The Curriculum
Developing a lifelong love of learning
Small classes and a flexible approach to learning and teaching ensures that individual needs and different learning styles are catered for, so as to bring out the potential in all our students.
English
We place a strong emphasis on the importance of literacy development and recognise that a child’s language acquisition reflects their learning outcomes.
The children are introduced to new ideas and concepts through listening and reading and they are encouraged to express their understanding and recount their experiences through speaking and writing. The children are introduced to reading through a phonetic programme. We have a comprehensive range of graded pre-reading and early reading materials and text books.
Each child works through an individualised reading programme and benefits greatly from daily tuition with our dedicated literacy support teacher.
Mathematics
Our teaching aims to develop fluency, reasoning, problem solving and a love of mathematics. We strive to give each of our students the opportunity to deepen their mathematical understanding, in order to make connections and reason. Children are enabled to progress at a pace that is appropriate to them, allowing for deeper understanding and fluency.
Our vast range of manipulative materials helps support the acquisition and understanding of mathematical concepts and processes. We are committed to ensuring that children enjoy Maths, are able to recognise its importance in the wider world and that they are also able to use their mathematical skills and knowledge confidently in their lives in a range of different contexts.
Gaeilge
In Ardtona House School we strive to foster a positive learning experience of both the Irish language and culture. We encourage the early acquisition of the language through songs, poetry, drama, dialogue and storytelling.
The Irish curriculum is part of the new Primary Language Curriculum and just like the English curriculum, it has 3 strands: Oral Language, Reading and Writing. It is taught across ten themes, such as mé féin, caitheamh aimsire etc.
We use the Abair Liom Irish Primary Language Programme which provides an engaging approach to teaching Irish through print, digital and hands on resources, offering a rich learning experience.
Social, Environmental & Scientific Education (SESE)
We strive to develop confident, independent thinkers for the learning that lies ahead.
SESE consists of three distinctive, yet closely related subjects: Science, History and Geography. The SESE curriculum is further enhanced through the use of Montessori materials, which contributes to the development of the child’s awareness and appreciation of the human, natural, social, cultural and historical dimensions of life.
We have a strong commitment to making SESE meaningful and bringing it to life for the child, by engaging them in purposeful activities in the classroom and broad exploration of both our garden and local environment.
History
We use a broad range of classroom approaches and methodologies to arouse enthusiasm and curiosity about the past. The History curriculum enables children to explore and critically examine significant events in their own immediate past, the past of their families, communities and the communities of the wider world.
Geography
The geography curriculum encompasses the study of the earth, its inhabitants and the interrelationships between them. The children are encouraged to explore themes of place, space and environment through the use of attractive and stimulating materials. The curriculum helps foster a sense of identity, community and respect for people and cultures locally and globally.
Science
Through the exploration and study of living and non-living things, the children are encouraged to develop a keen interest in and curiosity about the world they live in. They are taught the skills of observation, questioning, analysis and evaluation in order to develop and apply constructive thinking in scientific investigation.
Arts Education, Music and Drama
We place great emphasis on the importance of art in the child’s development.
Ardtona House School’s walls and noticeboards are a canvas to display the ever-changing visual arts masterpieces created by our students. Children are introduced to a wide range of skills and materials, enabling them to have an enjoyable and purposeful experience of different art media and to have opportunities to explore, experiment, design, invent, imagine and communicate.
Art is integrated into all aspects of the curriculum and we aim to foster an appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts and provide opportunities for the children to explore how the work of artists relates to their own work.
‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.’
Pablo Picasso
Music
Music is an integral part of our daily schedule and all our classes are afforded the opportunity to explore and develop a love of music. Our school is constantly filled with the sound of music through singing and music appreciation. Our Christmas plays and end of year performances offer students the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of performing to an audience.
Our junior school children enjoy weekly music foundation classes with our specialist music teacher. Individual recorder, violin and ukulele lessons are also offered during school.
Drama
Drama offers an opportunity to give children the tools to express themselves and explore their imagination and emotions. Like music, drama is also integrated into many aspects of the curriculum and our school plays and performances are always an enjoyable experience for both children and adults alike!
A specialist drama teacher takes all classes on a weekly basis and junior school children are given the opportunity to take part in speech and drama examinations.
Physical Education
We are very fortunate to have a fantastic garden in Ardtona House School, complete with a forest, tree house, jungle gym, climbing wall and trapeze swings. Our outdoor space offers the children great scope to enhance both their physical and social development. We also have a wide range of equipment available to facilitate the implementation of the P.E. programme as outlined in the Primary School Curriculum. Our Montessori to Senior Infant classes participate in weekly Stretch and Grow classes, which help develop fundamental motor skills such as flexibility, balance and coordination. Our 1st/2nd class students enjoy weekly P.E. classes with a skilled P.E. instructor and partake in a variety of sporting activities such as football, GAA, games, obstacle courses etc.
Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE)
Mindful Matters is a complete SPHE programme that combines all components of the SPHE curriculum where the emphasis is on drawing out the children’s thoughts and opinions. Through our SPHE programme, we promote both the intrapersonal and interpersonal development of each child. Our children are helped to recognise, understand and accept themselves and others as unique individuals who are valued and loved. We cultivate a nurturing environment, which facilitates the children’s development of a strong sense of self-worth and self-confidence. We seek to foster mental health wellbeing by way of brain breaks, yoga, mindfulness etc.
Religious Education
Religious education is introduced through the Grow In Love programme. A strong emphasis is placed on the moral well-being of our students and the importance of kindness and personal responsibility.
We warmly welcome children of all faith traditions and none, as we promote in our school community, and beyond, relationships based on respect, honesty, kindness, compassion, and justice.
Students can also receive sacramental preparation for First Penance and First Holy Communion.
Get in Touch
Our friendly school team is ready to give you a warm welcome. For information on places in any class from Montessori to 2nd Class, please do not hesitate to contact us and arrange a visit.
Contact us
Ardtona House School
Lower Churchtown Road,
Dublin 14 | Eircode: D14 DR40
Nearest Luas Stop:
Windy Arbour
Dundrum
Email: vheavey@ardtonahouseschool.ie
Tel: (01) 298 1192