Moscow International English School of Science and Technology: Education

In a world that’s becoming increasingly complex, where success is driven not only by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know, it is more important than ever for our youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information. These are the types of skills that students learn by studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths—subjects collectively known as STEM.

Blended learning
What separates STEM from the traditional science and maths education is the blended learning environment which shows students how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life. It teaches students computational thinking and focuses on the real world applications of problem solving. STEM education begins while students are very young:

  • Early Years Foundation Stage & Primary School — STEM education focuses on the introductory level of science studies, as well as an awareness of the STEM fields and occupations. This initial step provides inquiry-based and real world problem-based learning, connecting all four of the STEM subjects. There is also an emphasis placed on bridging in-school and out-of-school learning opportunities.
  • Middle school — At this stage, the courses become more rigorous and challenging. Students fulfill many projects where they can utilize their knowledge in several STEM fields: constructing buildings and bridges, “launching” rockets, modelling cars and programming robots.
  • High school — The programme of study focuses on the application of the subjects in a challenging and rigorous manner. In-depth studies in Algebra and Geometry, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and IT as well as extra-curricular clubs and preparation for the Universities are now available. More emphasis is placed on independent learning and research.

Our curriculum is linked to the new English National curriculum (2014) standards. You can read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statutory-guidance-schools 

International School: Primary Years

Small sized classes make that we can give our
children the personal attention they need

The ESS curriculum is specifically focused on Science and Maths studies, which is reflected in our advanced subject syllabus, increased number of academic hours and integral learning environment devoted to this area. 
Having said this, we need to point out a number of other core subjects in our Primary Years curriculum: Literacy and Language Arts, History, Geography, Visual Arts and Music & Dance.

Maths

At ESS we utilize the Pearson Maths programme. It offers an integrated approach to Mathematics throughout the school year. Pearson Maths is based on a spiral, where mathematical concepts are introduced and then revisited every term, each time building on and extending knowledge and understanding so that children approach each new challenge from firmly established foundations.

Students’ progress through three stages of understanding: basic, developing and secure. Assessment and evaluation are aligned with these stages. Throughout the year, students are evaluated in five strands including: Number Sense, Operations, Problem Solving, Geometry, Data Management and Measurement.

The Pearson program is filled with innovative & interactive maths solutions for the 21st century learner. Learning how to learn maths, is at the forefront of our teaching philosophy.

To complement the students’ mathematical understanding and application, students develop skills in problem solving and maths fluency daily.

ICT - Computing, information technology and digital citizenship

In order to prepare your child for the technological world we are living in nowadays, ESS teaches Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The computer science curriculum has changed in recent years, with an increased focus on the science of computing — on helping our children have a good understanding of how computers work in this highly digital age. Whether a child grows up to be a programmer or not (and in any case, career choices are a long way off for an eight-year old!), the skills within computing are useful because many of them centre around problem-solving which can be applied in many other contexts. 

The objectives for both Key Stage 1 and 2 fit into three main strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy.

Science:  Exciting and practical

Along with English and Maths, Science is one of the main core subjects in primary school.

It is one of the most exciting and practical subjects and, as a result, is a real joy for the students. Children love the chance to learn through being totally hands-on and finding things out for themselves — the perfect way to understand the world around them. A positive primary science experience is also key to encouraging the students to not only study this at secondary school, but also potentially to follow it as a career.

The ESS follows the 2014 National Curriculum for primary schools in England. Within this, certain topics and areas are repeated across year groups, meaning that children may revisit a particular topic in each year of primary school but with increasing difficulty and with a different focus each time.

For example, the area of animals, including humans is examined in every single year group, with a very clear progression of knowledge and understanding over the six years:
In Year 1 this involves: looking at the human body, recognising animal groups and sorting these animals. By Year 6, this will have developed into knowing the internal structure of the human body in relation to circulation, classifying living things based on more complex characteristics and exploring scientific research into this classification.

English Literacy and Language Arts

At ESS, literacy is taught through a balanced literacy model. Students have daily English lessons where they read classical literature, write and discuss across the subject areas. Instruction is delivered using the reading and writing workshop framework. 
This includes a balance of whole group experiences, small, flexible-group instruction based on specific needs, and independent practice opportunities. Data is collected throughout the year using a variety of methods, both formal and informal, to guide instruction, assess student progress and monitor curriculum.

The reading curriculum includes a balance of classical fiction and non-fiction units of study. In writing, students write opinion, narrative and informational pieces several times across the school year.

Students are encouraged to read a book of their choice from the school library where they may find fiction and non-fiction books at their levels.

Topics at ESS Primary school - the doorway to the Humanities

Topics, or Integrated Learning as it’s known in KS2, encompasses the study of history and geography.  In Key Stage 2, children receive three lessons of Integrated Learning per week. These are usually topic based covering a wide range of themes which are specific to one of the humanities subject areas, but also incorporate the development of key literacy and numeracy skills. We use a creative, collaborative and cross-curricular approach to topic learning. Each year, children actively participate in a number of history and geography related topics which excite and inspire them to develop their knowledge and understanding.

In history, children are motivated to learn about the past and how it relates to us today. Children discover about Britain’s history and also that of the wider world. Our approach challenges children to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.

Geography based topics also stimulate children’s curiosity about the world. Our curriculum equips children with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and both natural and human environments. As children progress, their growing knowledge about the world helps them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes.

Russian Language and Literature programme for Russian students

ESS teachers of Russian follow the Russian National curriculum for their subjects.

The Russian Literacy components are part of every Russian lesson. Pupils participate in shared reading lessons, small group instruction, specific mini-lessons and paired readings. Students are given time to read independently and the opportunity to read aloud. The writing workshop model is used in years 3-6. Writing fundamental units are available, and two academic hours a week are dedicated to writing only.

Planning is based on RF state educational standards and benchmarks.

Russian as a Foreign Language

The ESS school welcomes international families who come to Moscow and helps them to connect with the host culture and language. We offer lessons of Russian as a foreign language to our expat students twice a week (three academic hours).

International School: Middle Years

Building a foundation of accelerated success

We combine STEM project-based learning with English National Curriculum taught by the skilled native English teachers offering the most dynamic secondary education in Moscow, RF.

What is Project-Based Learning?

The Middle School Programme at ESS uses a process-oriented approach to help students establish connections across the disciplines and attain the objectives for each course. Student groups learn to collect and analyze data, conduct literature searches, and prepare publications and presentations through long-term independent scientific research.

Science Studies

The Middle School Science course equips students with a strong basis for advanced studies at the High School while offering a level of personalized guidance and support.
Laboratory centered, the Science course exposes students to methods of scientific inquiry and elementary analysis. Course design requires students to develop a solid background in the conceptual basis of Physics, Biology and Chemistry as well strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. 

Biology - the syllabus focuses on cellular processes found in living organisms, (metabolism, cell cycle, cell structure and function), genetics, biological basis of evolution and ecology. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.

Chemistry – the syllabus focuses on the study of the structure, behavior and properties of matter, and is based on laboratory works and problem solving.

Physics – the syllabus centres on the topics of mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves and oscillations.

Algebra and Geometry

The Foundational mathematics course is divided into separate blocks of Algebra and Geometry. Algebra topics include operations with sets, the logic of quantified statements, valid and invalid arguments, proof by contradiction, proof by mathematical induction, operation on algebraic fractions, powers, equations and inequalities, linear equations, systems of linear equations etc. Geometry topics include logic (deductive reasoning), angles, lines, polygons, circles, congruent and similar figures, congruence and similarity theorems etc.

Language Arts

The Language Arts course includes English and English Literature, Russian and Russian Classical Literature and a modern foreign language (French).

Students have a daily English lesson, which includes a balance of whole class experiences, small, flexible group instruction, paired work and independent practice opportunities. Students are formally and informally assessed throughout the year, which allows specific learning needs to be met.

Understanding the English language is an essential foundation for success. Students are provided with the opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills across all subjects and are taught to speak clearly and convey ideas using subject appropriate vocabulary. Communication skills are further developed through listening to and practising oral presentations and through drama sessions.

Students are taught to read fluently, understand extended texts and are encouraged to read for pleasure. Students read and analyse a balance of classical literature and nonfiction texts, exploring the characteristics of different forms and the techniques authors use to achieve their intended purpose. Students are encouraged to read a book of their choice from the comprehensive school library where they may find a range of fiction and non-fiction books at different levels.

Children can access the online library in school or at home.

Students improve their understanding of grammar and punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and paragraphing in varied and frequent writing assignments. Through essay writing, students build on their understanding of writing as a process. They are taught the stamina and skills to write at length across a range of genres including explanations, narratives, descriptions, comparisons, summaries and evaluations. Writing across all subjects provide pupils with opportunities to consolidate their skills and knowledge.

Humanities

In Key Stage 3 history and geography are studied as separate subjects to provide students with a clearer view of the aspects of the individual subjects.

History is all about people, cultures and places of the past and how we know about them.  Students consider how the past influences the present, what past societies were like, how these societies organised their politics, and what beliefs and cultures influenced people’s actions. In history, pupils find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions. To do this they need to be able to research, sift through evidence, and argue for their point of view.

Geography provokes and answers questions about the natural and human world, using different scales of inquiry to help students to do this, and it also helps them to view people, places and environments from different perspectives.  It develops knowledge of places and environments throughout the world, an understanding of maps and a range of investigative and problem-solving skills, both inside and outside the classroom.

Computer Science

CS includes an advanced level of robotics and computer coding.

Computer science covers topics such as:

  • how computer networks work
  • algorithms
  • sequence
  • selection
  • variables

Students will also be introduced to computer graphics, Graphical User Interfaces (GUI), data storage and data processing. No prior computer knowledge is needed.

International School: High School (6th Form)

(I)GCSE and A Levels academic qualifications

In KS4 and 5, the students can choose the areas in which they will specialise and hold (I)GCSE and A Level final exams.

ESS High School Programme

is known as BASE (Bridging the Arts, Science and Engineering). Our aim is to give all our students a common experience where they not only learn important fundamental content in Science, English and Applied Engineering, but they also learn about the multi-disciplinary nature of research, collaboration, and cooperation. They are introduced to important research skills like forming a valid question, reviewing and evaluating research literature, designing an experiment, analyzing data and communicating research findings.

Computer Science:

students will design software to solve problems and use data structures, such as classes and arrays, to represent information within a program. Students will also gain a working knowledge of the major hardware and software components of computer systems. Java is the main vehicle for implementing solutions to problems. Other elective offerings, may include Web Design and Networking.

Humanities and Language Arts

are an integral part of ESS High School syllabus in full accordance with the programme of studies chosen by the student.