AAN Private Pre-School / Kindergarten Ghana
I am delighted to extend a warm greeting to all parents seeking an enriching educational journey for their children. At our esteemed Pre-School, we pride ourselves on delivering the standards set from the English National Curriculum for Early Years education . Here at The American International School Accra, we foster an environment where young minds flourish, embracing a holistic approach that combines academic excellence with creativity and character development. Our dedicated team is committed to providing a nurturing atmosphere that encourages curiousity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. We understand the significance of early education in shaping a child ’s future. Our curriculum is tailored to instil a solid foundation, empowering each child to thrive academically and socially. We invite you to explore our vibrant community, witness our commitment to educational excellence, and join us in crafting a remarkable educational journey for your child.
Warm regards,
Senior Teacher Pre-School : Maria Kamberi
While At School
LEARN & PLAY
Free Play
Child-initiated play is sometimes called ‘free play’. We encourage this type of play by making it easy for children to help themselves to
resources or ‘self-serve.’ What children choose to do during child-initiated play varies according to their age and stage of development, and also according to what is available.
Benefits of child-initiated play
There are many advantages to child-initiated play. Children’s emotional development is particularly supported because children are able to make their own choices. They also gain independence skills as they can help themselves to resources. This type of play helps children to be creative as they have to develop their own ideas of how to play.
Social skills .
By playing independently of adults, children have the chance to practise their social skills and most children from 3 years or so are able to work things out themselves. Learning to take turns and cooperate helps children’s social skills.
This is the type of play where the adult plans, organises and shows or tells the children what they need to do.
Benefits of adult-led play
There are many reasons why our preschool provides adult-led play.
- Allows higher-risk activities . Adult led play allows children to carry out activities that otherwise they would not be able to manage by themselves. A good example of this would be some types of art and crafts where equipment such as scissors would not be safe for children to use alone. In these types of activities adults also will teach children how to use the equipment.
- Enables children to learn new skills and concepts . Adult-led play is also used so that children can learn specific skills and concepts. A good example of this is playing a board game. By playing a board game with an adult, a child might start to recognise numbers on the dice and start to count. Drama and P.E also helps to build confidence, skills, and develops creativity, concentration, empathy, and teamwork.
- Helps language development . Adult led play also helps children’s language development. Adult led activities with the older children can also lead to discussions.
Stimulating activities
Our Pre-School caters for indoor play with zoned areas for specific types of activity. This provides children with access to a variety of stimulating activities.
The indoor environment provides a safe, secure yet interesting space for children.
Indoor play encourages creativity, problem solving and critical thinking. Children are more likely to use their creativity and critical thinking when engaging in certain activities indoors. Indoor activities encourage children to be creative, thoughtful, and imaginative, developing their cognitive skills and interaction with each other.
Develop self-confidence, independence, self-esteem, and endurance
Our Pre-School caters for outdoor play with zoned areas for specific types of activity. This provides children with access to a variety of stimulating activities in a larger area.
Benefits of Outdoor Play
Playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence, self-esteem, and endurance. They also become aware of limits, boundaries, and challenge in their play. When children play outdoors, they are more likely to try new activities.
Improved health &fitness. Outdoor areas provide greater space for children to run around and explore. Outdoor play has clear physical benefits for developing children, including helping children to acquire gross motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
Pre-School Curriculum
Quality education Starts with us
Our premises offer well-equipped and stimulating classrooms, with free-flow outdoor play in our secure garden area.
At the American International School Accra, our chosen curriculum for the Pre-School follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) National Curriculum for England. The English language is our main medium for teaching; with an emphasis on learning through play during activities and lessons.
What is the English National Curriculum?
The English National Curriculum is a structure that schools use to ensure that teaching and learning are balanced and consistent.
It defines:
- the subjects taught
- the knowledge, skills and understanding required in each subject
- the level of ability students is expected to achieve in each subject
- the way student progress is assessed and reported.
Within this structure, we are free to plan and organise teaching and learning in the way that best meets the needs of our children.
The Benefits of The English National Curriculum
The English National Curriculum is used by the vast majority of schools in England and by thousands of British speaking curriculum schools all over the world (approximately over 30,000 schools). It was first launched in 1988 and has been developing consistently since then, making it a very well-established and recognised curriculum.
It is often characterised by the terms ‘broad and balanced’ as, up to the age of fourteen, students study the full breadth of subjects that are needed to help them develop into well-rounded citizens of the future. The curriculum focuses on delivering exceptionally high academic standards whilst at the same time being truly ‘21st century’, ensuring that students also develop the wider life skills that are so crucial for applications to top universities and life in the future.
What is unique about the curriculum?
The huge strength of the English National Curriculum is that it is highly structured, from the Early Years (EYFS Pre-School) to age 14, with progress measures throughout this time, so that teachers and parents know exactly how well a student is achieving. Students’ progress is benchmarked against the expectations from the curriculum.
The other huge advantage of the English National Curriculum is that it is highly adaptable to the international school setting. At the American International School Accra School in Cyprus, we offer unique enhanced learning experiences whilst still delivering the full requirements of the English National Curriculum.
QUESTION: Will my child be given the opportunity to learn the Greek language?
ANSWER: Yes, your child will have opportunities to learn the Greek language.
QUESTION: Does my child need to be toilet trained?
ANSWER: Yes, more information is available with the school admissions department.
QUESTION: Do you offer after school activities/enrichment activities?
ANSWER: Yes, activities are offered within the Pre-School extended day, and more information can be found with the school admissions department.
QUESTION: What are your hours of operation?
ANSWER:
The school gates open at 7.15-7.45 Monday to Friday and 1.30-2.00p.m. Monday to Friday.
Our Pre-School programme starts at 7.30 and finishes at 1.30 p.m. Extended day activities start at 2.00 p.m.
For our Pre-Schoolers attending extended day, lunch is 1.30-2.00 p.m. Parents and guardians can order a lunch for their child/ren from the school canteen, or your child/ren can bring in food from the home.
QUESTION: Does your Pre-School deliver a structured curriculum so my child will be ready for the next level of education?
ANSWER: The American International School Accra prepares children for the next part of their academic journey by igniting children’s minds. We follow the English curriculum Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for students in nursery classes and reception classes.
School Services
Our enriching afternoon activities are within the extended day services. The activities are a perfect blend of fun and learning. From imaginative crafts to interactive games, we ensure a nurturing environment, allowing your child to thrive socially and creatively.
Extended Day Programme
The Extended Day Programme is a supervision service for your child, beyond the regular school hours. Through activities and interaction, they will foster friendships with other students beyond their own classmates.
More information about the extended day programme can be requested via admissions admissions@aan.ac.cy