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AWS
American World School
Academics

Upper Elementary: Senior Explorers

Grades 1–5 | Ages 6–10 | Building Academic Excellence and Entrepreneurial Thinking

Home Academics Upper Elementary
Where Creativity Meets Capability — and Capability Meets Confidence

In the AWS Upper Elementary years, something remarkable happens. Students who once marvelled at the world around them begin to understand it — and then, crucially, begin to shape it.

From Grade 1 through Grade 5, learning becomes a purposeful journey of discovery. Students build strong academic foundations while developing the life skills, creative confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset that will define them long after they leave our classrooms.

At AWS, we don’t just teach children to read, write, and solve problems. We teach them to think critically, collaborate meaningfully, create with purpose, and develop the courage to take on challenges they’ve never faced before.

The AWS Way in Upper Elementary

Four principles guide everything we do

🎯

Purpose

Students understand why they are learning everything they learn. Every project connects to a real-world application.

🚀

Agency

Students are active participants in their education. They set goals, track progress, and make meaningful choices.

🤝

Teamwork

The ability to work effectively with others — to listen, contribute, negotiate, and build on each other’s ideas.

❤️

Character

Academic excellence without character is incomplete. We develop students who are curious, kind, resilient, and courageous.

Entrepreneurship in Action: Pioneer Town

Our signature entrepreneurial learning programme for Grades 3–5

Every Friday, students pause their regular timetable and become entrepreneurs. They conceptualise, plan, launch, and operate their own small businesses — serving real customers, handling real transactions, and managing real outcomes.

What Students Experience

  • Developing a business idea based on a genuine need
  • Creating a product or service and planning delivery
  • Setting prices, managing costs, understanding profit
  • Marketing to customers and responding to feedback
  • Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t

What Students Develop

  • Financial literacy and real numeracy application
  • Persuasive communication and presentation skills
  • Creative problem-solving under real constraints
  • Resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial confidence
  • Pride in having created something real and meaningful

The Senior Explorer Curriculum

A rich, integrated programme aligned with American AERO standards

📖

Humanities

English Language Arts and Social Studies come together as a single, powerful Humanities strand. Students progress from foundational literacy to complex analytical writing and debate.

🔬

Science

From early observations of the living world to sophisticated explorations of physical science, earth science, and engineering design through hands-on investigations.

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Mathematics

Rigorous, practical, and deeply connected to the real world. Self-paced progression combined with collaborative problem-solving and entrepreneurial application.

🎨

Visual Arts

From foundational techniques to advanced mixed media and fibre arts. Creative confidence is among the most valuable skills of the 21st century.

Physical Education

Team sports, cooperative games, dance, and physical wellness. Physical confidence directly builds academic and personal confidence.

💡

Entrepreneurship

Woven throughout the curriculum with dedicated space each week. Grades 3–5 participate in our flagship Pioneer Town programme.

💻

Computer Science

From early coding concepts through visual platforms to more advanced programming, data, and introduction to app design.

❤️

Social-Emotional Learning

Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making woven throughout the school day.

A Day in the Life

Typical school day for a Grade 3–5 student

TimeActivity
8:30 AMArrival & Morning Circle
9:00 AMAdvisory / SEL
9:20 AMHumanities (ELA / Social Studies)
10:20 AMBreak & Outdoor Play
10:40 AMMathematics
11:40 AMLunch & Outdoor Play
12:30 PMScience / STEAM
1:30 PMEntrepreneurship / Kidspreneur (weekly)
2:15 PMVisual Arts / PE / Computer Science (rotating)
3:15 PMReflection & Dismissal
3:30 PMExtended Day Programme (Optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does AWS ensure my child is making academic progress?
Progress is measured through clear learning milestones, teacher observation, portfolio documentation, and authentic demonstrations of understanding. Teachers share detailed, narrative progress reports that give you a far richer picture of your child’s growth than a letter grade could provide.
How does the entrepreneurship programme work alongside the regular curriculum?
Entrepreneurship is not separate from the regular curriculum — it is how the curriculum is brought to life. Maths concepts are applied in financial planning. Language arts skills are developed through presentations. Science thinking is applied in product development.
How does AWS accommodate different learning styles and needs?
Our small class sizes (15:1 student-teacher ratio) and personalised approach mean that every student receives attention and differentiation. Students who require additional support receive targeted assistance. Students ready for greater challenge are given enrichment opportunities.
What is Pioneer Town and how often does it happen?
Pioneer Town is our flagship entrepreneurial learning programme for Grades 3–5. Once a month, students pause their regular timetable to plan, launch, and operate real small businesses. They sell real products, manage real money, and reflect on real outcomes.
How does AWS prepare students for Middle School?
By the end of Grade 5, AWS students are academically, socially, and emotionally ready for Middle School. They have strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking, and digital literacy. They know how to set goals, handle setbacks, and keep going.

Discover Upper Elementary at AWS

Where creativity meets capability and every student’s unique path is nurtured and honoured.

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