ICS students are taught within the framework of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP). A challenging international program, the IBPYP enables students to employ an investigative, inquiry-based approach to learning.
English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, the arts and foreign languages are taught in this integrated framework, emphasizing cross-disciplinary thinking, problem-solving and personal wellness.
The IBPYP framework focuses on six organizing units: 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. The complete ICS Program Of Inquiry provides a scope and sequence of the 6 units covered in each grade, Kindergarten to 5th grade.
At ICS, we believe that all learners have unique needs to consider when helping them to meet/exceed their academic and nonacademic potential. To provide access to the IB PYP at International Community School (ICS), we apply approaches and support systems that address the individual needs and varied learning styles of students, including those identified with special needs (special education, gifted and talented and English Language Learners). By recognizing the diversity of our collective learning community, we support the development of internationally minded people. Our Special Educational Needs policy can be read HERE.
Assessment at ICS is paramount to the teaching and learning process. It is central to the PYP goal of guiding the students through the five elements of the IBPYP. These elements include Knowledge, Concepts, Skills, Attitudes, and Action. Assessment of knowledge, concepts, and skills help teachers to understand what a child knows about a topic. While assessing a child’s knowledge about a topic, the teacher can also assess the child’s attitude towards a subject, and better understand the actions a child may take regarding a topic. It is the means by which we monitor the progress of our students and it is a tool to design curriculum, and planning to engage the students’ learning. The complete Assessment Policy can be read HERE.
Language is the medium through which all communication and learning transpires. Language acquisition is a lifelong process and is an extension of culture, belief systems, expression, attitude, and identity. The International Community School (ICS) strongly believes that all language has value, and all languages of the world are equally important. We deeply value the diversity of the home languages spoken by our students, and we recognize that they contribute to students’ academic and cultural growth. The complete Language Policy can be read HERE.
For more information, please visit http://www.ibo.org.
