Primary Years Programme

Pre-School – Grade 5

The ISA Primary Years Programme (PYP) offers children, ages 3-11, a worldwide perspective on education by encouraging our young learners to share knowledge, experiences and ideas through an inquiry-based curriculum. This means that our students are active participants in their education – learning through questioning and exploration.

ISA has played a leading role in the development of the IB PYP, one of the first curriculum frameworks for international primary schools. We provide a student-centred approach to teaching, which allows us to develop the intellectual, emotional and physical potential of each child, in a secure and stimulating environment.

By supporting independence of thought and differing learning styles, our PYP students gain a broader understanding of the world and have increased confidence in their ability to learn and solve problems – valuable lifelong skills.

Educating the whole child is central to the IB Primary Years Programme.

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, 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.

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.

ISA Lower School Administration

The ISA Lower School is managed by Head of Lower School, Ms. Susan Loban, and two Assistant Heads of School, Ms. Carolyn Lacey and Ms. Vicki Watson. The Lower School Administration works directly with the School Director to develop and implement the academic programmes for all of ISA’s Lower School students.