Primary Years Programme
The Primary School at SIS follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) from age 3 to Grade 5.
Approach to Learning in the PYP
Our Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on creating an engaging, relevant, and challenging learning environment that caters to the diverse backgrounds and needs of every child. By addressing the physical, social, intellectual, aesthetic, and cultural aspects of development, we aim to nurture internationally-minded students who understand themselves and empathize with others. Our approach helps students form meaningful connections between their school experiences, home life, and the wider global community.
For more details about the Primary Years Programme, visit the official IB website.
Developing Key Elements through Inquiry-Based Learning
Children at SIS develop essential PYP elements—Knowledge, Concepts, Skills, and Disposition—through an inquiry-based learning approach. These elements are explored through comprehensive units of inquiry, which offer broad, balanced, and interconnected learning experiences that allow students to engage with concepts that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
Structure in the PYP Curriculum
Language
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Personal Social and Physical Education
Arts
Connecting Learning Through Transdisciplinary Themes
The concept-based curriculum at SIS helps students understand ideas that connect across and go beyond individual subjects. Organized around six transdisciplinary themes, the curriculum provides a framework for globally significant learning, supporting the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, and skills across traditional academic subjects. These themes 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
Driving Deeper Learning
The seven key concepts empower students to engage in deeper inquiry and facilitate the transfer of knowledge across different areas of the curriculum. In addition to these key concepts, students will explore related concepts in all subjects, including subjectivity, truth, beliefs, opinions, and prejudice in social studies. This approach encourages them to move beyond simply accumulating knowledge and skills, and instead engage in deeper learning experiences that promote a more meaningful understanding of various topics.
Building Essential Skills for Lifelong Success
Students at SIS acquire and apply a set of skills that are crucial not only for classroom learning but also for success in life beyond school. The PYP framework identifies five sets of transdisciplinary skills that students develop throughout their educational journey.
Learning Through Experiences
Students at SIS are encouraged to take action as part of their learning, demonstrating their understanding of concepts and embodying international-mindedness. Initially guided by teachers, students learn to act independently, making changes or inspiring others both in and outside the classroom. This process involves identifying a problem, planning a solution, and reflecting on the actions taken, with assessments based on this reflection. Whether through class participation, lifestyle choices, or group efforts, students actively engage in meaningful change.
Promoting Language Development
Language development at SIS is essential and encompasses listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with English as the primary language of instruction. We employ a differentiated approach to support all learners, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes for non-native speakers. Students engage in discussions, read diverse texts, and communicate in multiple languages to enhance their skills. We promote multilingualism through after-school programs, events, and resources, while cultural events such as International Day celebrate linguistic diversity. Additionally, we offer Japanese language classes for both native and non-native speakers to strengthen cultural ties and foster linguistic confidence.
Culmination of Learning
In the final year, students complete the PYP exhibition, a project that showcases their growth and understanding of the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This exhibition involves collaborative inquiry and exploration of multiple perspectives, allowing students to take responsibility for their learning and reflect on their journey. It marks a significant milestone in their transition to middle school and demonstrates their ability to tackle real-world issues through critical thinking and problem-solving.
Assessments
Assessment practices at the primary school level are comprehensive and continuous, covering various aspects such as projects, quizzes, notebooks, and homework. Both teachers and students engage in an ongoing collaborative process to monitor, document, measure, and report learning progress through internal assessments. This approach allows for adjustments in teaching strategies and student support, ensuring that each child’s educational journey is tailored to their individual needs and learning pace. By fostering meaningful interactions between students and educators, the primary school cultivates a holistic assessment approach that prioritizes growth, development, and the achievement of educational objectives.
Ready to get started?
Start your child’s journey at SIS today. Submit your application and join our diverse, nurturing learning environment.
School visit
Schedule a tour to explore our campus and experience the vibrant SIS community firsthand.
Parent Portal
Track your child’s progress, receive updates, and access resources via our secure Parent Portal.
Admissions
Interested in joining the SIS community?
Read about our admissions process and find out how to schedule a school visit.