Project Based Learning

Teachers will focus on cross curricular projects which will provide meaningful and relevant learning linked to real life.  We believe the main purpose of project-based learning/homework is to enhance 21st century skills:

  • Independent learning
  • Collaboration/team-work
  • Planning & Research
  • Communication skills (oral and interpersonal)
  • Personal and Social
  • Critical & Creative thinking
  • Non-Verbal & Verbal Reasoning
  • Literacy and Numeracy
  • Cross-cultural understanding
  • Problem Solving, Decision Making
  • Computer Literacy
  • Obtaining Knowledge and Information
  • Time management
  • Self-discipline, Motivation and Perseverance
  • Passion & Enjoyment

Project based learning is structured as follows:

  • One Cross-curricular Project per term
  • One Greek Project per term
  • Reading daily in English and Greek including High Frequency Words
  • Spelling activities will be given out on Mondays and tested on Fridays
  • Maths activities 2-3 times per week
  • One Cross-curricular Project per term
  • One Greek Project per term and/or regular homework
  • Reading daily in English and Greek
  • Spelling activities will be given out on Mondays and tested on Fridays
  • Maths activities 3-4 times per week (Up to 5 for Y6)

Projects allocated per term:

Term One:

Autumn 1        Greek Project

Autumn 2        Cross-curricular Project

Term Two:

Spring 1          Greek Project

Spring 2          Cross-curricular Project

Term Three:

Summer          Class Teacher/Student Choice project

  • Work on project-based learning can be done in class and/or at home. Due dates and weekly tasks will be specified accordingly.
  • No additional homework will be given while projects are in progress except for Maths.
  • Project-based learning will be for the first two terms for the core subjects. One project per subject per term.
  • The last term will be devoted to projects as final exams for non-core subjects, while core subjects will do revision.
  • For core subjects, (English, Science, Greek) as well as History, Geography, all homework will be based on the project.
  • Project-based learning will apply to ALL subjects, however, the following subjects will not have a term test such as: Art, Music, ICT and P.E.
  • In addition to projects, at the discretion of the teacher, one test per term will also be given. No more than three tests per week per year group.
  • 35% term-test, 35% term-project, 15% commitment, 15% participation in class.
  • It is advised to complete exercises in-class at the end of each chapter/unit.
  • Projects and tests will be noted on the test calendar on the teachers’ board so the students aren’t assigned multiple ones.
  • There will be a form with clear instructions for teachers and students to follow on project-based learning.
  • 10-20 minutes of Maths, Mathletics, digital activities almost daily.Reading English and Greek books twice a week or one book per term, at the discretion of the teacher.

Tips for parents

  • Please try to encourage your child to develop a positive attitude to project based learning homework. Here are some suggested ways to help:
  • Establish a homework routine. Decide which time of the afternoon or evening is best for your child to do their work.
  • Make sure they have a quiet place.
  • Check that they understand what they have to do.
  • Ensure they have all the materials they need.
  • Show them that you are interested in what they are learning.
  • Encourage your child to be responsible for organising their time.
  • Provide guidance for your child, but not answers.  Try not to teach your child a method you learnt at school. It may be different from the way they are being taught, especially with mathematics! If unsure, check with the class teacher.
  • Encourage them to be independent.  However, some activities are specifically designed for parents to do with their children.
  • Help your child to prioritise the tasks, according to the date due back in school.  Homework tasks are designed to be completed in a reasonable amount of time, averaging 20mins per day in KS1 and 30mins in KS2. If your child has not completed the tasks set in the time given, please do not labour them. Allow your child to stop, and make a note for the teacher. Good communication between teacher and parents is the best way to support your children’s learning.
  • Be consistent. Watch for signs of frustration and be sure of the difference between that and reluctance to work.
  • Praise them when they try hard. Effort is important.