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Our Curriculum

A 21st-century, inquiry-based curriculum rooted in the National Curriculum for England — and in Malawi.

Our approach

Beyond the National Curriculum

Our foundation is the rigorous English National Curriculum; our vision goes further, embracing the essential pillars of 21st-century learning.

  • Inquiry-based learning — pupils ask probing questions, investigate and construct their own understanding.
  • The 4Cs — critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.
  • STEM throughout — hands-on, project-based learning from the earliest years.
  • AI Studies from Key Stage 2 — using AI creatively and ethically, beyond the statutory curriculum.
  • African context — exploring heritage and regional challenges through design thinking.

SAIPS pupils at work

Toddler · Pre-Nursery · Nursery · Reception

Early Years Foundation Stage

From 14 months, our youngest learners follow the EYFS framework through purposeful play and exploration. Topics such as Me and My Environment and My Senses build personal, social and emotional development, communication and language, early literacy and numeracy, and a sense of wonder about the world.

Forest School gives children regular time outdoors to build resilience, independence and a deep connection with nature.

Early Years at SAIPS

Years 1 – 3 · Key Stage 1 & Year 3

Lower Primary

Children build secure foundations in reading, writing and mathematics while inquiry units connect their learning to real life. In Year 1, for example, a science unit on Everyday Materials links a Forest School hunt testing mud, sticks and leaves with a look at traditional Malawian building materials such as clay and thatch, while geography pupils ask, “How is where we live different from Antarctica?”

Lower Primary at SAIPS

Years 4 – 6 · Key Stage 2

Upper Primary

Learning becomes increasingly project-based and interdisciplinary. Pupils tackle complex problems, use technology fluently and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts. Year 4 pupils reading The Twits design a humane trap using levers and pulleys and visualise it with AI tools; in science they ask how the water cycle can purify water, and build simple solar stills linked to the importance of clean water in Malawi.

Upper Primary at SAIPS

Subjects

Explore our departments

ICT, AI & Robotics →

Weekly coding, robotics and AI studies.

Art & DT →

Creativity, making and design thinking.

Music →

Singing, playing and performing.

PE, Sport & Swimming →

Fitness, teamwork and Swim England.

Assessment →

GL Assessments, CAT4 and DELF.