Cambridge Early Years
Cambridge Early Years Ages 3–6
A strong start for a lifetime of learning
Cambridge Early Years is the first stage within the NIS learning pathway. The programme is designed for young children aged 3 to 6 and focuses on broad, balanced development in a safe, stimulating and language-rich learning environment.
At NIS, young children learn through play, discovery, enquiry, creating and collaboration. Every child is given the space to develop at an appropriate pace, become more independent and build confidence in themselves and their abilities.
In this way, NIS lays a strong foundation for further development and a lifetime of learning from the very first school years.
The educational approach
Learning through play, discovery and experience
Young children learn when they are actively engaged with the world around them. That is why a child-centred, active and play-based way of learning is central to Cambridge Early Years.
At NIS, students have plenty of opportunities to discover, ask questions, experiment and gain new experiences. Stories, conversations, movement, creative activities, role play and hands-on discovery are part of the daily learning environment.
There is attention for the balanced development of language and communication, thinking, movement, and social and emotional skills.
Wherever possible, learning connects with the child’s experiences, interests, cultural background and everyday environment.
What will your child learn?
Six curriculum areas
The Cambridge Early Years curriculum consists of six interconnected curriculum areas. These areas are not approached as separate subjects, but come together in meaningful learning experiences that contribute to the child’s broad development.
Language, communication & literacy
Children develop their skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Through conversations, stories, books and playful language activities, they learn to express themselves ever more clearly, laying a solid foundation for further language and reading development.
Mathematics
Through play and hands-on activities, children are introduced to numbers, shapes, patterns, measuring and early mathematical concepts. They develop mathematical language and learn, step by step, to recognise connections and solve simple problems.
Creative expression
Art, music, dance, drama and design give children the space to express their ideas, feelings and imagination. Creative activities encourage curiosity, confidence and the ability to think and create in different ways.
Personal, social & emotional development
Children learn to work together, build friendships, recognise and regulate emotions, consider others and develop confidence in themselves. This lays an important foundation for wellbeing, independence and positive relationships.
Physical development
Play and movement help children further develop their gross and fine motor skills. At the same time, NIS encourages enjoyment of movement and a positive attitude towards a healthy and active lifestyle.
Discovering the world
Children’s natural curiosity is the starting point for discovery and enquiry. Students are encouraged to observe, ask questions, discover connections and think about the world around them. This lays an early foundation for further development in areas including science, digital literacy, computing and humanities.
Teaching approach at NIS — not a separate curriculum area
Cambridge Phonics & Handwriting
As part of the development of English language skills, NIS uses Cambridge Phonics and Handwriting.
Children learn step by step to recognise the relationship between sounds and letters and to apply it in their first reading and writing activities. At the same time, they develop their handwriting and the fine motor skills needed to learn to write.
The structured approach supports children in their first steps in reading and writing English and lays a foundation for further language development within Cambridge Primary.
Multilingual from the start
Growing up rich in language
Multilingualism is an important part of the educational identity of NIS. From Early Years onwards, English, French and Arabic are therefore given a natural, age-appropriate place within the learning environment.
Through daily interaction, stories, songs, play and activities, children encounter the different languages in a positive way.
NIS takes differences in language background and language development into account. Children are not expected to master all three languages at the same level when they join. Language development is built up step by step, appropriate to each child’s age and development.
Personal attention
Every child develops at his or her own pace
No two children develop in exactly the same way. That is why personal attention is central at NIS.
Teachers get to know every child well and take individual needs, interests, strengths and areas for growth into account. They provide appropriate support when needed and extra challenge when a child is ready for it.
A safe and familiar environment gives children the space to try, make mistakes, discover again and become ever more independent.
Assessment
Following development carefully
Within Cambridge Early Years, children’s development is followed continuously. Teachers observe students during daily activities and gather information about their development and learning. These observations are used to determine where a child stands and which next learning steps are appropriate. In this way, the focus is not on a single snapshot or on performance pressure, but on each child’s development and progress.
- Observe
- Evaluate
- Plan next steps
Parent partnership
Together with parents
A strong partnership between school and home is especially important during the first years of life.
NIS therefore sees parents as partners in their child’s development. Through regular communication, parents are involved in their child’s wellbeing, development and progress.
By sharing experiences and information, parents and school can jointly contribute to an environment in which the child feels safe, seen and supported.
Moroccan identity
Rooted in one’s own identity
International education at NIS goes hand in hand with a strong connection to Moroccan identity and context.
Children’s language, culture, family, community and everyday environment are given a natural, age-appropriate place within their learning experiences.
In this way, children learn to look at the world with curiosity and openness, while remaining connected to their own background and surroundings.
Ready for Cambridge Primary
Cambridge Early Years is the beginning of a continuous learning pathway at NIS. During this stage, children develop not only their first academic skills, but also curiosity, communication, creativity, independence, collaboration and confidence. This broad foundation helps students take the next step in their learning journey with confidence.