FAQ

For most of the subjects that your child learns at Nexus we draw our resources from such a wide range of media, including books, schemes of work and The Internet that we do not require parents to purchase textbooks as such. However, in some of the language options parents may be asked to provide textbooks. The language teachers will supply the list. For IPC themes there are a number of recommended websites and books, which teachers draw upon. Each year group site may also provide links for research resources that are specifically needed for a unit of work. Please note that this is not a complete list of the resources that teachers use nor should it be taken as a substitute for the curriculum goals.

Some year groups use the communication book as a way of communicating between home and school. However, an email is generally a more reliable and quicker form of communication. Each year group also maintains a website where specific year group information can be disseminated. The sites can be accessed from our intranet at: https://sites.google.com/a/nexus.edu.my/nexus-parent-portal/primary

Yes. We have several and learners use them when they are beginning readers and as they develop their reading skills. However once learners are proficient at reading (usually around Year 5) they will be guided to choose an appropriate ‘Free reader’. Class teachers and librarians monitor the reading books that learners choose.

Yes, each class is timetabled to spend 40 minutes in the library each week. The library will of course be open at other times and learners are encouraged to use it as and when required.

Spanish, Mandarin or Bahasa Malaysia are offered as focus languages for Years 1 to 6 (3 sessions per week). In addition, all children will have one Bahasa Integration session per week where they will learn about their host country, Malaysia, and some key Bahasa Malaysia vocabulary. (Please contact the class teacher if you are not sure what this is).

The subject specialist teachers can all be contacted via email (check the website for addresses and Sports information). Alternatively, the class teacher can help you to make contact with the subject specialist teachers.

We try to give as much information as we can in the Curriculum letters that are sent to parents each term. In addition, you will receive a letter detailing the learning goals that will be addressed before the beginning of each new topic. An overview of the yearly curriculum maps can be found on our website. The whole IPC route map is also displayed in the school.

Our learners are generally excellent at talking about their own learning so ask them - “What have you learnt today?” or “What challenged you today? Primary learners use SeeSaw to share their learning directing with peers and parents. This is carefully monitored by the class teacher. Teachers are also available to talk with you, we just request that you make an appointment first. Many of the classes have wonderful displays both inside the class and outside in the corridor so do have a look. Also, the year group sites showcase your children’s learning so please keep checking.

Home-learning will be given in English, Maths, the subjects covered in IPC and the Language Other Than English (LOTE) studied. The duration of time that each learner spends on home learning varies between year groups - please see the class teacher for details.

As much as possible home-learning is differentiated in order to challenge each learner. The purpose of home-learning is to improve learning not just to keep children busy and so if the home-learning is too easy or too difficult for your child he/she should discuss this with the class teacher.

Assessment is fundamental to learning at Nexus. Formative Assessment or Assessment for Learning means that we are constantly working with the learners to find out what they already know, what they are learning and what they need to learn next. We, as teachers have several tools to help us with this – ‘Classroom Monitor’ is one of these tools.

We also use several standardised tests though GL assessments in order to forecast how each learner could be achieving and to give us an idea of how they have achieved compared with their forecast and with other learners of the same age around the world. These tests are conducted at the beginning and the end of the school year and included the Cognitive Ability Test (CAT), Pupils Attribute to Self and School (PASS), Progress Test in English (PTE) and Progress Test in Math (PTM). (See website for details on the GL Assessments).

Reports are sent to parents on a regular basis. A copy of the Assessment for Learning progress is sent to parents at the end of each IPC theme and termly progress reports are sent to parents for Personal Goals, Maths, English and LOTE. We perform assessment markers for the three stages of learning - beginning, developing and mastering.

Two sessions of general music are offered every week for all primary learners. There are also more specialist music programmes for those who choose it, which take part during the school day. These lessons offer a great opportunity for the learners to learn how to play an instrument with a specialised teacher, but it is inevitable that the learners will miss something from the rest of the curriculum. It is up to parents and learners to weigh up the costs and benefits for the learner and decide whether or not to take up the opportunity. If you would like to hear more about this then please contact the Music department (address on the website).