Early Years Education and Curriculum at The Learning Tree Kep

Early Years Education at The Learning Tree (Kep, Cambodia)

At The Learning Tree, we provide a high-quality early years education program for children aged 2 to 5, located in the heart of Kep, Cambodia. Our unique bilingual education curriculum combines the strengths of the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with the National Khmer curriculum, giving children the best of both international and local educational approaches.

Our child-centred program is designed to support each child’s development through a balance of structured learning, play-based activities, and hands-on discovery. Children are taught in English with a strong focus on building essential early skills, while also developing an understanding of Cambodian culture and language.

Our preschool curriculum covers key areas of early learning:

Communication and Language – Developing confidence in both spoken English and Khmer through stories, songs, conversations, and role play.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development – Encouraging independence, confidence, empathy, and teamwork.

Physical Development – Enhancing fine and gross motor skills through movement, outdoor play, art, and practical tasks.

Literacy – Introducing early reading and writing through phonics, Khmer script, storytelling, and mark-making.

Mathematics – Exploring early maths concepts such as counting, sorting, shapes, and problem-solving through engaging, hands-on activities.

Understanding the World – Helping children explore nature, local traditions, family life, and their wider community.

Creative Arts and Imagination – Encouraging creativity through drawing, building, music, dance, and imaginative play.

With a blend of British and Cambodian early childhood education, our program not only prepares children for local primary schools but also lays a strong foundation for the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 curriculum. The Learning Tree is an ideal choice for families seeking a nurturing, English-speaking preschool or kindergarten in Cambodia.

At The Learning Tree, our Key Stage 1 (KS1) program offers a rich and supportive learning environment for children aged 5 to 7. We integrate the UK National Curriculum with the Cambodian Primary Curriculum, providing a well-rounded bilingual education that equips students for both international and local pathways. 

Our KS1 classes are primarily taught in English, complemented by daily Khmer lessons that enhance language skills and cultural understanding. We emphasize the development of confident, curious learners who establish strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking—while also fostering skills to work independently and collaboratively.

Within our Key Stage 1 curriculum, students engage in a variety of subjects, including:

- English Language and Literacy: Developing reading, writing, grammar, phonics, and speaking skills in English.

- Mathematics: Building a robust foundation in numbers, addition, subtraction, shapes, measurement, and problem-solving.

- Science: Exploring living things, materials, weather, seasons, and conducting basic experiments to ignite curiosity.

- Khmer Language and Culture: Learning to read and write in Khmer, along with lessons on Cambodian history, customs, and traditions.

- Social Studies: Understanding family, community, geography, and the world around us.

- Art and Design: Encouraging creativity through drawing, painting, crafting, and design projects.

- Physical Education (PE): Promoting coordination, teamwork, and fitness through structured play and games.

- Music and Movement: Building rhythm, confidence, and expression through songs, instruments, and dance.

With small class sizes and tailored support, our KS1 program ensures that each child reaches their potential in a fun, inclusive, and inspiring setting. As we prepare students for the transition to either the local or international primary education systems, they are well-equipped for the next stage of their learning journey, including the Key Stage 2 curriculum.

At The Learning Tree in Kep, our Key Stage 2 (KS2) program offers a dynamic, engaging, and bilingual education for children aged 7 to 11. We integrate the UK National Curriculum with the Cambodian Primary Curriculum, ensuring our students receive a broad, balanced, and culturally relevant education in both English and Khmer. Our approach to bilingual education ensures that students thrive in a multicultural environment.

Our KS2 classes are crafted to develop independent thinkers, problem-solvers, and confident communicators. With a strong emphasis on core subjects—complemented by creative, physical, and cultural learning—students are encouraged to take ownership of their education and prepare for success in both local and international settings.

The subjects included in our Key Stage 2 curriculum encompass:

- English Language and Literacy – Strengthening reading, writing, grammar, comprehension, and confident public speaking in English.

- Mathematics – Covering number operations, fractions, geometry, measurement, data, and real-life problem-solving.

- Science – Developing scientific knowledge and inquiry skills through hands-on experiments and thematic learning.

- Khmer Language and Culture – Advancing reading and writing in Khmer, while exploring Cambodian history, geography, and traditions.

- Social Studies – Learning about communities, global awareness, and human responsibility.

- Art and Design – Encouraging creativity, design thinking, and expression through a variety of mediums.

- Physical Education (PE) – Promoting fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and coordination through games and structured activities.

- Music and Performance – Building rhythm, musical awareness, and confidence through singing, instruments, and performance.

- ICT and Digital Skills – Introducing basic computer literacy, typing, and using technology safely and responsibly.

Our small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and international-local curriculum approach ensure that each student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether families opt for a Cambodian or international path beyond primary school, our KS2 graduates are well-prepared for a bright future, setting a solid foundation that builds upon the preschool curriculum and transitions smoothly into the Key Stage 1 curriculum.