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CURRICULUM
A CURRICULUM BUILT ON ENDURING KNOWLEDGE
FKA delivers a content-rich English curriculum based on the Core Knowledge tradition developed by Professor E.D. Hirsch — taught in small, considered classes for students aged 8 to 15.
THE CORE KNOWLEDGE TRADITION
CONTENT, NOT MERELY SKILL
Core Knowledge is a curriculum designed by University of Virginia Professor E.D. Hirsch. It is content-focused, rather than skill-focused. Professor Hirsch's philosophy holds that high-functioning individuals draw on background knowledge to foster understanding — not on isolated reading skills such as keyword identification.
Modern education increasingly emphasises skill-based learning, which research suggests does not adequately prepare students for the demands of the world. Reading skills are not freely transferable between texts; without background knowledge, no amount of reading skill can compensate.
TUITION & LESSON STRUCTURE
SEVENTY CONSIDERED MINUTES
Each group accommodates students across 2 grade levels. Every session lasts 70 minutes and follows a clear and logical rhythm.
I.
MAIN SUBJECT MATERIALS
40 MINUTES
Core Knowledge content across literature, history, geography and science.
II.
QUIZ AND LEARNING CONSOLIDATION
10 MINUTES
A brief recall exercise to consolidate the day's material.
III.
SCHOOL-BASED TAILORED SUPPORT
20 MINUTES
Group tutorial on pupils' own school materials and homework.
Schedule may vary by lesson. All pupils attend twice each week, freely choosing their combination of days across our two weekly cycles.
SMALL GROUP LEARNING
SEVEN PUPILS, NEVER MORE
Each group is capped at seven students. Small group learning is far more effective than individual or large-group instruction — pupils benefit from the unique perspectives of peers, and the teacher can attend to every voice.
It is also a deliberate philosophical choice: a true seminar happens only where dialogue is possible. We will expand this provision in time, but our pedagogical commitment to the small group is permanent.
PROGRAMMES
TUITION & LESSON STRUCTURE
Our lessons run in two cycles each week. Every student attends two lessons, freely choosing any combination of Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 days.
CYCLE I
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
CYCLE II
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
All students sign up for two lessons per week. Any combination of Cycle 1 and 2 days may be chosen.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
LESSON TIMES
CORE KNOWLEDGE CURRICULUM TOPICS
The following table outlines topics that will be covered for each level. It is important to note that the Core Knowledge Curriculum can be quite challenging and demanding, and it is not originally designed for students who are non-native English speakers. Students who sign up for FKA lessons are expected to already have a decent command of the English language (i.e. an overall B grade for English). Core Knowledge emphasises research-based results, making it extremely worthwhile for students who are ready for the challenge. The curriculum encompasses topics such as English Language Arts, Literature, Geography, World History, Science, Visual Arts, Music