IB Primary Years Programme
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. At the heart of the programme’s philosophy is a commitment to structured, purposeful inquiry as the leading vehicle for learning.
Early Years FAQ
– A change of clothes in case of accidents
– Water bottle for morning snack (we have drinking water available)
– A morning snack – please do not send sweets. The children have a choice of fruit for afternoon snack
– A hat to wear when we go outside and sunblock
– Swimming clothes and towel on the allocated day (swimming will stop when the water gets too cold)
The Early Years teachers are highly qualified early year’s specialists with many years of experience.
There are also helpers in the class to ensure that all children get individual attention.
The curriculum being followed is a balance of play and structure-based activities that are carefully planned. Research worldwide supports children’s learning of a wide range of pre-literacy and pre-maths skills through active exploration and meaningful experiences inside the classroom and outside. We want to encourage children to be enthusiastic learners.
During each school year, the children will be involved in 4 IB PYP (International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Programme) Units of Inquiry. Examples of these units are; Who we are, How we organise ourselves, Sharing the planet and How we express ourselves.
All children learn about building relationships, communication, environment, phonics (letter sounds) and (numbers) and writing their Names. In addition, prep class will begin to learn correct letter formation and read and write simple sentences.
Yes, daily, children are observed whilst they play. As part of questions and discussion during Inquiry-based lessons and their drawings, children can communicate their thinking and understanding. In addition, children have writing and reading assessments.
These observations are then used to help us plan to meet each child’s needs. Of course, learning is most effective when based on children’s interests, so planning is flexible to take this into account.
At least one teaching assistant is a Chinese speaker.
English is the school’s language, and we recognise the importance of valuing others’ first language. Therefore, where applicable, we will introduce words from children’s home language – for example, greetings, colours, numbers. If you can help us with this, it would be appreciated.
At all times, we ensure that the children understand what is being said to them, we make use of sign language, gestures, pictures, videos, etc. to make sure that they are not confused
Yes, regular newsletters and a communication book are used to inform you of what your child has been learning and other comments or incidents or spontaneous happenings throughout their day. Please use this book to ask your questions about what your child is doing/learning or if you need to tell us anything about your child.
You are welcome to call any time and make an appointment to see your child’s teacher. In addition, there are opportunities to come and meet the staff and see your child’s work at various times during the year.
Primary FAQ
School bags with basic stationery, no specific requirement must be brought.
The school will provide all learning resources.
We have Year 1 – Year 5 in Primary, with one class in each year level.
Students’ numbers vary in each year level. However, the maximum is 24 in each class.
We have a well-developed induction system: Peers, School Counsellor, and the Student Welfare System will help ease students into their new school life.
Yes, Primary students should wear school uniform every day.
We offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Yes, there are four periods of Chinese classes each week. We do not use one prescribed textbook. Instead, teachers use various resources and different kinds of books and a wide range of online resources for our students to promote real-life learning and access to diverse points of view.
No. Students do not take exams but are assessed following the PYP criteria. Students receive a report at the end of each semester.
At least one teaching assistant is a Chinese speaker in Y1 and Y2 class. Y3-6 will have teaching assistant rotations. Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme helps students to develop their English Skills.
Yes, regular newsletters and a communication book are used to inform you of what your child has been learning and other comments or incidents or spontaneous happenings throughout their day. Please use this book to ask your questions about what your child is doing/learning or if you need to tell us anything about your child.
You are welcome to call any time and make an appointment to see your child’s teacher. There are opportunities to come and meet the staff and see your child’s work at various times during the year. We do have translation help for parents who are not native English speakers.
