Curriculum
LANGUAGE AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT
We encourage students to develop their reading and writing skills, that allow children to communicate with the world around them, enjoy stories and poems, and achieve what is expected of them at school. Language focuses on the oral aspects of communication: listening, speaking and interpreting non-verbal cues to communication. Children are provided with opportunities to express self, participate in conversations, ask questions and use their emerging reading skills to make meaning from print. Language is one of the most important areas of child development. Our communication skills set us apart and it unites us with each other.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Children are encouraged to explore the different interdisciplinary themes such as Physical Science, Social Science, Earth and Environmental Science and Life Science. They observe objects with curiosity, explore cause and effect relationships and apply this knowledge to a new context. Theme teaching enhances children's concept development because it integrates learning from many different curriculum areas simultaneously. We integrate learning with life, through the use of 'themes'. Thus, the brain is stimulated to make connections to 'create'. As they participate in reading, maths, and science activities; they break the boundaries of traditional subject matter.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Physical development includes fine motor and gross motor development. Fine motor development: Children engage in activities such as threading beads, puzzles, sorting, etc. which provide opportunities for hands-on reinforcement of concepts and skills that have been introduced in a whole-group setting. Gross motor development: Active play is important for health and well-being and for the development of emotional, social, language and thinking skills. This centre involves activities that lead to gross motor development – balance and laterality and eye-foot coordination.
CREATIVE/AESTHETIC DEVELOPMENT
At the school, assessment and observation is closely associated with the curriculum goals and learning objectives (that are stated in the plans), rubrics on the worksheets and report cards. There are three steps – collecting facts by observing, analyzing and evaluating the facts and using this data for future learning. In our curriculum, instruction and assessment is based on the Multiple Intelligences Theory to ensure that it is fair and authentic. This also completes the teaching – learning cycle.
PRE SCHOOL
The early years of a child's life are the foundation for future learning, growth, and development. Research has shown that children learn more rapidly during the first six years than at any other stage of life. A quality preschool environment nurtures a child's curiosity, creativity, confidence, and social skills, helping them become happy and successful learners.
At Balnilaya Academy, we welcome children from 1 year 6 months of age, providing them with a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where learning happens through play, exploration, and interaction. Our age-appropriate activities help develop language, motor skills, cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and social confidence.
Preschool education also helps children adapt to routines, develop independence, and build positive relationships with teachers and peers. These experiences prepare them for a smooth transition to formal schooling and lay the groundwork for lifelong learning.
