Organisation of education and instructional time
The ISE primary has two departments: the International Department and the Dutch Bilingual Department. The maximum number of students in each group is 22. By keeping groups to a smaller size the individual attention that can be given to each student is maximised. We maintain the right to (temporarily) deviate from these numbers.
Literacy
The school follows the New Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum (for 3-5 year olds) and the Renewed Primary Framework for Literacy from the UK for children in groups 2 to 7.
Mathematics
Mathematical skills and understanding in the foundation stage are developed through practical activities in sorting, data collecting, measuring, time, space, shape and number. This reflects the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
For groups 2 to 7 the school follows the Primary Framework for Mathematics from the UK which promotes an emphasis on mental calculations and interactive work. Mathematics teaching promotes an understanding of the number system. Students are taught a range of computational skills and a variety of strategies to solve problems and to investigate different methods to identify what works best for them. They also have the opportunity to acquire a range of practical skills in measuring, weighing, using money, constructing graphs and telling the time.
International Curriculum
Themes are used to teach integrated subjects from Groups FD-7. The subjects covered under this curriculum include History, Geography, Science, Art, Music, and Design Technology. Each unit is approximately 9 weeks long. Teachers are given the flexibility to spend additional time on subjects based on the units and learning objectives. In the lower school, subjects are experienced by the students in an integrated manner and units are flexible in length.
The learning objectives cover knowledge (facts and information), skills (practical abilities), and understanding (deeper awareness of key concepts). These three areas are developed throughout the year groups.
Global Missions
We have fully implemented a project based learning approach. Global Mission 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. Providing 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.
