International School of Amsterdam
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Primary Years Programme

Pre-School – Grade 5

The ISA Primary Years Programme (PYP) offers 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:

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

Within each theme, students learn about the subjects of:

  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Language
  • Arts
  • Physical, social and personal education

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.

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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.

Learn more about ISA’s PYP Programme

After School Care Programme
Lower School Library
Early Childhood Library

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.

School Supplies Lists

Pre-School
Pre-K
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5

ISA Lower School Administration

Susan Loban
Head of Lower School
Carolyn Lacey
Assistant Head of School
Vicki Watson
Assistant Head of School

ISA Lower School

Telephone: +31 20 347 1111

General email: ls_office@isa.nl

Attendance email: lsattendance@isa.nl

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Sportlaan 45, 1185 TB Amstelveen, The Netherlands

Telephone: +31 20 347 1111
Fax: +31 20 347 1222

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