IB Primary Years
PSI offers an academic curriculum using the authorised programmes of the International Baccalaureate (IB). These are regarded as prestigious, challenging and relevant to students’ learning needs for the 21st century and the circumstances of internationally mobile families from all countries. Our curriculum and programme of activities are annually reviewed for quality and appropriateness to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of our growing community.
Teachers work with students through a programme of inquiry, to develop the student's understanding of concepts, skills, and knowledge. Unlike many other programmes, the PYP helps students to understand what their relationship and responsibility is towards what they are learning.
Throughout the school year, class’s focus on six Units of Inquiry organised under six transdisciplinary themes (Early Childhood classes focus on four). The transdisciplinary themes are:
- Who We Are
- Where We Are In Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How the World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- How We Share the Planet
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMME – EC3 and EC4
For children of pre-kindergarten age (3 and 4 year old by 1st September) a curriculum emphasising developmentally appropriate practices through play is offered. Children have the opportunity to develop their creativity, interests, social skills and basic learning competencies that will prepare them for successful entry into Kindergarten. There is a focus on speaking and developing English language, as well as on early maths concepts and skills for emergent readers.
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The Early Childhood Programme is taught through carefully designed conceptual units in a programme of inquiry. The content of each unit is built around active daily routines, which include centre/task time, story time, music, singing and physical education.
The school day begins at 8:30am each day. The programme for 3 year olds (EC3) ends at 12:00pm with an option for children to stay until 2:00pm. The programme for 4 year olds ends at 2:00pm. There is a teacher and two teacher aides working with a group of 15-18 students, and specialist teachers for physical education.
KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 5
From Kindergarten onwards the Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides students with a strong academic foundation through units of inquiry that teach language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. Information technology and library skills are integrated within units. Subject specialists also teach art, music and physical education classes.
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The language of instruction is English. Non-English speaking children receive English language classes five times a week and support by our English teaching staff. Students with a good level of language competency in English from Grade 2 onwards may take classes in Russian or Ukrainian each day.
