Lower Primary children in class learning german

Lower Primary Curriculum

ELA Basel Primary School follows the UK National Curriculum, which is adapted to incorporate our international character and Swiss setting.

Our primary school starts when the children transition from our Early Years pre-school at our Gartenstrasse site. The Reception class completes the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and then the following year Year 1 starts the UK national curriculum. 

Our class teachers plan and prepare the curriculum and are supported by teaching assistants. We offer a high adult to student ratio which enables us to offer personalised teaching, encouragement and support in an optimum environment. The curriculum is primarily taught in English and is planned to ensure that it is engaging, challenging and inspiring, so that children develop into motivated lifelong learners. Our children represent a wide variety of nationalities, which gives us a truly international perspective; our curriculum is enhanced by their richness of expertise and experience. Children are encouraged to be confident, independent learners who both benefit from and contribute to their class, school and wider community.

Students working on a tablet at a lower primary school in Basel

The following subject areas are covered in the curriculum:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • German
  • French
  • Geography
  • History
  • Music
  • Computing
  • Personal Social Health Education
  • Religious Studies
  • Design and Technology
  • Art and Design
  • Physical Education (including weekly swimming lessons)