Welcome to the Primary Years Programme
In keeping with the overall IB programme, the PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in school and in the world beyond. The programme gives students the opportunity to explore big ideas in the world around them, and to see the interdisciplinary connections in everyday life.
PYP learners know how to take ownership of their learning, collaborating with teachers to deepen understanding and increase their confidence and self-motivation. Students at ISL London learn in more than one language and develop a knowledge and understanding of multiculturalism and different perspectives. Global awareness and the desire to make a difference in the world around them is a fundamental element of the programme.
Active learning
Learning does not just take place in the classroom. The PYP is designed to provide opportunities for students to engage with the world in a ‘hands-on’ and interactive manner, encouraging an active learning approach.
Through programmes such as our Classroom Without Walls, Forest School and our Units of Inquiry, students delve into real life issues and apply their skills and knowledge in meaningful ways.
Primary Principal: Kathryn Firebrace
Kathryn Firebrace has extensive experience in international teaching and was the Assistant Principal at ACS Cobham. Amongst her many achievements, she has participated and presented at conferences around the world, such as Harvard's Project Zero.
Kathryn holds a Certificate of International School Leadership through the International Principals' Training Centre. She has also received a Golden Apple Award for outstanding teaching in her career.
Learning
At ISL, we offer students a high-quality learning experience that provides them with the opportunity to explore their passions, develop their own questions and to be challenged in their thinking. Our inquiry-based approach to learning allows students to pursue their curiosity and to build their knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding.
We understand that by cultivating students’ social, emotional and academic well-being, we nurture individuals who can see the world with compassion. Through this awareness, we as a community, can see ourselves as capable of taking responsible actions for a better world. In this journey, our students become confident, caring, internationally-minded communicators and lifelong learners.
Languages
ISL’s world-renowned languages programme is designed to develop students’ written and verbal proficiency across multiple languages in order to meet their current and future personal and academic language needs. The personalised languages programme is broad and flexible to meet the diverse needs of our multilingual students.
Forest School
Forest School gives students the opportunity to use and express strengths outside of the traditional classroom setting. Through team building activities such as building shelters, whittling, tool work, and storytelling, students are not only able to make a connection with nature, they experience one of the most influential ways of becoming environmental stewards.
Residential trips
From Grades 3-5, students at ISL take part in annual residential trips. Students participate in team building activities and bond with their peers through unique and memorable experiences. Excursions are also taken throughout the year to encourage learning in the real world.
