Primary School

The English curriculum is designed to spark the enthusiasm of children for language and literature. It places a strong emphasis on fostering both thoughtful discussions and the cultivation of individual viewpoints in response to reading. Additionally, it focuses on honing creative and technical writing skills. We dedicate time to reinforce the fundamental aspects of reading, spelling, grammar, and handwriting in a vibrant and well-equipped learning environment.

Our primary goal is to nurture in children a deep love for reading and a profound appreciation of English literature. Simultaneously, we aim to equip them with the ability to express their thoughts and ideas in a vivid, articulate, and precise manner. We are fortunate to have access to a richly stocked library, along with individual class libraries, enabling children to explore a diverse range of novels, poetry, plays, and various forms of non-fiction during their time at Arbor.

The English curriculum also includes enriching activities and special days. Whether it’s engaging in class projects, participating in author fairs, presenting poetry recitals, or captivating storytelling sessions, Arbor’s students are provided with valuable opportunities to express themselves and showcase their talents in front of an audience.

At Arbor, we follow the Cambridge Primary Mathematics Curriculum Framework, which has received the endorsement of the Cambridge International Examinations. Our Mathematics program is designed to nurture confident and accomplished mathematicians in an enjoyable and engaging manner. This series adopts an investigative approach to foster problem-solving skills in children and empowers them to become independent thinkers with the confidence to confront a wide spectrum of mathematical challenges.

Our students not only acquire mathematical proficiency but also develop an appreciation for the elegance of mathematics, fostering a genuine love for the subject.

At Arbor, our commitment goes beyond mere correctness in answers; we emphasize the importance of comprehending why a particular method is effective and whether it represents the optimal choice.

At Arbor, science is delivered through hands-on practical investigations that aim to ignite excitement and cultivate a deep interest in the subject. We prioritize enjoyable and accessible learning methods to engage our students.

Our students are encouraged to push the boundaries of their investigations by delving into the significance of their findings. This analytical approach not only stimulates their cognitive abilities but also fosters a meaningful curriculum experience.

In addition to classroom activities, we enhance the learning journey with enriching school trips, exciting projects, and an annual School-wide Science Week. During this special week, students participate in practical experiments, further enhancing their understanding and appreciation of science.

At Arbor we follow both the Local Curriculum as well as the Cambridge Curriculum.  We divide our Curriculum into three terms.  Term 1 we focus on Trinidad and Tobago, Term 2 we focus on a specific European Country and Tern 3 we focus on a Hispanic Country.  

Throughout the year students explore the unique culture of the various  societies that is derived from the experiences of local, regional and international relations. They learn about people, places, cultures, histories, and the economic world, within and beyond the specific country being studied. Students also develop understanding about how societies are organized and how they function. Students are given learning experiences to understand that the ways in which people and communities respond are shaped by different perspectives, values, and viewpoints. The teaching of Social Studies performs an essential role in the nurturing of young minds to function competently, effectively and efficiently in today’s modern society.

Art at Arbor provides an ideal space for children to unleash their creativity and thrive. This nurturing environment fosters the development of robust personalities and a deep love for the arts.

Our dedicated specialist teacher guides students from PreK to Junior 6 through an art curriculum that is thoughtfully tailored to their unique needs. We go beyond the confines of the National Curriculum, consistently achieving exceptional results in recent years. Each child’s artistic journey is meticulously documented through their personal sketchbooks, which they maintain over the years. Art classes are a cherished part of our weekly routine, and for those who wish to further explore their artistic talents, we offer an extracurricular Art club as well.

 At Arbor, our dedication lies in fostering the computing skills of every student under our care. Our well-equipped and lively ICT lab caters to all classes, spanning from Junior 1 to 6, with each class enjoying lessons every week. Our primary goal is to nurture inquisitive, critical thinkers who become lifelong learners, possessing discerning minds and proficiency in the digital realm.

Ensuring the well-being of children is paramount to us. Our e-safety strategy serves as a bulwark, creating a secure e-learning environment that shields students from harm. It also safeguards our staff during their interactions with pupils and internet usage, while fulfilling the school’s duty of care to students. Our strategy sets forth clear expectations for everyone regarding acceptable internet usage.

Moreover, we’ve recently launched a Robotics Club for children aged 8 and above. This initiative aligns with our commitment to providing diverse learning opportunities.

Spiritual development is a fundamental component of Arbor’s personalized education philosophy. The school places a strong emphasis on the crucial role parents play in nurturing their children’s spiritual growth.

 Arbor welcomes children of all faiths and acknowledges and respects their unique needs, beliefs, and sensitivities. While the school’s curriculum, activities, and overall ethos are inspired by Catholic teachings, its spiritual guidance is overseen by the Prelature of Opus Dei.

Students, regardless of their religious background, are encouraged to cultivate their connection with the divine and nurture their spiritual journey with genuine freedom and dedication. This approach aims to enrich them as individuals and foster their excellence in every aspect of their lives.

The Religious Education Program offered at Arbor provides students with the opportunity to gain a profound understanding of the Catholic Faith and its practices while upholding the utmost respect for individual consciences.

The school’s chaplain, affiliated with Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church, conducts Mass twice a week. Additionally, each class in the primary school (from Junior 3 onwards) is scheduled to attend Mass once a month, and students have regular access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

At Arbor, we firmly believe that numerous character strengths are cultivated through participation in sports and physical activities. These include qualities like sportsmanship, self-confidence, self-discipline, and the ability to collaborate effectively as a team.

Our approach to sports is guided by five core objectives: promoting participation, fostering skill development, ensuring enjoyment, enhancing understanding of the human body, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

In the Early Years, our primary focus during physical education lessons is to nurture fine motor skills, agility, balance, coordination, and self-assurance through a variety of activities. Starting from Year 1, students are introduced to both individual and team-based activities and begin to grasp the rules of play.

Physical education serves as a valuable source of cognitive content and instruction designed to nurture motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors related to physical activity and fitness. This equips students with the competence and confidence to maintain an active lifestyle throughout their lives. In essence, physical education empowers students to develop a wide array of life skills, fostering a culture of health and activity within the school community.

We actively encourage all children to participate in our sports clubs, offering a diverse range of extra-curricular options that are consistently popular. These include gymnastics, table tennis, tennis, and football.