Lower School

OUR PROGRAM

Welcome to Lower School,

Grades I to III

Rato Bangala School incorporates class I to class III under the Lower School.

OVERVIEWS

The curriculum in Lower School (Grades I-III) focuses on the development level of the children and nurtures their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Two teachers in charge of each class in Lower School oversee the growth and development of the whole child as they lead the teaching of Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Digital Literacy, Character Education, Performing Arts, and Library Studies. They are supported by specialist teachers in Computer Studies and ICT Starters, Nepali Language, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Music, Gymnastics, and Martial Arts.

The classroom lessons and field trips are planned carefully to optimize learning in all areas and to ensure that students acquire the skills of inquiry, observation, and experimentation. Teachers balance individual and group activities. Teaching at Rato Bangala is integrated: skills learned in one subject area are reinforced through application in other areas. Interactive, hands-on learning is characteristic of the Rato Bangala method.

CURRICULUM

Activities that Rato Bangala prompts

1. Social Studies as the Core Curriculum

In Lower School, the Social Studies focuses on the study of the community beginning with the immediate surroundings. The study of the community helps children make sense of the world they live in. Through meetings, field trips, research, and interviews, students explore the neighborhood of the school and learn about the jobs of different people in the community. By engaging in the city project, students gain a deeper understanding of how various aspects of city life, such as infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, economy, and environment influence each other. They understand how they are interconnected and will understand what it means to be interdependent. Project-based learning and long-term studies enrich the learning experience.

2. Language Arts in Nepali and English

The emphasis in Lower School is on developing good reading habits and a love for literature in Nepali and English. Through read-aloud, individual reading, and independent and guided reading, the younger children get exposed to the best of children’s literature, and they quickly transform from learning to reading to writing. Writers' workshops are an intrinsic part of the literacy program. Exploration of reading and writing in different genres opens up opportunities for gaining skills in writing. Learning to recite different Chhanda in Nepali is a skill that every child at Rato Bangala gains in the Nepali class.

3. Mathematics

Mathematics is taught through the use of manipulative, games, and problem-solving with materials. Using hands-on methods, whole class discussions, group work, partner work, independent work, and games help them to understand the concepts and get ready for procedural understanding. Practical work helps them understand the use of Mathematics in their daily lives.

4. Science and STEM education

Science in Rato Bangala is based on the hands-on approach to experimentation and observation and focuses on the method of inquiry. They learn how Science can be used to make sense of what is happening, what will happen, and why it happens. The children are given the opportunity to “do what scientists do.” They work with their hands to create and innovate in and outside the classroom as well as in dedicated maker spaces like the STEAM Lab, the pottery room, and the wood workshop. Robotics is a key component of the maker space curriculum.

5. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Te ICT curriculum in Lower School seeks to foster an interest in, enjoyment of, and confidence in the use of computing. Students are encouraged to use Technology as a tool for learning. They learn how digital systems work and develop as responsible, competent, confident, and creative users of information and communication technology.

Extra Curriculum

Rato Bangala School always encourages students to stand out in every sectors.

Drama and Dance

Dramatic activity is a natural part of most children’s lives enabling them to make sense of their own identity by exploring meaningful fictional situations that have parallels in the real world. This skill is utilized skillfully at school through structured play and drama in which the students participate interactively across the curriculum.

Physical Education

Children are exposed to a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance, and coordination, individually and with others. They enjoy physical activities from running, jumping catching to playing competitive sports, students develop flexibility, strength, technique, control, and balance through athletics, gymnastics, martial arts, and a range of movement patterns.

3Di

3DI (Three Dimensional Imagination) sessions at Rato Bangala School enhance each student’s digital potential with the combination of Ed-Tech tools, Immersive and Digital Technologies. With the usage of visually engaging and interactive platforms, 3DI allows students to not only expand their computer science knowledge but also to reinforce and reinterpret classroom learning.

Music

The music program strives to cultivate an appreciation and love for music through participation in enjoyable experiences collaborating with peers in singing and playing musical instruments. They gain familiarity with scale, strengthen their understanding of the connection between musical pitches and become more independent note readers as they experience the joy in music.

Character Education and Social Emotional Learning

Character education is taken into consideration when every unit of the curriculum is planned across the subject areas because we believe that character development is the most important component of learning. Social-emotional learning is an important focus area.

Martial Arts

Taekwondo teaches students to embody discipline and perseverance. This sport sharpens one’s focus while also enhancing strength. Increased balance also leads students to progress with more mobility and confidence.

Visual Arts

A dynamic art department enables the children to explore a wide variety of art mediums. The integration of art into social studies, language arts, math, and science helps children make personal connections to their studies and continues to deepen their learning.