Curriculum & Academics

Excellence in education across all levels

Our Academic Programs

At Cypress Hillside School, we provide a comprehensive curriculum that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

Creche baby smiling

Our Infant School Crèche is a warm and nurturing space where your little one’s journey begins with love and care in early learning. We understand that the first years of life are foundational, and our crèche is designed to support your child’s development in a safe, joyful, and stimulating environment.

At Cypress Hillside, we believe that even the tiniest learner deserve the best start. Our Infant School Crèche is more than a childcare; it’s the beginning of a lifelong love for learning.

Age Group

3-12 months

Focus Areas

Emotional Security, loving care, sensory exploration

What Makes Our Creche Special?

A clean, secure, and welcoming space tailored for infants
Trained staff members who provide attentive, loving care
Age-appropriate activities that encourage motor skills, language, and social development
Daily routines that promote comfort, consistency, and growth
Strong communication with parents to ensure every child’s needs are met

We are delighted to welcome you to the Early Years Preschool at Cypress Hillside School, where play is purposeful, learning is hands-on, and every child is nurtured according to their unique needs.

Preschool children engaged in hands-on learning

Age Group Placement

Preschool 1

1-2 years

1 by 31st August

Preschool 2

2-3 years

2 by 31st August

Preschool 3

3-4 years

3 by 31st August

Preschool 4

4-5 years

4 by 31st August

Understanding Age Group Placement

What is the age requirement for each class group?

Age grouping is a developmental strategy, not just a logistical one. This approach supports peer interaction and curriculum readiness, ensuring children learn alongside others at similar developmental stages.

Why is 31st August used as the age reference date?

The 31st August cut-off is a widely recognised benchmark that aligns with academic calendars and ensures consistency across schools internationally. This standardization helps maintain educational continuity.

How is class placement determined?

Class placement is determined by the age of the child as of 31st August of the academic year. This ensures all children in a class are at similar developmental stages.

Can exceptions be made for early or late birthdays?

While we acknowledge the uniqueness of each child's development, we maintain the 31st August cut-off to ensure appropriate peer grouping and curriculum alignment. This consistency supports the learning environment for all students.

Our Blended Curriculum Approach

We follow a play-based curriculum inspired by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, infused with Montessori principles. This blended approach supports holistic development through exploration, creativity, purposeful play, and self-directed learning.

EYFS Framework
Montessori Principles
Play-Based Learning

Hands-On Learning Activities

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Art & Craft Projects

Painting, cutting, gluing, and sculpting that develops fine motor skills and creative expression

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Outdoor Exploration

Observing plants, insects, and seasonal changes through sensory engagement

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Early Science Experiments

Mixing colors, exploring magnets, and basic scientific thinking

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Montessori Practical Life Tasks

Pouring, sweeping, buttoning, and sorting to build coordination and confidence

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Construction & Manipulatives

Blocks, puzzles, and loose parts support spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

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Water & Sand Play

Sensory-rich experiences promote experimentation, storytelling, and emotional regulation.

Daily Preschool Schedule

7:50-8:00 AM

Arrival & Morning Routine

Settling in, greeting friends, building independence

8:00-8:15 AM

Free Play / Morning Tubs

Encourages creativity and social interaction

8:15–8:25 AM

Circle Time

Builds community, introduces daily themes

8:25–9:25 AM

Learning Centers & Small Groups

Hands-on exploration of math, literacy, art

9:30–10:00 AM

Outdoor Play / Recess

Gross motor development, fresh air

10–10:50 AM

Focused Learning (Math, Science)

Cognitive skills, problem-solving

11:00–11:30 AM

Lunch

Social/ mealtime etiquette

11:45–12:45 PM

Nap / Quiet Time

Rest and emotional regulation

Afternoon Activities

Music, storytelling, crafts, or sensory play

Primary student in classroom activities

Blending British and Nigerian curricula for holistic, transformative learning

At Cypress Hillside School, we embrace a rich and dynamic blend of the British and Nigerian curricula, each offering unique strengths that together create a holistic and transformative learning experience.

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British Curriculum

Emphasis on creativity, inquiry, and global awareness. Encourages independent thinking and lifelong learning with structured progression and critical thinking focus.

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Nigerian Curriculum

Strong foundation in national relevance, identity, and academic rigor. Grounds students in heritage while developing modern skills with depth in core subjects.

Pupils begin their formal learning journey with focus on foundational literacy, numeracy, science, and social awareness through engaging, hands-on experiences.

Academic Foundation

  • Numeracy - Quantitative Reasoning
  • Literacy - Grammar, Creative Writing, Comprehension
  • Verbal Reasoning, Diction, Spelling
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Religious Studies - CRK
  • Language Studies - French, Yoruba
  • Creative and Expressive Arts - Music, Fine Art
  • Technology - ICT
  • Handwriting

Leadership Development

  • Classroom responsibilities
  • Group collaboration
  • Opportunities to speak, decide, and lead in small settings

Assessment Methods

  • Baseline Testing after holidays
  • Continuous observation
  • Formative assessments

Pupils deepen their knowledge and take greater ownership of their learning, expanding to include history, geography, and advanced leadership development.

Academic Foundation

  • Numeracy - Quantitative Reasoning
  • Literacy - Grammar, Creative Writing, Comprehension
  • Verbal Reasoning, Diction, Spelling
  • Science
  • Humanities - History, Geography, Leadership Development
  • Religious Studies - CRK
  • Language Studies - French, Yoruba
  • Creative and Expressive Arts - Music, Fine Art
  • Technology - ICT
  • Leadership Development
  • Handwriting

Leadership Development

  • Project-based learning
  • Public speaking and presentations
  • Peer mentoring and service initiatives

Assessment Methods

  • Written tests and quizzes
  • Oral presentations
  • Group projects and reflective journals
View Full Curriculum PDF

Complete detailed curriculum document

CHS VALUE OFFERINGS

Our comprehensive educational approach designed to nurture well-rounded learners

Personalized attention for optimal learning and individual growth with limited class sizes.

Students drive their educational journey with guided independence and self-directed exploration.

Preparing students with practical life skills for real-world challenges and future success.

Excellence in core academic disciplines with strong foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Hands-on learning through engaging, real-world projects that develop problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Child-centered educational approach that fosters independence, self-direction, and hands-on learning.

A nurturing environment that promotes respect, inclusivity, and positive relationships among students and staff.

Blending the best of British educational standards with Nigerian cultural context and requirements.

Integrated learning approach where academic subjects are connected through meaningful thematic units.

Developing moral integrity, responsibility, and ethical behavior through intentional character education.

Seamless integration of technology to enhance learning, creativity, and digital literacy skills.

Cutting-edge educational approaches that prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.

Personalized instruction tailored to individual learning styles, paces, and abilities.

Early Years Foundation Stage framework that supports holistic development in young children.

Developing emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and positive social interactions.

A safe, welcoming space where every child feels valued, respected, and supported.

Dedicated teachers who inspire, motivate, and guide students toward excellence.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We offer a diverse range of activities to develop well-rounded individuals:

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ARTS

Creative expression through various art forms

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BALLET

Graceful dance and movement education

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CODING

Digital literacy and programming skills

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CHESS

Strategic thinking and problem-solving

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HOME MAKER

Life skills and practical home management

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MUSIC

Musical instruments and vocal training

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SWIMMING

Water safety and swimming techniques

Ready to Learn More?

Discover how our curriculum can benefit your child's educational journey and set them up for success.

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