The Primary Years Programme

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for children from age 4 to 12. It is a relevant and engaging curriculum for all children, providing a high standard of learning and is designed to encourage the development of the whole child. As well as academic learning, PYP involves social, physical, emotional and cultural learning too.

Thematic learning

Children learn in a cross-curricular way where the subjects are inter-connected within a theme. This helps children to understand why they are learning. The six themes through which the children learn are:

•         Who we are
•         Where we are in place and time
•         How we express ourselves
•         How the world works
•         How we organize ourselves
•         Sharing the planet

Within each theme, children learn through their development of skills, concepts, attitudes, action and knowledge. This helps children to think creatively, to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop their enquiry skills, working both independently and in groups. It also helps children to acquire a sense of community and personal responsibility, not just for themselves but for others too.

Subjects

At International School Hilversum, the PYP encompasses six subject areas. These are:

1. 1.      Language – The main language for learning is English. Child will also learn Dutch.
2. 2.      Social Studies – Including history, geography and society.
3. 3.      Mathematics – Focusing on five areas of learning which are number, pattern and function, data handling, shape and space, and measurement.
4. 4.      Arts – Including visual arts, music and drama.
5. 5.      Science and Technology – Focusing on four areas of learning which are living things, earth and space, materials and matter, and forces and energy.
6. 6.      Personal, social and physical education – Again focusing on four areas of learning which are self-concept, health and safety, interaction with others, and organisation for learning.

In addition, we believe in placing emphasis on ICT to prepare our children for the world they will be learning, working and living in and so we have included ICT within the PYP.

Peer Learning

At ISH we value the importance of peer learning throughout the school. In the Primary Department we work with integrated classes where several age ranges are combined. When doing group projects, children work together with peers of various ages: the 4 and 5 year olds are combined, the 6 to 8/9 year olds are combined, and the 9 to 11/12 year olds. When working in mixed age groups learning is differentiated to meet the children’s needs.

Assessment

Teachers at ISH carry out all of the assessment of student work in the PYP. There are no externally set examinations.

We assess children’s daily progress within the classroom and we assess at the end of the teaching and learning process. This summative assessment provides opportunities for the children to demonstrate what they have learned.

Each child will have a portfolio of achievements and accomplishments which documents their educational progress. In the final year of PYP all students carry out an extended, collaborative inquiry project known as the PYP Exhibition. Both the portfolio and the PYP Exhibition from part of the assessment process.

Middle Years Programme

On successful completion of the PYP, children can continue through the school with the Middle Years Programme (MYP).

“We talk about where everyone comes from. I have friends from Pakistan, India, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Switzerland, USA, England, We like that they’re from all over the world. We don’t know where all the countries are on a map yet but we know they’re from countries all over the world.” - Luke (grade 3)