Curriculum Overview

At UWP Thao Dien, our curriculum is a careful blend of global pedagogies and deep respect for local educational benchmarks. Our curriculum emphasizes:

Language Proficiency: Prioritizing English immersion with dedicated daily lessons in Vietnamese.
Academic Foundation: Comprehensive focus on core subjects like mathematics, literacy, and phonics.
Units of Inquiry: Our themes are framed as Units of Inquiry, enabling explorative and in-depth understanding of topics.
Holistic Growth: We emphasize the whole-child approach, integrating lessons in music, physical movement, art, and craft to cater to diverse learning needs and interests.
Engaging Learning: Our lessons are thoughtfully prepared to convey abstract concepts in engaging, relatable, and fun ways, promoting critical thinking and retention.
Health and Well-being: An intrinsic part of our program, ensuring physical, emotional, and mental development of our students.

Our standards align with Singapore’s MOE and Vietnam’s MOET.

Singapore’s Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework

The NEL framework is renowned for its emphasis on a holistic approach to early childhood education. It aims to instill a lifelong love for learning and nurture every aspect of a child’s development:

Holistic Development: The NEL stresses the importance of nurturing the whole child, encompassing physical, cognitive, aesthetic, social, and emotional domains.
Active Learning: The framework prioritizes experiential learning, fostering environments where children can ask, explore, and discover.
Character and Values: Central to the NEL approach is the inculcation of core values and character development from the early years, preparing children to be not just competent learners but responsible and caring individuals.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) Framework

The MOET framework brings a localized perspective, ensuring our curriculum addresses the cultural, social, and linguistic needs of children in Vietnam:

Local Relevance: It emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing Vietnam’s rich history, culture, and traditions.
Bilingual Proficiency: Recognizing the importance of multilingualism in today’s globalized world, the MOET framework ensures students gain proficiency in both the Vietnamese language and an international language. At UWP, the main language of instruction is English with daily Vietnamese language classes.
Moral and Civic Education: The MOET places a strong emphasis on building moral values and a sense of civic responsibility among students, ensuring they grow into informed and responsible citizens.

Unified Aims of The UWP Curriculum

Bringing together the strengths of both the NEL and MOET frameworks, UWP Thao Dien’s curriculum aims to:

Foster Holistic Development: Ensuring every child achieves a balanced and well-rounded growth in all domains of development.
Instill a Love for Learning: Creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and the joy of discovery is celebrated.
Cultivate Global and Local Perspectives: Equipping students with a global outlook while ensuring they remain rooted in and appreciative of local traditions and values.
Build Strong Character: Ensuring that students develop strong moral values, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.
Prepare for Lifelong Learning: Laying a solid foundation that not only readies children for formal education but also instills skills and values essential for continuous growth throughout life.

UWP Thao Dien’s curriculum, anchored in the principles of the NEL and MOET frameworks, ensures that our students embark on an educational journey that is comprehensive, meaningful, and deeply enriching.

During the school day at UWP, students move between specialized learning labs to delve into their core subjects, experiencing a dynamic and immersive educational environment. 

Language & Literacy: At the heart of effective communication and comprehension is our Language & Literacy curriculum. We emphasize building strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Through stories, discussions, and written exercises, students develop a rich vocabulary, grammatical understanding, and the ability to express themselves confidently.

Numeracy: Numeracy equips students with the tools to understand and work with numbers. From basic counting to more complex mathematical operations, UWP students develop critical thinking skills that can be applied in real-life scenarios.

Units of Inquiry: The world around us is filled with wonders. Our Inquiry curriculum encourages children to be curious, ask questions, and discover the world. Students will cover a variety of Units of Inquiry, covering topics in science and more.

Montessori: Our Montessori curriculum spans several learning areas including Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural Studies.

Phonics: To bolster reading and writing skills, our phonics program emphasizes the understanding of sounds. This systematic approach aids students in recognizing sounds in words, blending sounds to form words, and spelling with greater accuracy.

Global Perspectives: Understanding societies, cultures, and our place in the world is crucial. Through our Global Perspective program, students explore basic concepts of history, geography, and societal roles, developing a sense of global awareness and cultural appreciation.

Art and Craft: At UWP, Art and Craft play pivotal roles in honing creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Our students delve into a range of artistic techniques and forms, fostering both their imaginative capacities and their appreciation for the nuances of self-expression.

Physical Education: Physical well-being complements cognitive growth. Our Physical Education program focuses on developing motor skills, coordination, and introducing students to a variety of physical activities. This not only keeps them active but also teaches the importance of teamwork and discipline.

The UWP classroom is more than just a physical space; it’s a nurturing environment where young minds are excited to learn, explore, and grow. Stepping into one of our classrooms, you are immediately met with an atmosphere of joy, curiosity, and engagement.

Teachable Moments: At UWP, we believe that some of the most impactful lessons aren’t always pre-planned—they arise spontaneously from students’ natural curiosity and everyday experiences. Our educators are trained to identify and harness these “teachable moments.” Whether it’s a child’s question about a butterfly or an observation about changing weather, these unplanned opportunities are embraced, fostering a deeper, more organic understanding of the world around them. By capitalizing on these moments, we instill a love for learning that goes beyond the structured curriculum, showing students that every moment can be an avenue for discovery.

Discussions: Every day, our classrooms resonate with thought-provoking discussions that encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and express their views. These dialogues are integral to our teaching methodology, cultivating skills of articulation, listening, and reasoned debate among students.

Collaborative Learning: Learning at UWP is a communal activity. Our students frequently engage in group projects and collective problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, shared learning, and the thrill of joint discoveries.

Inclusive Teaching: At UWP, we celebrate diversity, recognizing that each child brings a unique perspective and set of abilities to the classroom. Our educators are adept at noticing varied needs, ensuring every student feels valued, understood, and empowered.

Continuous Feedback: Feedback is a cornerstone of our teaching approach. Regular interactions and evaluations give educators a comprehensive view of a child’s progress. This ongoing dialogue between teacher and student—whether one-on-one or in groups—ensures clarity, understanding, and the opportunity for continuous improvement.

Technology Integration: While we’re not averse to the benefits of technology, our primary focus remains on tangible, real-world interactions. Any technological tool introduced in the classroom is done so with intention, ensuring it complements the learning process.

Holistic Development: Beyond academics, the UWP classroom is a space for holistic growth. We integrate activities that nurture emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience. Through activities like mindfulness exercises, storytelling sessions, and reflective practices, students learn to navigate both the challenges and joys of life with grace and confidence.

At UWP we put an emphasis on comprehensive feedback and clearly defined developmental goals to track and support each child’s progress.

Clear Learning Outcomes:
Central to our approach is the concept of learning outcomes. These outcomes provide clarity on what students are expected to know and be able to do at different stages of their education. They serve as checkpoints, ensuring that every child is developing the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for their holistic growth.

Developmental Goals:
The developmental goals at UWP often are aligned with both Singapore’s and Vietnam’s frameworks. These goals act as milestones in a child’s learning journey, shedding light on their evolving cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. Our educators utilize these milestones to identify areas where a student might need additional support or where they can be further challenged.

Feedback Mechanism:
Recognizing that growth is a continuous process, our feedback mechanism is integral to our approach. Instead of grading sheets or marks, educators provide constructive feedback that pinpoints areas of strength and areas for improvement. This feedback is detailed, actionable, and constructive, designed to empower students and parents alike with insights to further nurture the learning journey.

Collaboration with Parents:
Parents are our partners in this journey. Regular communication ensures parents are well-informed about their child’s progression, achievements, and any areas of focus. This collaboration ensures that the learning doesn’t just stop at school but is continued and reinforced at home.

UWP’s approach to assessment revolves around the holistic development of each student. By focusing on clear outcomes, developmental goals, and constructive feedback, we ensure that every child is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to flourish.

At UWP Thao Dien, our Units of Inquiry (UOIs) are carefully curated to resonate with young learners’ inherent curiosity, while providing a solid academic foundation. With diverse themes such as the ‘Solar System’, ‘Transportation’, ‘My Family’, ‘Living Things’, and many more, our UOIs offer students the opportunity to explore the world around them in depth.

Objective

To cultivate a sense of wonder, understanding, and connection to the world around them, building foundational knowledge through age-appropriate themes.

Methods

• • Hands-On Activities: While studying transportation, students might create cardboard cars or paper boats, understanding basic concepts of movement. For the space unit, they might craft simple rockets or starry night sky art.
  • Story and Role Play: Themes like ‘My Family’ or ‘Seasons’ could involve children sharing family stories, role-playing different family roles, or enacting what we do in different seasons.
  • Interactive Sessions: Simple, child-friendly experiments might be conducted, like planting a seed during the ‘Living Things’ unit, watching it sprout and understanding the basics of life.
  • Exploration Field Trips: Trips to places like a local farm when discussing ‘Living Things’ or a planetarium for the ‘Space’ unit, allowing children to have meaningful real-world experiences tailored to their age.

Inquiry-Based Learning Approach

Understanding the world of young learners, our UOIs employ an inquiry-based learning approach tailored to their level. This means lessons are centered around child-driven questions, fostering exploration and discovery.

• Example 1: For the ‘Space’ unit, a lesson might begin with a simple question such as, “What do we see in the night sky?” Kids can talk about stars, the moon, and perhaps rockets or astronauts. This can lead to craft activities, stories, or simple observations during nighttime.
• Example 2: In the ‘Transportation’ unit, the guiding question might be: “How do we get to school?” Children can discuss various modes like buses, bicycles, or walking, leading to activities like charting out their own routes on a map, or discussing mathematical concepts like distance, speed, and time.

As students progress from nursery to kindergarten, the depth and complexity of these inquiries gradually increase. For instance, while N2 students might discuss what they see in the night sky, K1 students might delve into why the moon appears at night and the sun during the day.

At every stage, the aim is to make learning tangible, relatable, and enjoyable, ensuring our young learners connect with, understand, and remember the concepts they’re introduced to.

At UWP Thao Dien, we recognize the importance of individualized and hands-on learning, and our Montessori curriculum is at the forefront of this approach. Meticulously designed to integrate with our UOIs and core subjects like language & literacy, numeracy, and phonics, our Montessori curriculum facilitates holistic learning and nurtures the innate curiosity of our students.

Key Montessori Learning Areas at UWP

Practical Life:

• • Objective: Develop coordination, concentration, and independence.
  • Activities: Children partake in everyday tasks like pouring, buttoning, tying, and more. This not only refines their motor skills but also instills a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
  • Integration with UOIs: For instance, during the ‘Living Things’ unit, children might engage in watering plants, connecting their practical life activities with broader thematic learning.

Sensorial:

• • Objective: Sharpen the senses and develop cognitive skills.
  • Activities: Through materials like color tablets, sound boxes, and texture fabrics, children explore and categorize sensory experiences.
  • Relevance to Core Subjects: Such activities lay the groundwork for advanced topics in subjects like numeracy, where sensory learning can help visualize abstract concepts.

Language & Literacy:

• • Objective: Foster language acquisition and enhance communication skills.
  • Activities: Montessori language materials like sandpaper letters and moveable alphabets pave the way for reading, writing, and phonics.
  • Integration with UOIs: As children delve into a UOI like ‘My Family’, they employ their language skills to label family members, pen stories, and articulate their thoughts.

Mathematics:

• • Objective: Develop logical thinking and introduce mathematical concepts.
  • Activities: Materials like bead chains, spindle boxes, and number rods provide hands-on experiences for counting, addition, subtraction, and understanding numerical hierarchies.
  • Application in UOIs: In the ‘Transportation’ unit, children might use Montessori math materials to calculate the number of wheels on various vehicles or the distances traveled.

Culture & Sciences:

• • Objective: Encourage exploration of the world and its diverse cultures.
  • Activities: Through globe studies, puzzle maps, and biology materials, children explore topics like geography, botany, zoology, and more.
  • Integration with Core Subjects: As students study ‘Solar System’ in UOIs, they can use Montessori materials to gain a deeper understanding of Earth’s place in the universe with the use of our solar system related Montessori materials.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Montessori

The beauty of our Montessori approach at UWP lies in its seamless integration with other pedagogies. Lessons in the Montessori environment are not isolated; they intertwine with the UOIs, phonics, numeracy, and language & literacy. This interconnectedness ensures that children view learning not as segmented subjects but as a cohesive, interconnected web of knowledge.

At UWP, our Montessori curriculum isn’t just about the materials or the individual tasks; it’s about cultivating an environment where every child is empowered to explore, discover, and understand the world around them, equipping them with a robust foundation for lifelong learning.

At UWP Thao Dien, our educational fabric is woven with diverse pedagogies, and the Reggio Emilia approach holds a special place within this tapestry. Like our Montessori and UOI frameworks, the Reggio approach is intricately intertwined with our core lessons in language & literacy, numeracy, and phonics, producing a rich, immersive learning environment.

Key Principles of Reggio Emilia at UWP

Child as Protagonist

• • Objective: Recognize and nurture the child’s potential, interests, and capabilities.
  • Activities: Children take charge of their learning, embarking on projects they are genuinely curious about.
  • Connection with UOIs: During the ‘Solar System’ unit, children’s questions about the stars might lead to an explorative discussion about constellations.

Environment as the Third Teacher

• • • Objective: Shape environments that inspire exploration and discovery.
    • Implementation: Classrooms at UWP also double us as Specialized Learning Labs. They are dynamic spaces filled with natural light and adaptable materials, allowing children to learn from and interact with their surroundings.

Project Work

• • Objective: Dive deep into topics through child-led, long-term projects.
  • Activities: Stemming from children’s interests, these projects might range from creating a community garden to crafting a picture book about local birds.
  • Integration with Language & Literacy: As children document their project’s progress, they harness their reading and writing skills, solidifying their grasp on language and literacy.

Role of the Educator

• • Objective: Transition from a traditional teacher to a learning facilitator and co-explorer.
  • Approach: Educators at UWP observe, listen, and provoke thought, gently guiding children through their learning journeys rather than providing direct instructions.
  • Application in Phonics: Instead of conventional phonics drills, educators might explore sounds through nature, like the rustling of leaves or the songs of birds, weaving phonics into an experiential narrative.

Documentation

• • Objective: Capture and reflect on the learning process.
  • Method: Through photographs, recordings, and children’s artworks, the learning journey is chronicled, allowing for reflection, discussion, and further exploration.
  • Relevance to Core Subjects: A documented experiment about floating and sinking in water can serve as a foundation for deeper discussions in science lessons.

Reggio’s Interplay with Other Pedagogies at UWP

Our implementation of the Reggio Emilia approach is not in isolation. It beautifully harmonizes with our Montessori practices, UOIs, and core subjects, ensuring a multi-faceted, holistic education. This layered approach ensures that children at UWP are not just passive receivers but active constructors of their knowledge.

The Reggio Emilia approach at UWP Thao Dien champions the belief that every child is filled with potential and curiosity. Through this philosophy, we cultivate an atmosphere where children’s ideas are valued, their creativity unleashed, and their understanding of the world is deepened in a thoughtful, interconnected manner.