Prizma
curriculum
Children deserve to be prepared for a world of change and challenges.
It’s not about schooling — it’s about choosing a school that truly prepares them.
Built on a trusted foundation:
the Croatian national curriculum
We have chosen the Croatian National Curriculum as our foundation because it provides children with a clear, broad, and dependable base of knowledge—one that is nationally recognised and best aligned with further education in Croatia, including more academically demanding secondary schools.
The curriculum is built around clearly defined learning outcomes for each subject and age level: what a child should know, understand, and be able to apply by the end of each grade and educational cycle. Although structured by subjects, it is designed to encourage meaningful connections between areas of learning and the development of wider competencies.
Its strength lies in its scope and structure. Its limitations, however, are usually not in the curriculum itself but in how it is delivered—most often through an overloaded pace, large class sizes, and limited space for individual work, deep understanding, and real application of knowledge.
For this reason, it is especially important that the national curriculum allows schools and teachers professional freedom in choosing teaching methods, projects, interdisciplinary themes, and experiential learning pathways to reach the required outcomes. This flexibility is precisely what enables Prizma to meaningfully enhance and enrich the curriculum in the best interest of each child.
In addition, selected elements of the Oxford curriculum are integrated into Prizma’s programme to offer students a broader, international perspective. For pupils who continue their education in an international pathway after primary school, we provide targeted preparation to support a smooth transition.
Prizma is therefore a thoughtful combination of the best of both worlds: a strong national foundation and contemporary educational approaches that equip children with competencies for both Croatia and the wider world.
Knowledge is available.
Understanding makes the difference.
At the heart of Prizma’s science-based approach—and what truly sets the school apart—are the contents through which we present subjects from the national curriculum in a far clearer, more meaningful context. Learning in this way is easier to understand, more engaging, and therefore remembered more deeply and effectively. We organise this approach into three key areas. Within each, students explore carefully designed units that are thoughtfully sequenced through daily and weekly timetables and clearly aligned with the prescribed learning outcomes.
1) Within the field of NATURAL SCIENCES, we enrich Nature and Society through project-based, inquiry-led workshops called “Pokusolovci”. In the upper grades, this approach continues through Biology, Physics and Chemistry in our Science Lab sessions. Mathematical knowledge and skills are further strengthened through the "Math Plus" programme, which provides additional mathematics lessons. This area also includes "Techno Lab", a programme that integrates computer science, robotics and the foundations of engineering.
2) In the area of COMMUNICATION AND CREATIVITY, the weekly timetable includes, alongside Croatian Language, a "School Forum" programme that develops reading comprehension, clear expression, debate skills and creative writing in higher grades. English language learning is expanded through "English Plus", with lessons centred on conversation and project work, supporting natural and confident language acquisition. We also offer Creative Workshops "Kreativa", combining visual arts with practical skills connected to the interdisciplinary projects students are working on.
3) In the area of COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT, we encourage the transfer of knowledge, idea-sharing and collaboration through "Cooperative Learning" methods (such as "Reading Buddies" and "Math Buddies"). Through our "Emotional Compass" programme, we support the development of self-confidence, emotional intelligence and empathy in our students.
The content, methods, level of complexity and intensity of the enriched curriculum are carefully adapted from Year 1 through Year 8, in line with students’ developmental stages.
Parents can learn much more about each area and how it is implemented by visiting our school. Through an initial conversation, we can easily identify a child’s particular interests and strengths, allowing us to support their learning in a thoughtful and individualised way.
Oxford international curriculum -
The skills and knowledge of tomorrow are learned today
By integrating Oxford International resources into our enriched curriculum, we provide::
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A strong enhancement of our science focus through Oxford Science and Mathematics content and methodology
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Development of student competencies using international teaching approaches based on project-based learning, interdisciplinary connections, and the cultivation of soft skills, as well as selected Oxford specialist subjects:
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“Wellbeing” – embedded within our "Emotional Compass" prog.
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“Sustainability” – preparing students for responsible, informed participation in a global society
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Teaching aligned with international standards
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Professional development and ongoing support for our teaching team – Oxford offers clear guidance and high-quality resources for continuous teacher development, ensuring consistently high teaching standards
Oxford International resources add significant value to our curriculum by broadening knowledge and building new ways of understanding society, the world, and ongoing change. Their importance continues to grow and will have a profound impact on the quality of our children’s future. It is very likely that these areas will become just as essential as mathematics. Perhaps even more so.
Learning and Teaching Methodologies at Prizma
Focus on essential knowledge
At Prizma, we don’t rush through the curriculum. We work thoughtfully, giving time to the concepts that form the foundation for understanding, connecting ideas, and independent learning.
Learning in small groups
When greater focus or individual support is needed, learning takes place in small groups or one-to-one settings, often with two teachers working together, so each child receives attention at the right moment.
Inquiry-based learning
Learning begins with a question. Through experiential learning and STEM-based activities, we encourage children to think, reason, and actively engage, ensuring that knowledge is meaningful and applicable.
Reading and mathematics as foundations
We place particular emphasis on reading comprehension and mathematics, with additional lesson time and a strong focus on logical thinking, confidence, and solid foundations—without skipping steps.
Whole-child development
Every child develops at their own pace and has unique strengths. Our approach is based on truly understanding each child—their interests and potential—through continuous collaboration with parents.
A balanced and enriched programme
Alongside a strong academic core, we nurture socio-emotional skills, communicative English, artistic expression, and daily physical activity—because we believe in balance between mind, body, and emotions.
