The Primary School at Stembridge School is a wonderful start to your child’s educational journey.
From Grades 1 to 4, students learn in Russian, English, and Lithuanian according to the Lithuanian national curriculum and Cambridge International Education programmes.
Bilingual Classes
Teaching is delivered simultaneously in Russian and English using the team-teaching system. This means that two teachers are present in the classroom — one Russian-speaking and one English-speaking (who does not speak Russian to the children).
Over time, the amount of instruction in English increases, and within 4–5 months, students begin studying some subjects entirely in English.
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Maintaining a strong understanding of subjects and school rules.It is important to us not only to teach children to learn in English but also to ensure a high level of material mastery and a clear understanding of classroom and school conduct. In a bilingual environment with Russian language support, this is achieved most effectively. -
Creating a comfortable and safe atmosphere.The constant presence of both an English-speaking and a Russian-speaking teacher allows children to feel confident, knowing they will always be understood and will receive the necessary help and support.
In the bilingual classes, students receive up to 13 hours of English instruction per week.
How does it works?
Programmes and Subjects
Cambridge International
Programmes and Subjects
Cambridge International
Under the Cambridge Primary programme, students learn:
- English as a Second Language — 4 hours per week
- Primary Science (in English) — 2 hours per week
The Cambridge Primary programme introduces children to engaging learning experiences and builds a strong foundation for future stages of the Cambridge Pathway.
In addition, students also study:
- Mathematics (in depth)
- Lithuanian (as a foreign language)
- Russian language and reading (own programme)
- Civic Education
- Art & Technology
- Theatre (in English)
- Music
- Physical Education
- Ethics
English Language
In Grades 1 and 2 bilingual classes, up to 13 hours per week are in English — not just language lessons but also other subjects taught in English.
English is taught according to the Cambridge International Education programme. An English-speaking teacher stays with the children almost all the time and does not speak Russian to them.
English vocabulary is also integrated into extracurricular activities — during breaks, in after-school care, on excursions, etc.
In Grades 3 and 4 (currently not bilingual), students have up to 7 lessons in English per week.
Lithuanian Language
In primary school, the "Taip" program is used, and the teacher focuses on the standard requirements for Lithuanian language proficiency for all primary students. However, since our students are not native speakers, this program is specially adapted to their needs.
First and foremost, we focus on developing communication skills. At the start of the learning process, our goal is to "get the children talking" and help them build a core vocabulary, while also sparking their interest and keeping them engaged in learning Lithuanian.
Gradually, through communication, play, and reading, children develop their grammar skills. For instance, in primary school, students do not delve deeply into the complexities of grammatical cases, but they begin to recognize how words change, identify patterns, and discover the mysteries of the language.
Later, they study grammatical differences in greater depth. At the same time, they reinforce the vocabulary they have already learned and continue to expand it. Writing is also introduced at this stage.
At Stembridge School, we strive to integrate the Lithuanian language into other subjects and extracurricular activities. For example, in the "Civic Education" course, children study using Lithuanian textbooks, further supplementing their language practice.
Stembridge School also makes every effort to integrate children into the Lithuanian-speaking environment by attending events held in Lithuanian and encouraging communication with native-speaking peers.
In the 4th grade, students take the National Lithuanian Language Proficiency Test.
Children spend time doing activities of their choice, engaging in creative work, attending studios, and participating in outdoor games.
An English-speaking teacher is regularly present, and activities are conducted in both English and Lithuanian.
Ensuring a safe environment — both physically and emotionally — is one of the school’s main goals. Teachers and staff do their utmost to create a comfortable atmosphere so that children enjoy attending school, can fully develop their potential, and achieve strong academic results.
The school strives to build a community of trust where children respect teachers and teachers value student initiative. For Stembridge, school is not just an educational institution — it is a family.
Parents Testimonials
This is especially important, particularly in primary school. The school curriculum is undoubtedly important, but here they focus first on relevance, and you can literally feel that “individualised approach” is not just words. My child looks forward to coming back to school after weekends, and during holidays even gets a little sad, missing favourite teachers. How often do you see that in other schools? I think that says a lot.
The endless creativity of our teachers and their ability to find an approach to each student is something to be envied. If you think that warm, empathic communication and constant teacher involvement in school and children’s lives is impossible — you are wrong. Unreservedly recommended.
Our class teacher is a wonderful educator and a friend to the children. It is also worth noting the Lithuanian language teacher who is demanding yet fair. There are many assignments — sometimes difficult — but the results are stunning!
The school frequently holds various events and excursions, and children create projects on different topics. And most importantly — the child goes to school with pleasure!
My son has a wonderful teacher, and the learning process includes various kinds of activities: reflection, hackathons, theatre, group projects, and lovely traditions.
It is very important, in my view, that children are taught how to formulate thoughts and test ideas already from Grade 1. And I am very happy that there is an opportunity to study a musical instrument right at school.
They pay a lot of attention to the interesting presentation of material and provide support if the child doesn’t understand something. There is always additional material if the child is ahead.
There is an intensive Lithuanian language course that is effective and digestible, with many ways to work. A high level of teacher involvement and personal communication with the parents helps to convey both areas for improvement and the child’s successes. I really appreciate the opportunity for communication with teachers and the school administration and their willingness to solve issues together. This is a place where I understand what it means to be in the same boat! ❤
And an important point — Lithuanian is taught as a foreign language and adapted to children’s levels, which will be beneficial for life in Lithuania in the long term. Also — the little one always goes to school with joy.
First of all, I want to highlight the very gentle adaptation my child experienced. Literally one week after the start of the school year, my daughter relaxed and felt like a person surrounded by classmates and teachers who listen and pay attention.
It is especially valuable that this respectful attitude toward children is shown not only in words but also in actions! There have been situations where the child managed to defend her point of view to a teacher, and she told us about this success with excitement.
The focus of the educational process on modern trends in schooling, quality feedback with parents, small class sizes, but still interaction with children of different ages during breaks — all this and much more makes Stembridge my child’s favourite school.