Organisation of Education and Instructional Time
In the Primary International 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 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 students in groups 2 to 7.
Mathematics
Mathematical skills and understanding in the early years 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.
Subject Area & Timings International Department Groups 3 – 7
Early Years and Group 2
At ISE, our Early Years programme follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework from England, providing children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Our vision is to empower our youngest learners to lead their own learning journey, developing the confidence, curiosity, and independence needed to thrive both in school and beyond.
Our Early Years environment is child-centred and built upon the belief that young children learn best through active exploration, purposeful play, and meaningful experiences. Inspired by a “Planning in the Moment” approach, we create rich learning opportunities that follow children’s interests while ensuring that all areas of the EYFS curriculum are taught effectively. Teachers and teaching assistants carefully observe, guide, and extend children’s learning, helping every child to feel challenged, successful, and valued.
The curriculum encompasses all seven areas of learning: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development; Communication and Language; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts and Design. Learning is interconnected and designed to develop the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Our flexible daily structure balances child-led exploration with focused teaching and community learning experiences. Through high-quality interactions, carefully planned environments, outdoor learning opportunities, and hands-on experiences, children develop the skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed for future success. Literacy is fostered through stories, songs, phonics, speaking and listening activities, while mathematical understanding is developed through practical, real-life experiences and problem-solving opportunities.
Group 2 represents an important transitional year within our Early Learning programme, building upon the strong foundations established in the Early Years while preparing children for the more structured learning experiences. Guided by our vision of Empowering Our Youngest Learners to Lead Their Own Journey, Group 2 maintains the child-centred, inquiry-based approach of the Early Years, while gradually increasing opportunities for focused teaching, independence, and academic challenge.
Children continue to learn through a balance of child-led exploration, purposeful play, and structured learning experiences. Our approach remains rooted in the principles of purposeful play and exploration, where teachers carefully observe, guide, and extend learning while providing rich opportunities for children to develop confidence, independence, resilience, and creativity.
In Group 2, children continue to access a broad and engaging curriculum including Literacy, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Dutch, Physical Education, Art and Design Technology, Music, Social and Emotional Learning, and Educational Technology. Learning is enriched through thematic units that encourage children to make meaningful connections across subjects and develop an understanding of the world around them.
Group 2 follows the English National Curriculum programmes of study for Literacy and Mathematics. In Literacy, children develop their phonics knowledge, sight vocabulary, reading fluency, writing skills, fine motor development, and handwriting, building strong foundations for future learning. In Mathematics, children develop confidence and fluency with number, counting, place value, shape, measurement, and mathematical vocabulary through practical, hands-on experiences and problem-solving activities.
The daily programme provides a carefully balanced transition from the flexible routines of Early Years towards the more structured learning within small groups. Dedicated literacy, phonics, mathematics, Dutch, and thematic learning sessions are combined with extended periods of independent learning, enabling children to apply new skills, make choices, and develop increasing responsibility for their learning.
