Primary School
Primary School

Primary School

At Aspen Heights British School, Primary students aged 5 to 11 experience the English National Curriculum through real-world projects and collaboration. They grow resilience and clear communication skills every day, growing the confidence to ask questions and share ideas.

Our curriculum

At our Primary School in Abu Dhabi, children learn through the English National Curriculum in a way that is inquiry-led, cross-curricular and personalised.
 
Carefully sequenced, high-challenge learning ensures every child makes visible progress, feels known and supported, and is well prepared for Secondary and beyond.

English

Communicating with confidence

Students grow into confident, creative communicators as they explore stories, information texts and poetry. They practise reading with understanding, writing for different purposes and audiences, and speaking and listening clearly in discussions, presentations and performances.

Step by step, they build rich vocabulary, accurate spelling and grammar so they can express ideas, opinions and imagination with fluency and confidence.

English

Mathematics

Thinking logically, solving problems

Students develop strong number sense and problem-solving confidence as they work with calculation, fractions, shape, measures and data. They learn to spot patterns, explain their thinking and choose efficient strategies when tackling challenges.

Through practical activities, mental maths and real-life examples, they use logical reasoning, test ideas and build the resilience to keep going when a problem feels tricky.

Mathematics

Science

Investigating the world around us

Students become curious investigators as they explore living things, materials and physical processes. They ask questions, make predictions and carry out hands-on experiments to test their ideas.

By observing closely, recording results and drawing conclusions, they learn how science explains the world around them, from plants and animals to forces, light and sound, building skills that prepare them for future scientific study.

Science

Moral, Social and Cultural Studies

Understanding identity, community and the wider world

From Year 2, Aspen Heights British School pupils begin to explore their place in the world with growing confidence and curiosity. Through engaging, student-led learning, they develop an understanding of their rights and responsibilities, while discovering how their choices can positively influence others, their community and the environment.

As they examine society, governance and the economy in age-appropriate ways, students begin to see how history, culture and human experience shape the world around them. They are encouraged to think independently, listen to different perspectives and approach important issues with empathy, respect and an open mind.

Rooted in the rich cultural context of the UAE, this learning helps children build a strong sense of identity, belonging and shared values. In line with Aspen Heights’ nurturing and community-focused approach, pupils grow into thoughtful, respectful young people who are ready to engage confidently with an increasingly interconnected world.

Moral, Social and Cultural Studies

Islamic Studies & Enrichment

Growing in understanding, values and global awareness

In Primary, Aspen Heights British School provides a thoughtful and inclusive programme that supports every child’s personal growth. Muslim pupils study Islamic Education in line with the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum, through engaging and age-appropriate lessons delivered in Arabic for native speakers and English for non-Arabic speakers. This helps children build a meaningful understanding of Islamic values, teachings and traditions in ways that are relevant to their everyday lives.

Through the study of the Qur’an and Hadith, stories from Islamic history, and guided reflection, pupils are encouraged to explore the principles of respect, kindness, responsibility and compassion. Lessons are interactive and discussion-led, supporting children to ask questions, make connections and develop a deeper understanding of faith and character.

During this time, non-Muslim pupils take part in a structured enrichment programme designed to nurture personal development, global awareness and essential life skills. In keeping with Aspen Heights’ child-centred and inquiry-led approach, these sessions help pupils build confidence, think critically and develop respect for different cultures, perspectives and experiences.
Together, these pathways reflect Aspen Heights’ inclusive school community, ensuring that every child grows in understanding, empathy and responsibility as they move through their Primary learning journey.

Islamic Studies & Enrichment

Creative Curriculum

Expressing ideas through creativity 

Students express ideas, feelings and imagination through art, design, drama and design technology projects. They experiment with different materials, techniques and performance styles, learning how to plan, create, adapt and refine their work.

Along the way, they collaborate with classmates, respond to feedback and build pride in their achievements, growing creativity and confidence that support learning across the curriculum.

Creative Curriculum

Computing

Confident, responsible digital learners

Students become safe, responsible digital citizens as they explore technology, coding and online tools. They learn how to use devices for learning, create simple programs, and understand how algorithms work.

Through age-appropriate projects, including the use of AI as a tool for research and creativity, they practise staying safe online, thinking critically about information and using technology to solve problems.

Computing

Music

Finding joy through sound

Students discover the joy of music by singing, playing instruments and listening to styles from different times and cultures. They learn to keep a steady beat, recognise rhythms and melodies, and read simple notation.

Through composing and performing, they develop listening skills, creativity and confidence, as well as the ability to work as part of an ensemble and celebrate shared musical experiences.

Music

Geography

Exploring people, places and our planet

Students explore people, places and environments, from their local area to the wider world. They learn to use maps, globes and simple fieldwork to investigate weather, landscapes, settlements and natural resources.

By asking questions about how and why places change, they begin to understand global issues such as sustainability and the ways humans interact with their surroundings.

Geography

History

Understanding the past, shaping the future

Students travel back in time to discover how people lived, what they believed and how key events have shaped life today. They explore significant individuals, periods and civilisations, using stories, sources and artefacts to build a picture of the past.

Along the way, they develop questioning, critical thinking and the ability to compare different times and viewpoints.

History

Languages (KS2)

Opening doors to new cultures

Students open the door to new cultures as they are introduced to a modern foreign language in Key Stage 2. They learn simple words, phrases and everyday expressions that help them listen, understand and join in short conversations.

Through songs, games and role-play, they build confidence in speaking and begin to recognise patterns in vocabulary and grammar.

Languages (KS2)

Physical Education

Moving, playing, growing stronger

Students build fitness, coordination and a love of movement through a wide range of physical activities and sports. They develop fundamental skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as balance and control.

By working in teams, learning rules and practising fair play, they grow resilience, confidence and positive attitudes towards an active, healthy lifestyle.

Physical Education

Spanish

Developing confident global communicators

From Year 3, Aspen Heights British School pupils are introduced to Spanish through lively, engaging lessons that build confidence from the very beginning. As part of the school’s multilingual approach, students in Years 3 to 6 learn Spanish in ways that feel interactive, accessible and enjoyable, developing key skills in vocabulary, sentence building and everyday communication.

Learning is brought to life through collaborative activities, conversation, listening, reading and writing, helping children grow in confidence as they use the language in meaningful contexts. In keeping with Aspen Heights’ child-centred, inquiry-based approach, lessons are designed to spark curiosity, encourage participation and make language learning feel natural and rewarding.

As their understanding develops, pupils also begin to explore the cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries, broadening their outlook and deepening their appreciation of the world beyond the classroom. This reflects the school’s international community, which welcomes over 62 nationalities, and supports children in becoming open-minded, respectful and globally aware learners.
This early foundation in Spanish prepares students well for the next stage of their language journey, with Spanish continuing into Secondary and later supporting pathways towards internationally recognised qualifications. It is one more way Aspen Heights helps pupils become confident communicators, ready to thrive in an interconnected world.

Spanish

A day in Primary at Aspen Heights British School

In our British Primary school in Abu Dhabi, each day builds on your child’s growing confidence and independence. While routines vary from year to year, this is a snapshot of what happens between lessons in Primary classes.

Core learning pillars

At Aspen Heights British School, Primary students grow through clear learning pillars that strengthen academic foundations, spark curiosity in real-world projects and build the skills they need to communicate, collaborate and lead with confidence.

  • Academic achievement

    Academic achievement

    Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.

  • Life competencies

    Life competencies

    Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.

  • Multilingualism

    Multilingualism

    Foster language skills and build confidence, with support in the students' home or first languages.

  • International opportunities

    International opportunities

    Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.

Primary specialist learning programmes

Century AI adaptive learning Times Table Rockstars Accelerated Reader & MyON The Write Stuff Read Write Inc. Phonics

Century AI adaptive learning

Century AI is an adaptive learning platform used in Upper Key Stage 2 to personalise English, Maths and Science practice. It identifies gaps, sets targeted tasks and gives instant feedback, enabling pupils to revise independently, work at their own pace and take greater ownership of their progress, while helping teachers close learning gaps more effectively.

Times Table Rockstars

Times Table Rock Stars turns times table practice into a fun and motivating challenge, with regular competitions within and across classes. Through frequent, targeted online practice, pupils build speed and accuracy in multiplication - strengthening their mental maths skills, boosting confidence and developing strong fluency in primary mathematics.

Accelerated Reader & MyON

Using the Karen Wilding approach, children encounter maths naturally through hands-on play, daily routines and real-life contexts, alongside short, focused group sessions. They explore number, pattern, shape and problem-solving in meaningful ways, building secure mathematical foundations, confidence and a positive attitude to maths from the very start of their school journey.

The Write Stuff

Read Write Inc. is our structured, systematic phonics programme, delivered in daily, fast-paced sessions carefully matched to each child’s stage of development. Through explicit teaching of sounds, blending and segmenting, children quickly grow in accuracy, fluency and confidence, leading to strong early reading skills and increasingly independent, successful writing.

Read Write Inc. Phonics

Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics is a structured, systematic programme that teaches children to read and write through explicit phonics instruction, developing strong decoding, blending, and segmenting skills. At Aspen, we deliver RWI with daily, focused sessions matched closely to each child’s stage of development through regular assessment and grouping.
 
Our trained staff use consistent routines, language, and resources to ensure high-quality, cohesive teaching across the Early Years and Primary phases. Children have developed confidence, accuracy and fluency in reading and writing, with rapid progress evident in both early reading skills and independent writing outcomes.

Primary specialist learning programmes

Mark  Davies

I love coming to work at Aspen because of the wonderul relationships we have with the children, and with our fellow colleagues. My favourite part of the day is seeing the children light up when they understand something or have an amazing idea. I am so grateful and proud to be a part of their progress.

Mark Davies

Assistant Head Teacher Primary

Salama  Year 3

I love everybody in my school. Its so much fun to learn here. We always do things creatively which makes all the subjects really really fun.

Salama Year 3

Student

Mark  Davies

Assistant Head Teacher Primary

Salama  Year 3

Student

Mark  Davies

Assistant Head Teacher Primary

Salama  Year 3

Student

Our Primary learning spaces

When to enrol?

At Aspen Heights British School, Primary pupils can join us at different points during the school year. Our admissions team will talk through your family’s situation, class availability and your child’s needs, then recommend the most suitable entry point so they can settle quickly and continue their learning journey with confidence.

Enquire now

Discover how Aspen Heights British School nurtures strong academic foundations, life skills and wellbeing – explore our Primary School and book a tour today.

Enquire now

Accreditations