Educational Goals
The ISE currently offers three programmes for children aged 3 to 18 and has developed a broad international curriculum. At both the international and Dutch bilingual primary departments, we use a thematic approach to learning. In secondary education, students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP).
Together, these three programmes provide a strong and continuous learning pathway for all students. Through our curriculum, we aim to develop independent, critical, and lifelong learners. Across all age groups, students benefit from a progressive and well-structured approach to learning.
The International Department
In the primary international department we adopt a themed based approach to learning and utilise the design thinking process and enquiry based learning strategies which foster the development of skills, attitudes for learning, inquiry, independence and is internationally focused to meet the needs of our diverse student body. We are currently using a project based learning approach which we have called Global Missions. This is our homegrown framework for teaching students within an authentic, real world context combining elements of both project-based learning and design thinking instruction. Instruction is focused around finding a solution from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through which Geography, History, Art, Design Technology, Science and Music are incorporated. This provides the perfect opportunity for students to develop their competencies, reflect upon their learning journey and share it with their community. Students work through a process where they are able to connect their learning and take knowledge, skills and understanding with them to the next step of their journey. We are currently working towards investigating the possibility of implementing the PYP framework to align with the curriculum in our secondary department.
The transition to the ISE Secondary Department is subject to thorough preparation for Group 7 students in the International Department. The school recognises the importance of a solid preparation at the primary education level for future attendance at a secondary school. This is why there is a close link, combined with effective consultation, between the Primary and Secondary Departments during the last year of education in the Primary Department. An information session for parents of students in Group 7 is organised during the school year.
Transition into Secondary Education – International Department
Foundation Group
The ISE also has a foundation group. This is a group where children from the age of three can go for a few half days a week. They are offered a play based learning approach in two languages. The foundation group is located on the campus in the daycare centre. The bilingual Foundation group aims to provide a healthy and safe environment where children learn and develop to ensure their school readiness. It gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills to build the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. After the foundation group, the children move on to either the Primary Dutch Bilingual or the Primary International Departments. Children who move on to the Primary International Department can immediately enter the early years group when they turn four years old.
Personal Attention
We are proud to be able to offer excellent facilities, small classes and a highly qualified international faculty. Our student and staffing body are made up of a mixture of cultures and nationalities which we believe creates a welcoming, open community. We believe in developing each child’s unique skills to give a sense of other cultures without reducing their own cultural identity. We want to help each child to become a confident world citizen who feels able to make a difference in their own and others’ futures. We believe in the importance of building a strong relationship with our parent body to support us in educating our students.
The ISE works with strategic plans to continuously improve the quality of education we provide. Our School Development Plan helps ensure that we continue to offer education that meets the expectations and needs of all stakeholders. The objectives for all departments within the ISE are outlined in detail in the School Development Plan 2022–2026. Based on this plan, each department sets annual goals to support ongoing development and improvement.
The 2025/2026 annual plan includes the following key points for the Primary International Department:
- Focus on quality and continuous improvement of our curriculum, through harmonising our approach.
- Strengthen pedagogy across all departments by embedding our definition of High Quality Learning into daily practice,
- Building understanding and skills for being ‘IB teachers’
- Continuing to create a strong foundation for teaching and learning Digital Literacy and Citizenship
- Cultivate a respectful school community where positive behavior, clear codes of conduct and anti-bullying practices with balanced expectations ensure every member feels safe, valued, and supported.
- Ensure our playgrounds supports high quality learning and student well being by expanding and improving outdoor learning spaces
- Develop and implement clear consistent communication protocols that enhance engagement and increases our department’s visibility within the community
