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Curriculum

Ghars Graduate Profile

Ghars graduates will be:
Great contributors toward a safe and happy environment.
Honest, confident and responsible global citizens.
Academically prepared for future pursuits.
Raising Islamic values while forbearing diversity.
Self-motivated learners and critical thinkers.

Ghars Curriculum

Ghars Bilingual School offers a balanced American curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) while preserving and strengthening Islamic values. The school implements the Savvas Education program across all grade levels and subject areas to ensure high-quality, standards-based instruction. Our goal is to provide every student with the opportunity to develop essential academic competencies that prepare them for future learning and responsible adulthood within the context of a well-rounded, 21st-century education.

Kindergarten Stage

Ghars Kindergarten Department includes KG1 and KG2 and provides a bilingual learning environment within an Islamic setting. Our mission is to nurture students who possess active and creative minds, demonstrate understanding and compassion toward others, and have the confidence to act upon their values and beliefs. We emphasize the holistic development of every child morally, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our program focuses on the needs of the whole child and includes the following:

Open Space Classroom:

Our classrooms are designed with an open-space layout that emphasizes learning centers, enabling students to develop academic independence. Through small-group instruction and teacher-guided activities, students receive focused support and meaningful engagement with the curriculum. This structure encourages collaboration, exploration, and personalized learning experiences.

STEAM Room:

This room is dedicated to young children’s creative & engineering development that involves them in fascinating explorations of sound, materials, colors, and textures using all their senses, Mathematical and art skills. It is an area which they are encouraged to use their critical thinking & imagination to the full and express their developing ideas and challenges.

Imaginative play area:

Our Imaginative Play Area provides an open-ended, unstructured community play environment that encourages creativity and exploration. This space supports the development of student independence, language skills, problem-solving abilities, and social-emotional growth. With no fixed rules, goals, or expected outcomes, children are free to explore and learn naturally through play, gaining valuable skills along the way.

Recess:

KG Department will have 2 break times (40 min) throughout a regular school day for students to have their snacks/lunch and get their body moving with some play time. We believe that it is important for the students to eat healthy. During our snack time, the teacher incorporates healthy habits – table manners along with Islamic eating etiquette.

Arabic Language

Ghars’s KG Arabic curriculum follows a Lebanese integrated curriculum Loghaty Kanzy (My language is my treasure), which offers mathematics and science in Arabic language.

Arabic Enrichment:
Seesaw:This program supports the educational process as it is a digital application for students, which enable them to document what they learn at school at any age and share it with teachers and classmates.
 
Reading Stories: Reading stories provides the child with great pleasure, and is also an important source of information, mean of instilling human and moral values, and a tool for developing and strengthening the child’s linguistic abilities.

Holy Qur'an & Islamic Studies

The Islamic curriculum of our kindergarten department includes both Qur’an recitation and Islamic teachings. KG Islamic Studies curriculum is broken down into 5 Units: Al –Aqida, Al Hadith, Al Fiqh, Al Azkar, and the Biography of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Each grade level has a specific number of Surahs to memorize. 

English, Math and Science

Elementary Stage

English

Savvas/My View:
My View consists of five units per grade level; the unit concepts connect the curriculum from start to finish, scaffolding children’s prior knowledge. Considering our students are second language learners, we have condensed the curriculum while still sustaining all concepts and language development in tact within the school year. Please refer to department handbook for further details.
Our curriculum runs on a 2 weeks’ span including all skills & concepts that students apply first through guided practice, and then independently. The units and educational skills included in this curriculum include:
 
  • Reading: comprehension skills, read aloud & decodables, fresh reads & fluency.
  • Word Study: high frequency words, vocabulary, vocabulary skill, phonics & spelling.
  • Conventions: grammar, daily journals and writing prompts.
Listening and Speaking:
My Perspective integration:Students will have opportunities to actively process receiving and responding to spoken messages through presentations, debates, role plays, public speaking & conversational English skills.

Mathematics

We follow Envision Math -Savvas. Students learn to see relationships, ask questions and try different approaches until they found what best suits them. It is a problem-based learning that challenges students and integrates their knowledge of literacy.  Students cover one lesson per day (5 per week) usually one-topic runs for about 3 weeks which includes periods for activities, re-teaching & review, quiz, and topic tests. Students complete a quarter project that connects all concepts learnt within the quarter and is usually integrated with other subjects.

Science

The Ghars Science program is built on the principles of the Scientific Method. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are used to drive the program ensuring students gain a high standard of Scientific thinking & inquiry skills and conceptual understanding. We strive to ensure that the study of Science is personal, relevant, and engaging.
The Science department is fully equipped with state of the art resources and science equipment ensuring students embark on a multi-sensory learning journey through their Science classes. The Science curriculum is designed to provide a hands-on, interactive, stimulating, engaging experience ultimately developing our young scientists’ minds into scientific thinkers & explorers. At Ghars, an inquiry based approach is utilized for Science this makes learning personal, relevant, and engaging and provides multiple levels of scaffolding to provide practice for all learners.
Students will experience the Savvas Elevate Science phenomenon based classes. Students will undertake one topic per week, which includes discussion, activity/lab work, lesson check and inquiry. Quizzes & topic tests are administered to assess student progress and gauge their level of mastery of key concepts, thus ensuring they are ready for middle school.  One topic per lesson per week is completed, which includes discussion, hands on activity, experiments, lab work and lesson checks.
Ghars Students participate in the annual internal Ghars STEAM fair, where they are given an opportunity to express their scientific interest & conduct a unique piece of cutting-edge scientific research whilst applying the scientific method. Students are encouraged to experience hands-on learning through-out the academic year where they will create, design, develop & partake in their own science project trimesterly developing and fine-tuning their scientific & technical skills.

Middle School Stage

English

Literature is taught through My Perspective by Savvas. This is a student- centered learning environment where students learn to analyze text, cite evidence and respond critically. The core curriculum is condensed into 4 units per year (1 unit per quarter). Each unit includes: Unit introduction, whole class learning, small group learning & independent reading skills taken within the unit includes: Genre, close read, comprehension skills, analyze craft & structure, vocabulary words, word study & vocabulary skill. Students throughout the week also have grammar lessons which include assessments and worksheets.

Mathematics

We follow Course1/Course2 and Course3- Savvas. Alignment to the Common Core Standards with standards for mathematical practice development embedded throughout the program daily for middle school (Grades 6-8). Integrated intervention and powerful test preparation help all students master the standards and prepare for high-stakes assessments. One topic usually runs for 3 weeks including formative assessments in between the lessons per topic.  Summative assessment is taken per quarter from chosen topics/lessons.

Science

Savvas Education -Elevate Science for G6 & G7
Savvas Education -Interactive Science for G8
The Next Generation Science (NGSS) program features an innovative inquiry based approach that makes learning personal, relevant, and engaging. It features multiple levels of inquiry scaffolding to provide practice for all learners. Ghars follows the NGSS standards within the curriculum. Students will undertake one topic per week, which includes discussion, activity/lab work, lesson check and inquiry. Quizzes & topic tests are administered to assess student progress and gauge their level of mastery of key concepts, thus ensuring they are ready for high school.
One topic per lesson per week is completed, which includes discussion, hands on activity, experiments, lab work and lesson checks.

Elementary and Middle School Stages

Holy Qur'an

A curriculum geared towards reciting and memorizing the Holy Qur’an in an exceptional way through: Understanding: students will know Allah by learning His beautiful names, most perfect attributes and deeds. Memorizing: Students will understand and memorize verses from the Holy Qur’an. Practicing: Students will act and behave according to Islamic Principles.

Arabic Language

Ghars offers a comprehensive curriculum for Arabic. This program is designed to meet the needs of heritage speakers and focuses on writing, grammar, vocabulary, speaking & listening. Students are provided with a rigorous program that is based on the National Curriculum provided by the Ministry of Education Kuwait.

STEM (G1 - G8)

A comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program, designed to prepare students for the growing technology-driven future. This program will integrate the four STEM disciplines through real-world applications and collaborative, hands-on learning experiences, promoting skills like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. We believe this program is a gateway to innovative opportunities, aiming to cultivate a culture of curiosity, resilience, and innovation in our students.

Islamic Studies

The program is provided by Kuwait MOE and is taught accordingly to the guidance provided by the MOE. The curriculum teaches the tenants of Islamic faith, traditions of the Prophet and the Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, ritual recitation of passages of the Quran, biography of the Prophet Muhammad and his peers, cultivation of aspects of Islamic culture.

Social Studies

Social studies is offered to students from grade 4 onwards. Students will study about Kuwait History, citizenship, transformation to independence, geography of Kuwait, political affairs, agricultural issues, neighboring countries, and geographical positioning.

High School Stage

English

The English language curriculum is based on the development of reading and writing skills. It is based on the interest in creative thinking through the use of diverse effective strategies. These strategies are framed within an analytical and critical approach to build individual and collective experiences for a foundation that provides a promising future for their educational and practical lives.

Mathematics

In our high school,the Mathematics program depends on the use of the skills of analysis and logical thinking required for this stage. This is done by covering a wide range of basic subjects such as: AlgebraII & Geometry,Algebra II,Pre-Calculus/Calculus to prepare students for the required university majors.

Science

An in-depth, robust, inquiry and practical driven Ghars High School Science program has been developed to ensure that our students are able to attend high caliber universities and fulfill their dream careers. The Science program entails the study of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and additional elective courses. Each lesson is inquiry based and driven through experiencing scientific concepts through experimental research, lab work, 3D modelling, research, data analysis, debate, discussion and projects. Students are equipped with life-long learning skills through-out the Science program setting them up for success in their future studies.

Extra Curricular Programs

Ghars Curriculam

1- Curriculum to enrich young souls by understanding the names and attributes of God the all mighty through:
This is a curriculum that we take pride in. We are pioneers in creating our own Ghars curriculum, which is used to enrich students’ knowledge of the Names and Attributes of Allah the Almighty.
The Ghars curriculum focuses on:
Instilling Islamic values in the students by knowing and understanding the beautiful Names and attributes of Allah the almighty.
Educating students to praise and glorify the creator by adhering to Allah’s most perfect attributes.
Developing student’s character and enhancing their view of life, based on the understanding of the beautiful names of Allah.
Training students to live their daily lives and to behave according to the knowledge of the Names and Attributes of Allah the almighty.
Establishing a generation of true believers in Allah with Islamic values that spread peace and love throughout the world.
2-The Holy Qur’an
A curriculum geared towards understanding, reciting and memorizing the Holy Qur’an in an exceptional manner.
The Holy Qur’an Curriculum focuses on:
Understanding: will know Allah by learning His beautiful names & most perfect attributes
Memorizing: Students will understand and memorize verses from the Holy Qur’an.
Practicing: Students will learn how to act and behave according to Islamic Principles.

Maqra'a

A program developed to ensure the successful memorization of the Holy Quran, helping both learners who distinguished students & diligent students.The Maqr’aa Program serves students on two levels: distinguished students & diligent students. Distinguished students are selected based on their impeccable ability to recite Quran (as evaluated by their Quran Teacher) and the students should have memorized a portion of the Quran. Parents of new Maqra’aa students are requested to complete a student-level form which is available on the school’s website (Registration tab->forms). Enrolled students from the previous academic year are automatically re-registered as they progress through the levels. Diligent students include those who face some obstacles during the recitation of the schools’ curriculum (delayed pronunciation, short memory span (slow in memorization), and also include new students, non-Arabic-speaking student, etc. from observations that may be noted by the teacher of the class). Parents are notified of the student’s acceptance. Student may be nominated after they begin Maqr’aa according to what the teacher sees and according to student’s needs. 

Enrichment Curriculum (Arabic)

Ghars follows an enriching Arabic curriculum in addition to the general curriculum, to introduce Arabic language, intellectual skills and activities which enable students to develop linguistic skills through a core curriculum from Lebanon.

AFL

Teaches students basic Arabic skills depending on the student’s Arabic abilities. Arabic teachers will recommend struggling students to the program.

Walk to Reading

An optional reading program is offered students on a daily basis, where students start their day by enjoying free daily reading. The aim is to raise students’ reading level and increase their joy of engaging with books. 

Walk to Math

Students who lack in understanding of specific mathematical skills and are facing challenges despite following our rigorous curriculum are placed in Walk to Math based on recommendation of the teacher. This program targets basic math skills needed to follow the curriculum. It is provided as needed for 30 min on a weekly basis. As the student makes progress over the quarter, teacher’s make a final decision on the continuity of the program.

Academic Support(RTI )(G1-8)

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tiered approach to identifying and supporting students who may be struggling academically in Math or English. It involves three tiers of intervention, each providing different levels of support. The RTI team, including the head of the unit, will be in charge of implementing this program in our school. They’ll ensure the interventions are effectively addressing students’ needs and make necessary adjustments based on data-driven decisions.

ELL Program

Teaches different language skills, depending on students’ English abilities, interests and needs.This program provides a home-school curriculum connection to facilitate optimal development of language skills. 

After School Clubs

Ghars offers school clubs that are usually on Thursdays at the end of the school day. An example of this is the Department of Islamic Studies entertaining clubs for boys and girls.Islamic Club for Boys and girls – it is an outreach program for students to help them socially. It teaches them Islamic values while having fun with their friends in a different environment other than their classroom.A wide scope of after school fun filled activities and field trips are arranged such as desert camping, go karts, horseback riding and different activities ..etc.

Elective Classes

Physical Education

Ghars offers PE classes twice a week with a variety of physical attributes (General fitness, football, basketball, nutrition). Ghars follows the Virginia State Standards for Physical Education. The Virginia State Standards include five strands: skilled movement, movement principles and concepts, personal fitness, responsible behaviors and physically active lifestyle. The standards in each strand are sequenced to progress in complexity from grade level to grade level. Students are provided a variety of sporting activities, skills, experiences throughout the year developing students holistically.

ICT

Ghars uses the Virginia state standards (2013) for ICT grades 1-5, and TechnoKids standards of Learning for grades 6-12. Ghars has developed a robust curriculum based on the necessary skills for the 21st Century. The curriculum meets the following standards of learning:
  • Basic operations and concepts
  • Social and ethical issues
  • Technology research tools
  • Thinking skills, problem solving and decision making
  • Technology communication tools
These standards of learning are met through the teaching of technology based skills, technology tools, use of resources, data processing, internet safety, productivity tools, decision making, coding and programming.

Arts

Ghars offers a comprehensive Art program which focuses on providing a student-centered, hands-on curricula to meet the creative and artistic needs of students. The arts nourish and stimulate the imagination, and provide students with an expanded range of tools, techniques, and skills to help them gain insights into the world around them and to represent their understandings in various ways. Students experience the use of oil, chalk, crayons, wax, glass paints, papier mache, clay, fabric, use of various textures, acrylics, pastels and more. Students’ art pieces are celebrated and show cased through the Ghars Art Exhibition.Arts education fosters bright, creative, and socially engaged students. The Art curriculum in KG is embedded in work stations and centers for young learners to experience a holistic thematic form of learning. Elementary Art is fostered around a hands-on experience-based curriculum.

Social Media Marketing (Gr.11-12)

Social Media Marketing course aims to equip students with a thorough understanding of various social media platforms and their potential for marketing, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. Key areas of study include audience understanding, content creation, brand development, and data-driven strategies. The course prepares students for potential careers in digital marketing, entrepreneurship, public relations, or similar fields, while also emphasizing digital citizenship and responsible online behavior.

Library

The school library equips students with lifelong learning skills and develops their imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens. The Ghars school library is a place for learning and thinking. It plays a key role in supporting and developing literacy and the enjoyment of reading in both Arabic and English. The library complies with the American Library Association standard and utilizes Follet-Education library system which provides a highly efficient library management and ordering system. Follet offers a wide variety of international Educational books with varying literacy works for our students.  Ghars offers a comprehensive book-borrowing system for students from grades 1 to 12, staff and VIP members.