prioritised, with a focus on collaboration, empathy, and self-regulation.

Physical development is supported through activities that work on fine and gross motor skills alongside academic learning, helping cement concepts and skills for our students.