At Ascot International School, Year 1 and Year 2 (ages 5–7) represent a golden window of opportunity. This is the stage where a child’s natural curiosity is transformed into a sophisticated, lifelong framework for learning. While the legal requirement for formal education in Thailand begins at age six, the Ascot advantage starts earlier, ensuring students don’t just “start” school, but thrive from day one.
We don’t just teach subjects; we teach students how to think.
Our curriculum is framed through the IB’s 6 Transdisciplinary Themes, which allow children to explore the world through a lens of inquiry.
Learning is driven by “Why?” and “How?”, moving beyond rote memorization to deep conceptual understanding. Through this inquiry-based approach, students develop the agency to lead their own learning journey.
Research and experience tell us that ages five and six are a critical window for learning. This is the stage when children consolidate early literacy and numeracy, develop positive learning habits, and begin to see themselves as capable, confident learners.
At Ascot, Year 1 and Year 2 are not about rushing children into formal academics. Instead, they are about getting it right early. Through age-appropriate, carefully scaffolded learning, students develop the essential skills they need while still learning through play, exploration, and inquiry.
These years are also socially significant. Children learn how to collaborate, communicate, manage emotions, and build friendships. Joining Ascot in Year 1 or Year 2 allows students to grow alongside their peers from the very start of Primary School, fostering a strong sense of belonging and security.
In Year 1 and Year 2, literacy learning is purposeful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. Our programme focuses on:
Children learn to read for meaning, not just to decode words. Rich discussions, shared texts, guided reading, and authentic writing experiences ensure that literacy is meaningful and enjoyable.
Mathematics in Year 1 and Year 2 focuses on deep understanding rather than memorisation. Students develop:
Learning is hands-on and inquiry-driven, using concrete materials, games, and real-life contexts so children truly understand how numbers work.
Ascot International School is proud to be an IB World School. In Year 1 and Year 2, learning is framed through the IB Primary Years Programme, which places inquiry, student agency, and conceptual understanding at its core.
Students explore the curriculum through the IB’s six transdisciplinary themes, such as Who we are, How the world works, and Sharing the planet. These themes connect learning across subjects and help children make sense of the world around them.
Teaching through inquiry means that students are encouraged to:
This approach develops confident thinkers who are curious, reflective, and engaged — skills that support success far beyond the early years.
At Ascot, a well-rounded education is built into the weekly schedule. Our Year 1 and 2 students benefit from dedicated specialist-led sessions:
We recognize that every child’s path is unique. EAL Excellence: For students developing English language proficiency, our specialist support ensures they gain the tools to access the full curriculum without losing momentum. Closing the Gaps: Through close observation, assessment and catering for the needs of individuals,, teachers identify and address small learning gaps immediately, maintaining the child’s confidence and motivation.
We believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and happy. Our classrooms are calm, structured environments where mistakes are celebrated as essential steps in the learning process. We focus on emotional development and self-regulation, ensuring our students are as resilient as they are academic.
At Ascot, we understand that academic excellence is only possible when a child feels emotionally secure and socially capable. To ensure our Year 1 and 2 students develop these vital life skills, we integrate the world-renowned Second Step programme into our daily curriculum.
This research-based social-emotional learning (SEL) framework is specifically designed to bridge the gap between early childhood and primary school. Through the Second Step programme, our students engage in structured, age-appropriate lessons that focus on:
By prioritizing wellbeing through Second Step, we ensure that every Year 1 and 2 student at Ascot is not just learning, but is developing the character and confidence to navigate the world with resilience
Year 1 and Year 2 provide a gentle, well-supported transition from Early Years into Primary learning. Strong communication between teachers and families ensures that children settle quickly and confidently.
Parents are seen as partners in learning, and regular communication helps families feel informed, supported, and connected to school life.
Learning at Ascot continues well after the final bell. Our extensive Extra-Curricular Activity (ECA) and AFA programs allow Year 1 and 2 students to discover new passions and refine their talents:
Enrichment & Creativity (ECA) | Ascot Football Academy (AFA) & Athletics |
Culinary Arts: Hands-on cooking classes. | Elite Football: Professional coaching through AFA. |
Strategy: Competitive Chess to build logic. | Court Sports: Basketball and Badminton. |
Expression: Dance and Storytelling. | Martial Arts: Discipline-focused Tae Kwon Do. |
Culture: Thai Language and Culture classes. | Spirit: Cheerleading and Swimming. |
Fine Arts: Advanced Creative Arts projects. | Teamwork: Collaborative sports for social growth. |
Families choose Ascot International School because we:
Year 1 and Year 2 at Ascot are not just the start of school, they are the foundation for future success.
The best way to witness the magic of our Year 1 and 2 classrooms is to see them in action. We invite you to book a private tour to see how we bridge the gap between early childhood and primary success.
