Academics

Language Arts

Language is a powerful tool for constructing meaning, supporting conceptual development, and fostering critical thinking. At SMEF, within the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), language teaching is tailored to students’ prior experiences, needs, and interests. Rather than isolating language into disconnected skills, our approach integrates language into meaningful contexts to support authentic understanding. For example, students may learn vocabulary not just in spelling lists but within literature, research, and writing tasks tied to their Units of Inquiry. Language learning at SMEF is dynamic and social, rooted in real-life situations and global relevance. Through exposure to diverse linguistic experiences, our students become confident communicators who embody the IB mission to create a better, more peaceful world.

Mathematics

Mathematics at SMEF is both a language and a way of thinking. It helps students interpret, describe, and understand the world around them. Rather than relying on rote learning, we encourage students to construct meaning from their personal experiences and apply math in real-life contexts. Our students learn to see themselves as “mathematicians,” curious and confident in exploring numbers, patterns, and data. Mathematics is embedded in inquiry and supports transdisciplinary learning across Units of Inquiry. Students move from concrete experiences to abstract understanding, developing both skills and deep conceptual knowledge. We nurture mathematical thinkers who use math not just to solve problems but to communicate ideas and reason logically.

Visual Arts

Visual arts are an essential component of learning at SMEF. Through artistic exploration, students build a sense of identity, express ideas, and engage with cultural, historical, and social perspectives. The creative process in art promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Students inquire, create, and reflect using a variety of media and techniques. Visual arts are often integrated into Units of Inquiry to deepen conceptual understanding. Students learn to give and receive feedback and develop the confidence to take risks in expressing their ideas. Our collaborative planning ensures that art instruction complements homeroom learning. Occasionally, students may complete unfinished projects during free time, emphasizing responsibility and ownership of learning.

ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

Technology is embedded across the PYP at SMEF as a tool to support inquiry, creativity, and expression. Students develop essential ICT skills such as word processing, data handling, following instructions, and graphic design. These skills are integrated into classroom learning to enhance understanding of key concepts within the Units of Inquiry. ICT supports transdisciplinary learning and encourages students to explore, create, and communicate effectively. Teachers and students regularly use the ICT lab as an extension of the homeroom. Through responsible digital use, students become confident, ethical users of technology. Parents are encouraged to support this learning at home by providing supervised access to educational tools.

Library

The SMEF library is a hub of inquiry and literacy. Students use library time to make connections between books, information, and their Units of Inquiry. Library classes extend homeroom learning and equip students with essential research and literacy skills. Students learn how to locate, organize, and present information using both print and digital resources. With tools such as the Tumble Book platform, accessible through our website, students engage with reading in multiple formats. The library fosters lifelong reading habits, a love for literature, and the ability to navigate information independently and critically.

Music

Music education at SMEF nurtures creativity, expression, and cultural awareness. As with visual arts, music is a medium through which students explore personal identity and global connections. Through composing, performing, and responding to music, students deepen their understanding of themselves and others. Music classes are integrated into the Units of Inquiry when relevant, enriching the transdisciplinary experience. The music program promotes lifelong appreciation and engagement with the arts, developing confidence and collaboration through rhythm, melody, and performance.

Recreational Activities (PSPE)

Recreational activities at SMEF include physical education, swimming, and ballet, all integral to Personal, Social, and Physical Education (PSPE) in the PYP. These activities develop not only physical skills but also emotional and social well-being. Students learn about teamwork, perseverance, emotional regulation, and making healthy lifestyle choices. PSPE supports the holistic development of each student, emphasizing well-being as a foundation for learning and growth. Through movement and play, students connect with others, build self-awareness, and develop resilience.

French and Persian

At SMEF, language learning includes both the host country language (Persian) and French, offering students a rich multilingual experience. The IB PYP recognizes that learning additional languages enhances cognitive development and intercultural understanding. In Persian classes, the focus is on developing confident oral communication, along with reading and writing in authentic contexts. French is introduced as a foreign language, supporting students in expanding their global perspectives. Language instruction is integrated into Units of Inquiry where appropriate, promoting practical use of language and appreciation for diverse cultures and values. This multilingual approach supports students in becoming open-minded, reflective, and internationally minded learners.