| TIMETABLES |
| Pre-School (ages 2-3) - either morning or afternoon shift |
| 4 years old and Kinder (5 years old) -morning and afternoon shifts |
| Primary School -(ages 6 to 11) - morning shift: English /afternoon shift: Spanish |
LESTER HOUSE Primary School
is a bilingual (Spanish-English) private institution accredited by the
Uruguayan Ministry of Education (Hab. No. 158).
The English language is of primary importance in the school’s academic
programs. At the end of Primary level all students are expected to acquire
a fluent command of English in both oral and written communication in
any setting or situation.
The academic aim of the English language is to bring each student to the
highest point of his/her potential. English – as a subject –
is connected with the Spanish Official Syllabus and designed to give as
wide a range of topics as possible, related to the realities of the outside
world. Some aspects of history, geography or sciences that students are
supposed to learn in Spanish, are taught and assessed through English.
Skills and concepts are integrated throughout the curriculum using a variety
of methods and technologies. Many concepts and skills are reinforced and
expanded from one grade level to the next.
At the end of 2nd, 4th and 6th Grades students are prepared to take an
international examination corrected at the University of Cambridge, England.
(Young Learners Examinations, KET and PET). Candidates get special tuition
for the necessary entry-requirements.
The study of the English language and the variety of subjects studied
through English provide students with an integral education which stimulates
and integrates intellectual and emotional growth.
Computing Classes – it is a structured course based on the English
and Spanish Syllabi focus on practical development of computing techniques.
Art and Music classes are also available on the School curriculum.
Scottish Dance is a curricular activity for girls in 1st and 2nd grades.
Instructional Approach
Teachers use a variety of approaches to teaching and learning in order
to meet the wide range of student needs within a classroom.
The subject areas are integrated so that the students see the relationship
among the subjects. Emphasis is placed on applying knowledge and skills
learned to real world problems.
Homework
Homework may be assigned throughout the week to reinforce classroom instruction
or finish classroom work. When homework is assigned, it would take about
30-45 minutes to complete. If you have any questions or find your child
struggling with the work, please contact the teacher.
Grading
Grades are based on daily work, test scores and special projects. Report
cards are issued every three months. Parents are informed – between
grading periods – if students are in danger of failing a period
or when their performance is below teacher’s expectations.
Apart from English and Spanish, the curriculum areas of Information Technology,
Art, Music and Physical Education are also evaluated.
Family/School Connection
School and teachers welcome parents’ visits and phone calls. Parents
are encouraged to make the most of all opportunities to be involved in
their child’s educational experience.
We use Internet for reinforcement of concepts already
learned in the classroom, for practical application of theoretical principles
and for selecting and summarizing a wide range of information.
We also use ELECTRONIC MAIL as an immediate way of communicating with
other children all over the world. Pupils can search for classroom partners
for E-mail exchanges.
Pupils are taught to think carefully about the content and quality when
communicating information to children abroad. The English Department restricts
children’s access to computing room and to particular websites.
The English and Spanish Departments have a Reading Project to encourage children to read a great variety of topics and styles. We are subscribed to www.readinga-z.com offering a wide range of graded titles (in English and Spanish) for children aged 5 to 12.
Give Your Child Every
Opportunity to Enjoy and Learn From Books – either printed or digital:
• read books to them
• tell them stories and rhymes
• help them to tell their own stories
• let them pretend to read their favourite stories
• encourage them to guess “What is going to happen next?”
Children need a regular intake of energy and other nutrients to keep going and stay healthy. As well as providing fuel for the body, energy is important to help them concentrate in the classroom. Studies show that children perform less well at school in a variety of tasks, when energy levels are low.
From 8:30 to 8:45 –Monday through Friday - Primary children share news in English with whatever they have for breakfast: fruit, crisps, cereal, crackers with cheese, chocolate, biscuits, yogurt, milk, fruit juice, vegetable sticks, toast, scones or a sandwich. Those who have breakfast at home also enjoy this time to share in group.
Snacks can be bought at the School Canteen or brought from home to be consumed at mid-afternoon break time.
Children are encouraged to bring a drink of water to be consumed throughout the day. Sweets are not encouraged in school. In other words healthy snacks please.
For Lunch, Primary School children have a choice of:
1. School meal
2. Packed lunch
3. Home to lunch
At the School Canteen great care is taken to ensure that the meals provide a well balanced and nutritious diet for growing children, bearing in mind present opinions as to the value of lower fat, lower sugar and higher fibre diets. A monthly menu is sent out in advance and parents and children are asked to book their meals the day before or earlier.
Children who bring packed lunches or buy school meals eat together in the Dining Hall under teachers’ supervision.
Children are able to bring their own drink to have with their meal (water is always available) but we do not permit carbonated drinks (Cola type).
Shoes – black in a style suitable for school wear. Please ensure that these are practical and can be put on and off without adult assistance. Boots, open-toed sandals, high heels and “fashion” shoes are not appropriate.
Please mark ALL items of clothing
and footwear with your child’s name. If you fail to do this, it
is very difficult to trace lost articles. Any items of clothing that we
are not able to return to the rightful owner will be placed in lost property.
Lost property boxes are situated on the First floor
Class Educational Visits, occurring during school time, are organised to places of interest associated with their topic work. Parents are always notified of such visits well in advance and charged for travel, entrance fees, specially-hired services, etc.
We
offer our children extra curricular activities after school having special
fees. Activities on offer include:
*Art
*Chess
*Swimming
*Modern Dance
* Drama
Many of our children
live at a considerable distance from school and therefore parents might
like to consider hiring transport to and from school. It is the parents’
responsibility to make arrangements for and meet the costs of travel between
home and school.
School transportation information is available on request.
