Academic Life

Parents, Teachers
& Students in
Partnership

Arbor Pre-school

Arbor Pre-school caters to children aged 2 to 4. Our school prides itself on offering an intimate learning environment that prioritizes the individual growth of each child.

At Arbor, our curriculum is founded on excellence across various academic fields and incorporates the latest educational methodologies. We have crafted a distinctive curriculum by drawing inspiration from multiple sources, including:

  • The Trinidad & Tobago Syllabus
  • Montessori Philosophy, a renowned child-centered educational approach
  • The Cambridge International Primary Programme and the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority of the U.K.

Our program is designed to provide a comprehensive education by seamlessly integrating knowledge and teaching techniques, treating the learning process as a cohesive whole.

To fulfill our school’s mission and vision, our educators embrace Personalized Education as their guiding educational style. This approach strives to nurture all aspects of a child’s development, encouraging personal engagement and a pursuit of excellence in every student.  

Kindergarten

Kindergarten commences at the age of four and introduces the British Curriculum starting with the Reception level. Within our school, children are immersed in specialized instruction encompassing Physical Development, Art, and Spanish, resulting in a diverse and enriching educational experience. They actively participate in engaging, hands-on activities that deepen their understanding of various subjects and foster connections between different areas of learning.

Our curriculum is meticulously crafted and delivered through captivating narratives, designed to kindle a love for reading. Each day, the children take part in reading sessions where they immerse themselves in stories and engage in discussions, with a primary emphasis on enhancing their word recognition and comprehension skills.

In the realm of Mathematics, we employ the innovative Cambridge approved books, specially tailored to stimulate and nurture the mathematical thinking skills of our young learners. These books use language suitable for the child’s reading level, place mathematical concepts in practical contexts, and provide a wide range of problem-solving exercises.

Integral to our Early Years program is our Character Development initiative, which serves as the cornerstone of all that we do. The virtues instilled in our children equip them with the tools to become joyful, diligent, and compassionate individuals.

Arbor Primary Curriculum Overview

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.

THE Cambridge Advantage

Cambridge qualifications hold prestige, recognized by esteemed universities worldwide, unlocking boundless opportunities for Cambridge learners. With over 160 years of expertise in delivering equitable, valid, and reliable assessments globally, Cambridge sets a recognized performance standard in international education.

Empowering schools to tailor their curriculum, top-tier teaching resources, and adaptable assessments to their local contexts, their comprehensive approach aids Cambridge schools in nurturing each learner’s potential for success and flourishing.

Cambridge learners cultivate not only subject knowledge and conceptual understanding but also a diverse skill set, learning behaviors, and attributes essential for readiness in the global arena, ensuring enduring impacts on their learning journey.

By leveraging trusted baseline and diagnostic assessments alongside our insights and evaluation services, we equip schools with actionable insights derived from data, guiding teaching decisions and enhancing learner outcomes effectively.

We foster a collaborative community by uniting global experts and a diverse network of educators across 160 countries. This collaborative platform supports knowledge exchange, mutual learning, and the sharing of innovative ideas and information among educators worldwide.

House System

At Arbor Preschool and Primary school, the students are all assigned to different team houses at school. This fosters a sense of community – Team houses create smaller communities within the larger school environment, allowing students to develop a stronger sense of belonging and connection. By being part of a smaller group, students may feel more supported and recognized, which can contribute to a positive school experience.

It also promotes healthy competition among students. Inter-house competitions in academics, sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents and skills. This competitive spirit can be a motivating factor for students to actively participate and excel in various aspects of school life.

 Team houses often have their own leadership structures, with students assuming roles such as house captains or representatives. This provides valuable opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. Working together towards common goals fosters a collaborative and supportive environment.

 In the house system, the older students can take on mentorship roles for the younger ones. This peer-to-peer support system allows for the transmission of knowledge, advice, and guidance, creating a supportive atmosphere within the school community and provides a supportive environment for both academic and personal growth.

 In summary, the practice of assigning students to different team houses at school serves as a holistic approach to education. It goes beyond academic achievements, aiming to create a supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment that nurtures students’ personal growth, leadership skills, and a sense of community.

The Houses at Arbor are named after trees and are as follows:

Poui House (Yellow)

Jacaranda (Blue)

Flamboyant (Red)

Samaan (Green)

Extra-Curricular Activities

Step into our school, where the realm of education transcends traditional textbooks. We place immense importance on extracurricular activities, considering them essential components of a comprehensive learning journey.

Beyond the pursuit of academic excellence, these activities play a pivotal role in shaping one’s character, fostering teamwork, and facilitating personal growth. Acknowledging the myriad benefits they offer, we firmly believe that engagement in sports, arts, clubs, and community service not only hones practical skills but also equips students to navigate real-world challenges.

Our commitment to fostering extracurricular involvement reflects a holistic vision of education. We aspire to cultivate individuals who are not only academically proficient but also resilient, confident, and well-prepared for success both within and beyond the confines of the classroom. 

Participating in extracurricular sporting activities, in particular, proves to be an excellent avenue for improving teamwork, leadership, and listening skills. These attributes, in turn, translate into strengthened social skills and enhanced self-confidence.

Here, we highlight the top six benefits of engaging in extracurricular activities and sports:

  • Cultivates Leadership Opportunities
  • Enhances Teamwork Experience
  • Develops Time Management Skills
  • Promotes Networking Skills
  • Fosters Confidence
  • Increases Academic Performance

At Arbor, we have the following activities. Some of these activities are done off campus but most are done at school:

POTTERY, FOOTBALL, TABLE TENNIS, TENNIS, KARATE,  GYMNASTICS, FLAMENCO, BASKETBALL, CHEERLEADING, ART,  PIANO, SWIMMING, GUITAR, GOLF, DRAMA, CHESS, ROBOTICS, 

Our Secondary School

Upon completing Primary school, our students smoothly transition to Secondary school, sidestepping the rigorous local SEA exams. The Primary system focuses on age-appropriate learning and testing, eliminating the pressure of “passing for a good secondary school.”

In our secondary school, Rosewood & Trimont College, we provide a comprehensive and well-rounded education, empowering students to excel not only academically but also in their future pursuits. With a diverse range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Science, students have abundant opportunities for fostering creativity, self-expression, and overall well-being through various learning avenues.

The curriculum is highly adaptable, allowing it to be customized according to our preferred teaching approach. Its flexibility enables the curation of a curriculum that blends different subjects, adjusting the content to align with specific educational context, cultural values, and institutional ethos. 

 

At the end of Secondary school, students sit the Cambridge IGCSE exams. This is a globally acknowledged credential. It offers students outstanding groundwork for Cambridge Advanced and various alternative pathways.

Successful completion of the Cambridge O Level results in internationally accepted qualifications, recognized by prominent universities and employers across the globe.