At SMIS-English, we believe children learn best when they are happy, active, challenged, and supported. Our programme provides a clear learning journey from Pre-K through Year 6, helping children build strong English foundations while developing the confidence to use English naturally across a wide range of activities.

English learning goes far beyond the textbook. Alongside our Oxford Phonics World and Oxford Discover curriculum, children take part in a varied programme that includes two dedicated literacy classes, reading activities, STEM, PE, practical activities, and daily library time. These different learning experiences give children regular opportunities to listen, speak, read, write, problem-solve, and communicate in English throughout the school day.

Our curriculum is designed to provide continuous progression from one year to the next. Children normally move automatically into the next programme level, allowing their learning to develop naturally and consistently over time. Teachers closely monitor each child’s progress so that students who are working above or below the expected level can be identified early. We can then provide the appropriate challenge, reinforcement, and individual support to help every child work towards their full potential.

As students progress, CEFR and EIKEN benchmarks provide families with a helpful way to understand their developing English ability. By Year 6, many of our students are working around Oxford Discover Level 4 and achieving approximately EIKEN Pre-2, with some progressing to EIKEN Grade 2.

Parents are an important part of this journey. Regular attendance, home learning, reading, encouragement, and opportunities to use English outside the classroom can make a significant difference to a child’s confidence and long-term progress. By working together, we can help children develop not only stronger English skills, but also curiosity, independence, and a genuine enjoyment of learning.

Growing, Working, Learning English Together.
Creating the English learners of tomorrow, one student at a time.

The core of any English programme is its Literacy classes and all ages of students have two Literacy classes that use the Oxford Discover ® Textbook series to introduce students to new grammar and vocabulary, as well as teach reading, writing and communication skills through a range of interesting topics.  The textbook offers a map that allows Saturday School teachers to highlight important parts of the text and use outside resources including short videos, readings and writing activities to increase students’ understanding of the topic and skills the unit teaches.

Reading is a key to learning English and all Saturday Students check out two age and level appropriate books from the St. Michael’s International School library to read at home every Saturday. This gives students thousands of books to choose from and learn the joy of reading from a young age. Students also do a variety of reading and writing activities in class during Library time to increase their skills in these vital areas of English education.

Developing an early interest in science and technology helps children build curiosity, confidence, and important thinking skills. Exploring these subjects in English not only strengthens their language abilities but also opens the door to new ideas and future learning opportunities.
At SMIS-English Saturday School, students in second to sixth grade learn key STEM concepts through engaging, hands-on activities in English. This approach encourages them to experiment, ask questions, solve problems, and discover how the world works—all while naturally developing their English skills.

Reading is fundamental to increasing vocabulary, enhancing grammar and learning pronunciation. To gain these critical skills, four to six year old Saturday School students have a Reading and Activities class where the teacher reads to students and engages students in imaginative, creative hands-on activities that introduces students to the joy of books and opens the world of reading to students.

The importance of academic English literacy skills cannot be overstated. However, when students have the opportunity to use those skills in non-academic situations they gain a better understanding of how to use these skills in practical, useful situations. The Saturday School Physical Education and Projects classes provide students with the opportunity to use their imagination and creativity in English while collaborating and cooperating with each other and learning important communication skills to follow instructions, give information and work together to accomplish a goal in English. English through movement and English through art help students learn, grow and explore new ideas in an enjoyable, collaborative and educationally appropriate environment.

Our timetable combines core English instruction with a broad range of subjects that give children meaningful opportunities to learn, practice, and use English throughout the day. From literacy and literature to science, sports, creative activities, and library time, each subject has a clear learning purpose. Building confident communicators while developing creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, independence, and a lifelong enjoyment of learning.