Curriculum Framework at Sancta Maria International School

Curriculum Framework

Our curriculum is designed to support meaningful learning from the Early Years through to Grade 8 in the school’s first phase, with a planned progression to Grade 12 in subsequent years. It is guided by international best practice and shaped by a strong emphasis on inquiry, conceptual understanding, and the development of knowledge, skills, and character.

Early Years

Early Years

In the Early Years (EY1–EY3), learning is play-based, experiential, and rooted in curiosity. Children learn through exploration, relationships, and hands-on experiences that support early language, numeracy, physical development, and social-emotional growth. This stage lays strong foundations for confident learners who are eager to discover the world around them.

Primary Years

In the Primary Years (Grades 1–5), learning is inquiry-led, with subject areas including language, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, and physical education thoughtfully woven together. Learning is organised around broad, transdisciplinary themes that explore questions of identity, culture, systems, creativity, and our shared responsibility for the planet. Alongside this integrated approach, students have dedicated lessons in literacy and mathematics. Learning is framed around big ideas and real-world contexts, strengthening foundational skills while developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Primary Years
Middle Years

Middle Years

In the Middle Years (Grades 6–10), learning deepens in rigour, relevance, and independence. Students engage with subject groups such as language and literature, language acquisition, sciences, mathematics, individuals and societies, design, the arts, and physical and health education. Teaching at this stage encourages critical thinking, research, reflection, and real-world application, supporting learners to develop independence, responsibility, and a growing sense of purpose. While Grades 6–8 focus on building strong conceptual understanding, learning skills, and learner agency, Grades 9-10 mark a purposeful transition into greater academic specialisation and readiness for culminating assessments, ensuring students are confident and well prepared for their Senior Years.

Senior Years

The Senior Years (Grades 11–12) build on the strong foundations of the Middle Years, with students pursuing advanced pathways that encourage intellectual challenge, independent inquiry, and personal responsibility. Learning at this stage is characterised by greater choice and specialisation, supported by expert guidance and high expectations. Students engage in reflective learning and purposeful experiences beyond the classroom, developing balance, empathy, and a commitment to service. Through rigorous academic study, reflective practice, and culminating assessments, students graduate as confident, principled young adults-ready to succeed in higher education and to contribute meaningfully to the world beyond school.

Senior Years

Across all stages, our curriculum is aligned with the principles and structure of the International Baccalaureate curriculum framework. This ensures a coherent, connected learning journey that nurtures inquiry, global perspectives, and learner agency, preparing students with the confidence and skills needed beyond school. Sancta Maria Aerocity will open with classes from Early Years 1 (EY1) to Grade 8 in its first academic year.