CURRICULUM
Kelem International School Curriculum: Based on Finnish Education and Pedagogical Principles
At Kelem International School, our curriculum is rooted in the Finnish education system, which emphasizes a student-centered, inquiry-based approach to learning. This approach ensures that each student’s previous experiences, interests, and competencies are the foundation for new learning. Whether in early childhood or through the school grades, we prioritize connecting new knowledge and skills to students’ developing competencies, the world they experience, and their diverse cultural backgrounds. Learning is most effective when students feel safe, secure, and emotionally supported, as positive emotional experiences and strong relationships with peers and teachers enhance their engagement and success.
Throughout the school, from early years to Grade 9, the importance of collaboration and a sense of belonging is key to student participation. Students are entitled to support and guidance from teachers to foster their growth, with interesting and goal-oriented activities that are appropriately challenging. Every student has the right to experience joy, success, and the development of self-confidence as a learner, with their individuality and learning pace respected.
In early education, play is a critical component of the learning process. Play not only motivates young children and brings joy but also teaches essential skills and knowledge, contributing to their holistic development. The intrinsic value of play is recognized and supported throughout early childhood education, with a strong emphasis on its pedagogical role in fostering children’s growth and well-being.
As students progress through the grades, the curriculum integrates subjects such as science, social studies, mathematics, arts, and languages within a cross-disciplinary framework, including STEAM(Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Mathematics) and phenomenon-based learning. The focus remains on inquiry, problem-solving, and hands-on activities, helping students understand the real-world application of their studies. Our language program in French and Amharic further develops multilingual communication skills, fostering international-mindedness and cross-cultural understanding. At Kelem, learning is a dynamic and interactive process, where students are empowered to take ownership of their education and become lifelong learners.
Early Childhood
We infuse the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) into the Finnish Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) to best meet the needs of our KG students. The IEYC is a research-based curriculum recognizing global best practice in early childhood and the developmental needs of KG students. The IEYC supports key areas of learning through holistic enquiry and play-based approaches with ‘subjects’ being organized into four main strands. The four main strands are summarized below.
Learning strands
This strand focuses on developing the skills of inquiry through exploring people and the world. It will support children in understanding the similarities and differences in people, living things, the environment, and materials. Children will be encouraged to investigate, pose questions and explore ideas.
In our school, preschoolers participate in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) by engaging in projects alongside students from lower school grades. This collaborative structure allows preps to develop essential communication skills, understand teamwork, and contribute to solving school-wide goals set through PBL initiatives. They gain valuable inquiry skills, as PBL encourages them to explore real-world problems, ask questions, and work in teams. This approach is an integral part of our adaptation of the Finnish Curriculum, which emphasizes student-centered learning and inquiry-based methods. The advantage of PBL is that it nurtures critical thinking, fosters a deeper understanding of subjects, and enhances their ability to work together towards common objectives.
This strand focuses on developing personal, social and emotional development. The strand links to the IEYC Personal Goals and the IEYC International Dimension. This strand enables children to see themselves as unique individuals with a cultural heritage. It supports children in building positive relationships and in responding to their own and others’ feelings. It also encourages them to approach tasks with increasing confidence and independence.
This strand focuses on developing a broad range of communication skills including language development, early literacy, early mathematics, ICT and computing, expressive arts, and creativity. This Learning Strand encompasses early literacy and early mathematics. At Kelem, we emphasize the importance of early digital skills, introducing young learners to technology in a way that fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and a positive attitude towards the digital world. Starting from an early stage, students engage with age-appropriate technology tools, which helps prepare them for future digital learning experiences. Additionally, we have introduced the phonics scheme called Letters and Sounds, a world-renowned approach to teaching early reading skills in a fun and play-based manner.
This strand focuses on developing a positive attitude to health, self-care, and physical activity. Children will know about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. They will learn how to take care of basic hygiene and personal needs. They will understand how to keep themselves safe. They will demonstrate control, coordination, and increasing confidence in a range of physical activities. This strand covers child development and the importance of nurturing wellbeing in children. The Finnish Core Curriculum for ECEC is based on learning according to how children develop and learn in interaction with other people and the immediate environment. The conception of learning is also based on a view of the child’s active agency. Children are naturally curious and wish to learn new things and revise and repeat what they have learned. Learning is holistic and occurs everywhere. It combines knowledge, skills, actions, emotions, sensory perceptions, bodily experiences, language, and thinking. Learning occurs when children observe and examine their surroundings and they imitate the actions of others.
Grade 1 – 4
The teaching and learning in grades 1–4 build constructively on the academic foundations and skills acquired in pre-primary and early childhood education. A key focus during these years is to help students build a positive self-image as learners and develop the skills necessary for future learning.
In grades 1–4, learning strands transition into specific subjects taught by trained class teachers and specialized teachers. Core subjects such as Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies are scheduled five times a week, while specialist subjects—World Language (Amharic and French), PE, Music, Visual Arts, and Craft—are taught twice a week. Each class is supported by a homeroom teacher and a teaching assistant, who provide consistent learning support. This support is integral to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, as it allows teachers to address individual needs, create personalized learning paths, and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, in line with the principles of the Finnish Curriculum. Subjects
Learning strands
Mathematical knowledge and skills in grades 1–4 are developed through inquiry-based pedagogy, following the principles of the Finnish curriculum. This approach emphasizes fostering a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through open-ended questioning, discussion, and the use of visualization techniques. Students are encouraged to explore mathematical ideas hands-on using practical tools such as manipulatives, which help to solidify foundational concepts.
As students progress through grades 1–4, they build upon simple concepts, gradually moving to more complex topics. Key foundations, such as understanding number operations, place value, and basic geometry, are introduced early and expanded over time, ensuring students gain a strong grasp of essential mathematical skills.
We use the international edition of Finnish Star Maths alongside White Rose Maths for math instruction from Grades 1 to 8, ensuring continuity and progression. This comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports students in developing logical and creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills, preparing them for more advanced mathematical learning.
Immersing students in language and promoting the joy and value of reading are hallmarks of our English Language Arts program. The program emphasizes skills development in reading literature and informational texts, writing narratives, opinion and informational pieces, knowing and using English language conventions and vocabulary, and listening and speaking. A variety of classroom structures and instructional approaches are used to develop these skills, including guided reading sessions, phonics, small group instruction, and one-to-one coaching. English language arts, science, and social studies are integrated wherever possible to provide connections and optimize understanding. Journeys and Collections are the resources we employ to teach English Language Arts.
Starting from early grades, the program builds foundational skills such as phonics, vocabulary development, grammar (e.g., forming sentences with proper nouns, verb tenses, and punctuation), and comprehension strategies like making predictions, summarizing, and making inferences. Students progressively enhance their ability to write by planning and drafting their own stories, reports, and descriptions, with a focus on structured writing tasks. From Grade 1 to 4, students engage in end-of-unit performance tasks, such as writing stories, descriptions, or informational pieces, that allow them to apply the skills learned throughout each term.
Exploration and application of science concepts and processes using hands-on materials and investigations are central to our science curriculum. Life science, Earth and space sciences, and physical science are integrated throughout the years, with a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) component embedded in each unit. Students are encouraged to explore scientific ideas through inquiry, hands-on experiments, and collaborative problem-solving tasks. The resource we implement, Science Fusion, is an active learning tool that provides engaging opportunities for students to build their understanding of the natural world.
STEM is emphasized not only as a way to understand scientific content but also to cultivate essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Through projects like building prototypes, designing solutions, and conducting experiments, students experience the real-world applications of science and technology. From understanding plant life cycles to investigating ecosystems and energy systems, our approach ensures that science is seen as a dynamic and interactive subject.
Within an international and host-country, Ethiopia context, students in social studies engage in learning about culture and geography, change, and government and economics. Learning is built upon the Oxford International Curriculum for history and geography which has been developed for international schools in conjunction with the ethics and religion aspects of the Finnish curriculum.
At Kelem, starting from Grade 1, students receive instruction in French and Amharic. The program is designed for both students learning an additional language and those who are native speakers. Emphasis is placed on developing essential language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—alongside learning about the culture of the target language. These languages are seen as crucial to helping students become confident, reflective, and multilingual communicators. Learning multiple languages promotes cognitive growth, lifelong learning, and cross-cultural communication, aligning with the principles of the Finnish curriculum.
In French, the curriculum is structured around interactive lessons that focus on foundational language elements. For instance, in Grade 1, students learn greetings, colors, numbers, and basic action words, while progressively developing their ability to describe their environment and express emotions. By Grade 4, they can engage in conversations about family, animals, and leisure activities, practicing their skills through songs, stories, and classroom interactions.
In Amharic, students similarly begin with the basics of language, learning to greet others, describe seasons and climates, and name days of the week and months. As they progress, they develop the ability to read and write letters, recognize numbers, and describe various objects and body parts. Interactive methods such as role-playing, storytelling, and group discussions help students strengthen their language skills while learning about Ethiopian culture.
A key component of the Finnish curriculum, students throughout the school engage in a wide variety of physical fitness activities and games, all designed to promote good health, self-esteem, confidence, and a physically active lifestyle. Students are also educated on the importance of nutrition, receiving a healthy, nutritious meal at lunch and healthy snacks twice a day. They eat together as a community, and learn the value of balanced nutrition as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Students participate in a broad range of activities that enhance both physical and mental well-being. These include athletics (running, jumping, and throwing), ball games like football, basketball, and dodgeball, and gymnastics, where they learn balance, coordination, and safety techniques. Physical fitness lessons emphasize movement skills, coordination, and developing lifelong habits of active living. Swimming lessons are also offered, focusing on water safety and basic strokes, fostering endurance and confidence in the water. Through these varied activities, students build physical resilience, teamwork, and personal responsibility.
The goal of music education is to give students a way to express themselves creatively, build an appreciation and enjoyment of music, and develop important life skills such as discipline, focus, and teamwork. By practicing regularly, students improve their musical skills and learn the basics of music. In music classes, they sing, play instruments, dance, listen, and perform, which helps them understand and enjoy music both on their own and with others.
Throughout the year, students explore various elements of music such as melody, rhythm, tempo, and dynamics. They learn to distinguish between different musical instruments, particularly the families of instruments in the orchestra, and gain hands-on experience with percussion and string instruments. Additionally, students work on vocal exercises, learning to control their breathing and use their voices expressively. Activities such as composing simple melodies, clapping to rhythms, and participating in group performances allow students to build both technical and creative skills. By integrating listening, movement, and performance, the music program develops a well-rounded appreciation for the art of music.
The visual arts program encourages students to explore a variety of creative processes through visual art techniques, language, and principles, helping them build confidence and develop their artistic skills. By describing, evaluating, and reflecting upon their own and others’ artworks, students learn to make connections between art, their personal experiences, other subjects, and the world around them.
Throughout the year, students engage with different mediums and techniques such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and paper crafts. They explore the formal elements of art, including color, texture, and pattern, and apply these concepts to their work. Activities like still life drawing, mosaic creation, and experimenting with painting techniques allow students to express themselves artistically while refining their technical abilities. Additionally, students learn how to present their artwork, and they explore the use of art as a means of income during events such as Family Day.
Grade 5 – 9
The special task of grades 5-9 is to guide and support the students during the years of intense development, to ensure that they complete their studies in the basic education syllabus. Our students are inspired to be lifelong learners and to act with integrity and compassion. We provide a supportive environment where strong relationships, social responsibility and academic excellence are expected at every grade level. It is especially important that each student has the best possible preconditions for the study following basic education and the ability to consider his or her choices realistically.
At Kelem we understand that during this age we need to embrace the shifting emotional, social, and academic needs of adolescents, with a nurturing environment that values relationships, responsibility and respect; this combination allows us to meet the unique needs of this age group. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves, their studies, friends, and surroundings and are guided towards developing a community spirit, where bullying, sexual harassment, racism, or other discrimination is not tolerated. The students’ motivation to study is enhanced by caring and encountering each student as an individual and by using diverse working approaches and learning environments.
Outside of the classroom, students can be involved in after-school activities – sports, arts and clubs, for instance a coding club, which foster a love for learning, creativity, compassion and sportsmanship.
Subjects
In Grades 5–9, math learning takes a balanced approach, where students build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts by exploring a concise set of topics at each grade level. This progression allows students to master the content through reasoning, engaging activities, stimulating exercises, and continual practice, building on previous knowledge. We ensure a balance between conceptual understanding and procedural fluency, providing equal exposure to discovery learning and direct instruction. This approach equips students to develop both critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
As students advance, the math curriculum includes topics such as algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability. They engage in more complex problem-solving activities, working with ratios, percentages, trigonometry, and algebraic expressions. Students also delve into real-world applications through themed projects, connecting mathematical concepts to everyday life and various professional fields. This structure ensures that they not only grasp abstract theories but also understand how mathematics is used in practical, real-life contexts.
The English Language Arts program is designed to engage students with thought-provoking, high-interest texts that support them in becoming critical readers. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. The texts cover various genres, challenging students to grow as both readers and thinkers.
Students write for diverse purposes, including explanation, persuasion, and conveying real or imagined experiences. They are provided with ample opportunities for speaking and writing about the texts they encounter. Building vocabulary is a central focus, as it supports ongoing comprehension development. The program also emphasizes the application of language conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre study to create, critique, and discuss written works. Core resources used include Collections and other quality literature.
Across Grades 5–9, students engage in progressively complex reading and writing tasks, exploring themes such as migration, power, dystopia, and identity. They develop key skills in analyzing the structure of various texts, understanding character motivations, and interpreting figurative language. Writing projects range from creative narratives to argumentative essays, with students encouraged to refine their use of grammar and syntax. Regular speaking exercises, such as debates and oral presentations, further enhance their communication abilities.
The science program is designed to provide students with hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that foster curiosity and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts. Students engage in experiments, observations, and investigations across the three core disciplines of science: biology, chemistry, and physics. Research and writing skills specific to science are also emphasized in the program, encouraging students to conduct thorough investigations and communicate their findings effectively. Through this process, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they ask questions, design experiments, and draw conclusions based on evidence.
Science education is structured around the Finnish curriculum, which integrates phenomenon-based learning, allowing students to explore real-world problems and interdisciplinary connections between scientific concepts. This approach helps students understand science not just as isolated facts but as a system of interconnected knowledge. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles are applied throughout the curriculum, encouraging an integrative approach that links scientific learning with practical applications and technological innovations.
In grades 5–9, students delve deeper into biology, chemistry, and physics. Topics in biology include ecosystems, cell biology, and human body systems. Chemistry units cover the structure of matter, chemical reactions, and the properties of elements. In physics, students explore motion, energy, and electricity. STEM projects, such as designing models, conducting experiments on energy efficiency, and understanding the mechanics of forces, help students apply what they learn in a practical context. The emphasis on collaborative learning, experimentation, and real-world application ensures that students not only grasp the scientific concepts but also see how science shapes and improves the world around them.
Social Studies provides students with a strong foundation of content knowledge grounded in conceptual big ideas, as emphasized by the Finnish curriculum. This approach helps students capture broad understandings of historical, geographical, and societal concepts, which they apply to analyze and interpret current global and local events. The curriculum integrates reflective inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking as key instructional methods, encouraging students to engage deeply with the material and make meaningful connections between past events and contemporary issues.
In Grades 5–9, students explore a wide range of topics including world history, geography, civics, ethics, economics, and human rights. For example, they study ancient civilizations, world wars, political revolutions, and the rise of modern societies. Geography lessons cover the physical and human geography of various regions, environmental changes, and the impact of globalization. These subjects help students develop an understanding of cultural diversity, global interdependence, and the importance of sustainable development.
Methods used in social science learning include collaborative research projects, debates, case studies, and fieldwork. Students often engage in group discussions to explore different perspectives on social issues and historical events. Reflective inquiry tasks prompt them to ask critical questions and evaluate the causes and effects of societal changes. The program also emphasizes the use of ICT and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance students’ understanding of spatial data and its applications in real-world scenarios. This approach ensures that students are not just passive learners but active participants in their own understanding of the world, equipping them with the tools to become informed and responsible global citizens.
At Kelem, instruction in French and Amharic is designed for both students who are learning the language as an additional language and for those who are native speakers. The program focuses on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, while also introducing students to the cultural contexts of the target languages. We believe that learning additional languages plays a key role in fostering internationally-minded students who are confident, reflective, and capable communicators in multiple languages. By advancing language skills in more than one language, students enhance their cognitive abilities and develop valuable cross-cultural communication skills.
For French, students work progressively through levels aligned with the internationally recognized DELF exams (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française). Younger learners focus on basic vocabulary, greetings, numbers, and everyday expressions, while middle school students advance to more complex grammatical structures and topics like past tense and describing experiences. As they progress, students build their language proficiency through interactive activities like singing, role-playing, and storytelling. In the upper grades, students explore cultural and humanitarian topics, applying language skills in real-world contexts, such as organizing events or discussing careers.
In Amharic, students are placed into levels based on their initial assessments and focus on both language development and cultural understanding. Topics include greetings, time-specific vocabulary, and common action verbs, alongside learning letters and building reading comprehension. Activities such as group discussions, listening exercises, and interactive role-playing help students develop practical communication skills. As they progress, they also learn about Ethiopian culture, seasons, and historical contexts, which further enrich their understanding of the language.
The physical education program aims to develop a positive attitude among students towards fitness, health, teamwork, and the importance of physical well-being. To achieve these objectives, the program offers a diversified range of team and individual activities, ensuring all students have access to the core PE curriculum. The curriculum emphasizes physical fitness, skill development, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for an active lifestyle. Students are encouraged to participate in school teams and engage in competitions with other schools, which further builds their teamwork and competitive spirit.
For Grades 5–9, the PE curriculum extends to include more specialized activities such as athletics (running, jumping, throwing), various team sports (football, basketball, and volleyball), and gymnastics. Emphasis is placed on refining motor skills, understanding the rules and strategies of different sports, and developing leadership skills. Additionally, students are introduced to more advanced fitness routines and are encouraged to monitor their personal fitness goals. Through regular practice and participation in sports events, students build resilience, confidence, and teamwork abilities that extend beyond the physical realm and support their overall development.
The purpose of music education at Kelem is to give students opportunities for creative expression, develop aesthetic awareness, and foster a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of music. Music education also helps students build important life skills, such as discipline, collaboration, and perseverance, which are cultivated through the practice and improvement of musical aptitude. At Kelem, students begin learning to play instruments such as the recorder, keyboard, guitar, and Maskinko, and they are encouraged to perform for others. Throughout the school year, students are exposed to a variety of music genres and increasingly complex pieces, which develop their musical range and confidence.
In Grades 5–9, the music curriculum expands to include more in-depth study of music theory, history, and performance techniques. Students continue to develop their skills with instruments and explore vocal training, while also learning to interpret and compose music. Collaborative performances are a key part of the program, where students work together to prepare for concerts or school events. Additionally, they engage with diverse musical traditions from around the world, deepening their understanding of how music reflects culture and history. Through hands-on practice and creative projects, students enhance their ability to express themselves musically, whether through solo or group performances.
In the visual arts program, students apply artistic skills grounded in design principles using various media such as drawing, painting, and ceramics. Art creation serves as a platform for students to critically analyze both their own work and the works of others, encouraging reflection on art as a form of self-expression. Through the study of art history and cultural influences, students compare and contrast artworks from different time periods and cultures, gaining an understanding of how art shapes and is shaped by society.
For students in Grades 5–9, the curriculum extends to include more complex techniques and media, such as digital art, sculpture, and mixed media. Students learn advanced concepts in composition, colour theory, and perspective, allowing them to create more detailed and sophisticated pieces. They also explore themes such as identity, environmental art, and social issues, using art as a medium to express their views. Critiquing both their own work and the work of others fosters a deeper understanding of visual communication. Collaborative projects, group exhibitions, and presentations help students build confidence in sharing their creative ideas while continuing to develop technical and conceptual skills.
STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) at Kelem International School places a strong emphasis on integrating mathematics, science and arts within a hands-on, inquiry-based framework. In mathematics, students apply their understanding of mathematical concepts through problem-solving activities and projects that often involve technology and engineering principles. For example, mathematical skills such as measurement, geometry, and data analysis are applied in STEM projects where students design and test solutions to real-world problems or create art works. By connecting math to practical tasks, students see the relevance of their mathematical learning beyond the classroom.
Digital learning is another key aspect of STEAM, equipping students with the technological tools to enhance their mathematical and scientific reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Digital platforms and coding exercises allow students to create simulations, work with algorithms, and develop solutions using computational thinking. This integration of technology not only strengthens their digital literacy but also reinforces their understanding of mathematics and sciences in dynamic, real-world contexts.
At Kelem, STEAM integrates mathematics, science, and technology to foster a holistic learning environment where students can explore the intersections of these disciplines, preparing them for a digitally-driven and innovation-focused future.
Home Economics is an essential part of the Finnish curriculum at Kelem, focusing on developing students’ practical life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and financial literacy. We are introducing this subject in an integrative manner, combining it with science, social studies, arts, and physical education lessons. This approach helps students understand how various aspects of daily life, such as managing a home, cooking, and budgeting, are interconnected, providing them with a deeper understanding of how different disciplines come together when living and maintaining their homes. As the program progresses, Home Economics will also be introduced as an independent subject while still maintaining its cross-curricular connections. Through hands-on learning and real-world applications, students will gain essential life skills that promote responsibility, sustainability, and independence.
