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BRINGING THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH OUR DUAL CURRICULUM

At Harrods International Academy, the Khmer/National Programme is designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation deeply rooted in Cambodian heritage, values, and identity. It follows the official national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, and is taught by qualified Khmer educators who understand both the academic and cultural needs of Cambodian learners.

Unlike international programmes that often focus on global perspectives and foreign curricula, the Khmer/National Programme places emphasis on mastering the Khmer language, learning Cambodian history, culture, and civic responsibility, and developing essential skills in mathematics and science. This ensures that students not only excel academically but also grow with a strong sense of social awareness. The curriculum is structured, rigorous, and tailored to meet the developmental needs of primary-aged learners, making sure they are well-prepared for national exams and future academic pathways within Cambodia.

What sets Harrods apart is the integration of modern teaching practices within the Khmer/National Programme. While rooted in tradition, our approach includes interactive learning, technology integration, and character development. Students benefit from smaller class sizes, a nurturing environment, and access to the broader resources of Harrods International Academy, including specialist facilities and co-curricular programmes that enhance their educational experience.

For families living in Phnom Penh who want the best of both worlds—an education that respects and preserves Cambodian values while preparing students for a bright, modern future—Harrods International’s Khmer/National Programme is the ideal choice. We equip students with the academic excellence, cultural grounding, and confidence to succeed both locally and globally.

 

CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK

At Harrods International Academy, the National Programme aligns with the Cambodian Ministry of Education’s standards, ensuring students gain a solid foundation in core academic subjects including Khmer literature, mathematics, science, and moral-civic education.

This programme is designed to promote national identity, language proficiency, and cultural understanding while supporting academic excellence. Students follow a structured progression that reinforces key competencies at every stage.

Integrated with global best practices, our National Programme enhances analytical thinking and communication skills to prepare learners for both national and international academic pathways.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY & METHODOLOGY

The National Programme at Harrods International Academy is guided by a values-based, student-centred approach that nurtures both academic and character development. Lessons are designed to encourage active participation, critical thinking, and meaningful connection to real-life experiences.

We balance direct instruction with guided discovery, enabling students to master core concepts while developing independence and responsibility. Classrooms are structured to support collaboration, inquiry, and a positive learning environment.

Our teachers play a pivotal role in modelling strong moral values, guiding students through the curriculum while also cultivating respect, cultural pride, and a strong sense of national identity. Teaching is aligned with the standards set by the Ministry of Education, while also incorporating modern strategies to support individual student growth.

 

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
BY YEAR GROUP

The National Programme begins from Primary Years and provides a clear academic progression through to Upper Secondary. In the Primary stage, students focus on building strong foundations in Khmer literacy, mathematics, moral education, and general sciences. Emphasis is placed on reading fluency, numeracy accuracy, and social responsibility.

As students advance to Lower Secondary, they encounter more subject-specific learning, including Khmer literature, history, geography, biology, physics, and chemistry. They begin to apply logical thinking and demonstrate growing independence in both classwork and assessments.

By Upper Secondary, students are expected to think critically, analyse complex texts, and articulate ideas with clarity. This stage prepares learners for national exams, post-secondary studies, or career-oriented pathways. Throughout, the programme ensures students develop the academic rigour, civic understanding, and personal discipline needed for success within Cambodia’s national education framework.

ASSESSMENT & PROGRESS-TRACKING

Student progress is tracked using classroom quizzes, assignments, projects, and formal examinations aligned with the Ministry of Education curriculum. Key national assessments include the Grade 9 diploma exam, which determines eligibility for upper secondary, and the Grade 12 Bac II exam, essential for university entrance and future opportunities.

Teachers monitor student performance throughout the year, adapting instruction as needed to ensure readiness for these critical exams. Parents are engaged through scheduled conferences, comprehensive report cards, and regular updates, fostering a collaborative approach to student success and exam preparation.

 

INTEGRATION WITH INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES

The National Programme at Harrods International Academy is designed with flexibility, enabling students to transition smoothly into international curricula such as the Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE programmes. Core subjects are aligned to build comparable academic foundations, ensuring students can adapt to English-based instruction and global learning standards.

Additionally, academic counselling is provided to guide families on available pathways and transfer options. Students showing aptitude or interest in international programmes receive tailored support, including language development and study skills reinforcement, to ensure a confident and successful integration into global academic systems.

FAQs

The Khmer/National Programme at Harrods International Academy includes the following core subjects, in line with the Cambodian national curriculum:

  1. Khmer Language – Focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and understanding the Khmer language and literature, helping students develop strong communication and literacy skills in their mother tongue.

  2. Mathematics – Builds students’ numerical fluency, logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through topics like arithmetic, geometry, measurement, and algebra.

  3. Science – Introduces scientific knowledge and inquiry, covering areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science to help students understand the world around them.

  4. Social Studies – Encourages students to learn about Cambodian history, geography, culture, and civic responsibility, fostering national pride and cultural awareness.

These subjects are taught progressively across Early Years, Primary, and Secondary levels, ensuring a consistent and comprehensive educational journey.

The Khmer/National Programme focuses on Cambodian language, culture, and national identity, following the standards set by MoEYS. Unlike international programmes like IPC or Cambridge that emphasize global perspectives and English instruction, this programme prioritizes Khmer fluency, local knowledge, and national values—while still using modern teaching methods to build critical thinking and academic skills.

To enrol in the Khmer/National Programme, students must hold Cambodian citizenship and meet the age requirements set by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) for each grade level. A placement assessment may also be required to determine the appropriate entry level.

At Harrods, we understand that every student learns at their own pace. For students who may find certain subjects challenging, we provide additional support through differentiated instruction, small group tutoring, and one-on-one assistance. Our teachers work closely with students to ensure they receive the help they need to succeed. We also have a learning support team in place to provide tailored interventions that address specific learning needs, ensuring all students are supported to reach their full potential.

Khmer language and culture are integral to the National Programme at Harrods. Students engage in daily Khmer language lessons, which include reading, writing, and speaking practice. They also explore the rich history, traditions, and values of Cambodia through subjects such as Social Studies, Art, and special cultural events. This combination of language development and cultural immersion helps students develop a strong connection to their heritage while enhancing their global awareness.

At Harrods, we believe in keeping parents informed about their child’s progress throughout the academic year. Students’ progress is regularly assessed through both formal and informal evaluations, including tests, assignments, and teacher observations. Teachers hold regular parent-teacher meetings to discuss student achievements, areas for improvement, and set future goals. We also provide progress reports that track academic growth, social development, and participation in extracurricular activities, ensuring parents are always up to date on their child’s development.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KHMER NATIONAL PROGRAMME

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