Who we are
Primary Years Programme
Pre-School – Grade 5
The ISA Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children ages 3-11 is guided by the overarching goal to create internationally-minded young people. The programme is transdisciplinary – learning is not confined within the boundaries of traditional subjects, but is supported and enriched by them. The focus is on making connections, exploring the relationships between academic disciplines, and learning about the world in ways that reach beyond the scope of individual subjects.
In the PYP programme students explore six transdisciplinary themes:
Within each theme, students learn about the subjects of:
At the heart of the PYP is the student developing the attributes of the Learner Profile, conceptual understanding, approaches to learning and the ability to take action.
The culmination of the Lower School is marked by the PYP Exhibition in Grade 5. Students engage collaboratively in a student-initiated and designed project in which they explore, document and share their understanding of an issue or opportunity of personal significance.
Key Features of the Lower School Curriculum
International perspective
In order to make the most of the diversity of background and experience of our students, the Lower School curriculum synthesises the best practice from education systems around the world and aims to ease the child’s transition between schools on entering and leaving ISA.
Inquiry-based
Our teaching methods build on students’ individual knowledge and interests, and emphasise learning how to learn and how to find out, through hands-on inquiry as well as using both traditional and contemporary media.
Integrated
The subject areas of maths, language, science, social studies, information technology, the arts, physical education, additional languages and library are taught through transdisciplinary themes in order to help students make connections between the subjects, thereby facilitating more effective learning.
Individualised
Around the PYP framework we have developed a detailed program reflecting the multinational composition of our school population and our location in the Netherlands. Students learn about local and global issues providing them the opportunity to share their prior experiences in the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world, which supports each students unique sense of identity.
Our aim is to nurture globally-minded citizens who are:
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Thinkers
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned ethical decisions.
Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Risk-Takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and on the world around us.
Open-minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from this experience.
Balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives – intellectual, physical, and emotional – to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
Learn more about ISA’s PYP Programme
Part-Time Pre-School and Nursery
ISA is now offering part-time Nursery and Pre-School programmes to provide more flexible options for our early years students. More information can be found here.
If you are interested, please complete our Online Inquiry Form.