Harrow International School, Bangkok is a privately owned independent school comprising Early Years, Primary and Secondary schools and is modelled on the traditions of the British public school system. It is one of only two schools in the world carrying the name of the famous Harrow School in London and operates in association with its great namesake.

At Harrow International School we believe that the foundation stage of education makes a positive contribution to children's early development and learning. It is a crucial stage in each child's life. At Harrow, the ‘Early Years’ refers to children in Kindergarten 1, Kindergarten Transition and Kindergarten 2, pupils ranging between 3 and 5 years. An integrated early education is provided, preparing children for Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum. The Early Years curriculum which we follow ensures that children are provided with opportunities to develop in each of the following areas:

Communication Language and Literacy

This area of learning includes communication, speaking and listening in different situations and for different purposes, being read a wide range of books and reading simple texts and writing for a wide variety of purposes. Planned opportunities are provided to allow pupils to develop speaking and listening skills. Play and role play activities are a key element in communicative development. In the early years, the children experience a print rich environment where they see the value of reading and writing. Children are read to on a regular basis and all Kindergarten pupils experience one Library period each week. Pupils' emerging writing is always praised and valued.

Mathematical Development

This area of learning includes counting, sorting, matching, seeking patterns, making connections, recognising relationships and working with numbers, shapes, spaces and measures. Mathematical development and later Numeracy is developed through stories, songs, games and imaginative play. An emphasis is on practical based mathematics activities, to ensure understanding of mathematical concepts.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

Knowledge and Understanding helps pupils to make sense of the world around them. The subject forms the foundation for future learning in Science, Design and Technology, History, Geography and Information Technology. Planned topics encompass learning in each of these main areas. A learning environment is provided that develops the skills of exploration, observation, problem solving, prediction, critical thinking, decision making and discussion. Pupils are encouraged to experiment with sand and water within the context of their play activities. All Kindergarten pupils experience learning in Information Technology twice a week which is guided by a specialist teacher.

Physical Development

Physical Development aims to develop coordination, control, manipulation and movement. It helps pupils gain confidence in what they can do, and enables them to feel the positive benefits of being healthy and active. At Harrow International School, the Physical Education curriculum encompasses learning in swimming, dance, games and gymnastics. Specialist teachers assist with the planning and implementation of the PE curriculum.

Creative Development

This area of learning includes art, music, dance, role play and imaginative play. As classroom teachers, we have a responsibility to provide pupils with the opportunity to be creative. At Harrow, we make it our priority to ensure that a stimulating learning environment is provided in which creativity, originality and expressive arts are valued. In Art, children are provided with the opportunity to experiment with a range of materials to express themselves - the messier the better! Children's Art work is valued which is apparent in the quality of classroom displays in the Kindergarten. In Music, pupils experience a variety of instruments, learn simple songs and match movements to music. A specialist teacher leads the music sessions twice a week. Role play activities are seen as an integral part of classroom life in the early years, providing opportunities for Dramatic activity and Literacy development. The role play area in the classroom is changed each half term.

At Harrow, we believe ultimately that learning should be fun. It is our priority that each and every child in our care is a happy, motivated and therefore a successful learner