Our Academics
🎓 At Southern Cross Academy (SCA), we deliver a dynamic and well-rounded academic programme based on the British National Primary Curriculum, tailored to inspire curiosity, confidence, and global awareness in every child.
Our learning journey begins at the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) from around age 2, and continues through to Grade 6 (approx. age 12) - laying strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, creativity, science, and critical thinking.
🌍 A Globally Recognised Curriculum
The British National Curriculum is taught in over 160 countries and is widely respected for its rigour, clarity, and global relevance. It equips learners not only with subject knowledge but also with the skills and mindset to thrive in an interconnected world.
Since January 2023, SCA has partnered with Hamilton Trust, a renowned British non-profit organisation that provides expertly designed teaching materials. Hamilton’s resources are trusted by thousands of schools across the UK and internationally, ensuring structured, progressive learning blocks, high-quality, engaging lesson content, alignment with global best practices in pedagogy. Our pupils benefit from this inspiring, well-scaffolded curriculum, which allows teachers to adapt to the diverse needs and talents of each child.
Subjects We Teach
SCA offers a broad and balanced curriculum across key subject areas:
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English Language & Literacy
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Mathematics
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Science
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History & Geography
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Art & Design
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Computing & Technology
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Physical Education (PE)
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Design & Technology (D&T)
In addition, pupils from Year 1 upwards learn Portuguese, and all children explore Mozambican history and geography, enriching their learning with cultural relevance and national pride.
🐚 Learning Beyond the Classroom
Located within the pristine Bazaruto National Park, SCA is uniquely positioned to offer environmental and experiential learning.
Children explore marine ecosystems, participate in beach clean-ups, and engage in guest lessons with marine biologists, conservationists, and local experts.
Regular field trips to Vilankulo town, nearby islands, and nature-rich areas provide real-world context to what pupils learn in class. These opportunities help foster a deep respect for nature, community, and sustainability.
🧘 Emphasis on Mindfulness, Creativity & Conservation
In every year group, pupils are encouraged to think beyond facts and figures. We intentionally embed mindfulness practices, creative expression and eco-conscious values throughout the curriculum - helping children grow as balanced, thoughtful, and compassionate individuals.
📅 School Year & Daily Schedule
Academic Year: January to December
Terms: Three terms, with breaks around April, August, and December
School Day: 07:30 – 13:15
Afternoon Options:
Pupils may stay for a home-cooked lunch followed by optional extracurricular activities, which vary by term and may include:
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Chess
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Home Economics
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Public Speaking
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Ball Skills
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Creative Arts
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Nature Club
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Drama
These sessions are open to SCA students and often attract children from other local schools as well.
Literacy
At SCA the language of instruction is English, ensuring strong literacy skills from the earliest years. From Year 1, pupils also learn Portuguese as a first foreign language, connecting them to Mozambique’s culture while building bilingual confidence for the future.
Arts
In the final term, Drama and Art take centre stage as pupils prepare for the annual musical performance. Every child participates - singing, dancing, acting and creating imaginative sets. The year ends with a magical community evening performance under the stars, celebrating teamwork and joy.
Mathematics
At SCA, mathematics follows the British National Curriculum, focusing on both understanding and fluency.
Daily 3-Minute Maths challenges build speed, accuracy, and confidence while problem-solving activities help every child develop a strong foundation.
Science
Science at SCA is hands-on and exploratory. Pupils investigate the world around them through experiments, observation, and inquiry-based learning. From life cycles to forces and from ecosystems to the solar system, children are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas and build a deep curiosity about how the world works
Geography
In Geography, pupils explore local and global environments, learning about landscapes, cultures, and how people interact with the world. Our setting in Vilankulo and the Bazaruto Archipelago offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning in ecosystems and conservation, while field trips and projects nurture curiosity and global citizenship.
Physical Education
At SCA, sports are a key part of school life, building fitness, teamwork, and community spirit. Every Friday, all pupils enjoy Ball Skills in soccer, netball, and volleyball. On Wednesdays (Sports Day), Term 1 is dedicated to swimming and ends with the lively Swimming Gala; Term 2 focuses on athletics with a friendly inter-school competition; and Term 3 celebrates movement through drama and performance in the year-end show.
PHSCE
Through Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE), pupils at SCA learn skills for life beyond the classroom. Themes such as friendship, safety, well-being, and global citizenship are explored in age-appropriate, engaging ways that nurture compassionate and responsible young people.
History
In History, pupils explore people, places, and events that have shaped both Mozambique and the wider world. Through stories, projects, and field trips, they learn to connect past and present, developing curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.
