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English at Stavraki School

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At Stavraki School, English is taken very seriously; all pupils have daily lessons, starting from pre-kindergarten through to year six. As our pupils progress and move up the educational ladder, each of our three English teachers ensures the best possible language development according to the age and ability of the children for whom they are responsible. Not only do the English teachers speak English during the lessons but also during playtimes, whilst accompanying school excursions and everywhere else in our school environment.
Starting with the Pre- and Kindergarten classes, emphasis is given to oral skills and especially the correct pronunciation of the English language. In addition to basic communication skills, an extensive range of language is covered, and the children are encouraged to participate in role playing and acting out a wide selection of stories. Through fun and games in an almost entirely English-speaking environment, a love of the language and culture is deeply embedded along with an urge to learn more. When a child's first contact with a foreign language is an enjoyable, creative and stimulating experience then he/she will wish to continue the learning process as best he can.

  • Class One:

    In Class One we introduce the written alphabet, following up with reading and writing and of course a higher level of oral and aural fluency and vocabulary. A unique ELT series is imported from the UK, accompanied by an extensive range of additional material both traditional and hi-tech (such as our interactive whiteboard). The fun component to language learning is just as vital as it is at a younger age, and the children are also introduced weekly to the wonders of beginner's English literature; teaching them how to listen to and enjoy the magic in the world of storytelling.

  • Class Two:

    In Class Two the foundations of English grammar are laid, based on the already solid syllabus completed in Class One. Their English Vocabulary is enrichened, and speaking, listening and reading skills are fine-tuned. The children develop their knowledge and understanding using the latest course books at Junior A LEVEL, again using modern means such as the provided software for the interactive whiteboard and carefully selected material on the internet. Of course, this is all supplemented with more traditional materials such as audio CD's, DVD’s, weekly story telling plus the use of a lending library.

  • Class Three:

    In Class Three children move on up the system and a smooth progression towards senior levels is ensured. This class covers skills and language corresponding with the Junior B level. Again, the language and grammar introduced is of a level compatible to the pupils' age and ability, and the children are encouraged to push themselves and to stretch both their imaginations and efforts to advance as much as possible, helping themselves become independent responsible learners. In addition to specifically chosen course books, simple class readers are also integrated into the lesson plans, to start the children on the path towards more advanced and analytical literature study.

  • Class Four:

    In Class Four, having established by now the basis of a structured language, the pupils complete this year having successfully covered the Senior A level, and are ready to move confidently onto a more advanced syllabus. Oral and aural skills are much improved and the level of spoken English as well as grammatical fluency is already at a high standard.

  • Class Five:

    In Class Five our aim is to teach our pupils to "learn how to learn". Step by step they are guided towards becoming independent learners, confident and unafraid to tackle any reading comprehension text or grammar exercise within or even above their level. Their skills are further enriched with emphasis on writing techniques gradually covering its various forms.

  • Class Six:

    The introduction to formal literature in Class 5 with carefully selected graded readers, not only upgrades the pupils' understanding of the language but also cultivates their critical thinking in Class Six. Humanizing teaching of the language is emphasized to ensure that our pupils as individuals learn how to empathize with the people around them but also acquire the skills to communicate their emotions and feelings. By the end of Class Six and Primary School, Senior C level is covered and consolidated. Our pupils are on their way to FCE within the following two years.

Throughout the school, teaching materials are constantly reviewed and renewed to ensure maximum success in English teaching. In addition to English lessons in our school computer lab, all 7 classes are equipped with an interactive whiteboard, which facilitates and enhances the learning experience, covering our pupils' multiple intelligences.

Rhymes and Language Games
Learning English is enriched by language games and songs; our younger pupils, in their first steps of language learning, learn an extensive range of chants, songs and tongue – twisters and take part in oral games to develop their oral and communicative skills. The English language is taught in a manner as close to a mother tongue as possible, so that the pupils feel at ease with the foreign language, thus making improvement an easy process.
Library Time
At our school we are very proud of our abundant English library. In the younger classes, “Library Time” is a regular part of the language learning timetable. The children at first listen to stories read and acted out by the teacher in their weekly “Storytime”. They also begin to choose their own books and spend time looking at and reading their books in the quiet and calming library environment. In the older classes, students are encouraged to borrow books from the lending library. Literature is undoubtedly a vital part of English language learning, since it enables both students as well as teachers to work "beyond" the lesson and encourages pupils to read for pleasure in their free time. The children often present their book of choice to their classmates or carry out projects.
English Drama
Drama is an activity, which definitely functions as an outlet for pupils' inner worlds; they can show us who they really are. By enacting short stories, plays or even poems children can express their personality and have one more reason to love English.
Project Work
Throughout the school year our students work together on various projects, which are then either displayed in class or in the school environment on our School Life Tree. These projects usually involve creative writing, constructions, artistic expression on a book i.e. painting, dioramas, video or animated films creation, scientific exhibitions on a theme and historical research.
Reading Competition
Reading competitions are organized to enhance the students' fluency and stimulate their love of reading. The winners are awarded a book.

Sites of interest