The Curriculum
Educational Objectives
In accordance with, and guided by, our school philosophy, the school is committed to maintaining the following objectives. We aim to:
- Develop a curriculum that challenges and encourages students in intellectual, aesthetic, physical and social interactions grounded in an environment of mutual respect and individual integrity
- Encourage and nurture a sense of self worth among our students and to enhance self esteem
- Enable students to integrate acquired knowledge and experience in order to construct meaning, make inferences and draw conclusions from content
- facilitate the students' growth and development towards recognizing and solving problems in order to develop independent thought and decision making
- Develop students' communication skills through the acquisition and mastery of language
- Recognize, appreciate and celebrate cultural diversity
- Provide extra-curricular programmes that will enhance the values, personal qualities and attitudes that are commensurate with ‘good sportsmanship’
- Integrate Information Technology in our curriculum as a tool for attaining learning outcomes
- Ensure that the required learning outcomes stated in our philosophy are reflected in our curriculum and assessment procedures
- Follow a 'balanced assessment' model appropriate to different learning styles and developmental models
- Facilitate the development of aesthetic appreciation through experiences in the arts and music
- Utilize the philosophy of 'Parents as Partners' which entails clear and regular communication links between the teacher and the parent
The Curriculum model of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) has been adopted by our school and strives to help children develop an international perspective, with an appreciation for the points of view of people in other parts of the world.
What, then, is a PYP school? From the PYP’s perspective it is a school which, regardless of location, size or constitution, strives towards developing an international person. What is an international person? From the PYP’s perspective it is a person with the attributes and dispositions described in the student profile which has been identified. (See below)
Students are: |
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|---|---|
| Inquirers | Their natural curiosity has been nurtured. They have acquired the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. |
| Thinkers | They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to make sound decisions and to solve complex problems. |
| Communicators | They receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols. |
| Risk-takers | They approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety and have the confidence and independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe. |
| Knowledgeable | They have spent time in our schools exploring themes which have global relevance and importance. In so doing, they have acquired a critical mass of significant knowledge. |
| Principled | They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. They have integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness and justice. |
| Caring | They show sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a sense of personal commitment to action and service. |
| Open-minded | They respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures and are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view. |
| Well-balanced | They understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being. |
| Reflective | They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and analyse their personal strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner. |
| PYP student profile from ‘Primary Years Programme - Making it Happen’, International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 | |