The basic framework of the program for our school and the textbooks used is the same as for other public schools in the Republic of Croatia. Therefore, the students learn and follow the exact identical programme as all other students in all other public schools. However, there are several supplementary programs planned in our school and plenty of sports programmes to meet the needs of students enrolled (the school has 9,000 square meters of indoor space with three sports halls and a large indoor swimming pool to facilitate this).
Since classrooms have an average of 15 students, lessons are prepared and taught with less time devoted to frontal teaching and more attention to individual teaching with students. In their free time students spend their time at 25,000 m2 of outdoor greenery for recreation, sports grounds and a large children's playground. We push the learning of English and students are required to learn English every day which in 8 years of education calculates to 1400 hours of English lessons.
In this way, students learn the English language very well, which has been confirmed in different competitions and examinations or by even continuing their education abroad. In the second grade, students can start learning either the German and Italian language. All languages, except English, are elective subjects. Over 50 % of students are foreign nationals and in that way the school develops a sense of international mindedness and a respect for diversity; everyone having the opportunity to be educated together with native speakers of foreign languages which they learn in Kreativan razvoj Primary School. Since their knowledge and understanding is usually above the average student’s norm, in addition to basic school textbooks, they also use other professional literature. Computer science education is introduced from first grade in a state of the art equipped computer classroom. On top of that, there is a Drama pedagogue working with children which they attend one lesson per week in Grades 1 to 4.
Such an approach to the curriculum allows greater fulfilment of the developmental and cognitive needs of each individual student. Any particular student can, in some of the curriculum areas or activities, for which he or she is gifted or expresses a particular interest, progress faster and beyond the foreseen framework curriculum. The best example is the English language where an advanced group of students in our primary school, complete a secondary language school program beyond their years. When taking into account the all-round development of each individual student, teachers, together with their parents, strive to ensure that students participate in scientific, artistic, sports and practical activities. This approach also requires specific planning and teaching that enables for the optimal individualisation of learning. Once put into practice, teachers outline individual and common teaching goals that are then taught and practice through joint problem solving tasks, learning through research and mentoring, whilst students are engaged in individual and joint projects.
The joint program of work that caters for the national curriculum and student personal interest for each school year is jointly agreed upon and planned by the school principle, teachers, students and their parents, so that each generation has a slightly different program, depending on both interests and capabilities.