Curriculum
Literacy and mathematical skills and concepts form the foundation of the educaitonal programme at the Primary level. NAISR uses the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for mathematics. Literacy, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art, Physical Education, Integrated Technology and Languages make up the remainder of the curriruclum, and are taught through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). One of the primary objectics of the curriculum is to integrate subjects in order to give students an opportunitiy to identify relationships that exist between disciplines.
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
The International Primary Curriculum is for children aged 5 - 11 years old. It is a comprehensive, thematic, creative curriculum, with a clear process of learning and specific learning goals for all subjects. It also develops international mindedness and encourages personalised learning. The IPC is flexible and can be adapted to children's interests and level of understanding.
The IPC Subject Goals cover the knowledge, skills and understanding of children relating to Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, ICT & Computing, Technology, History, Geography, Music, Physical & Health Education, Art and Society.
The IPC Personal Goals underpin the individual qualities and dispositions children will find essential for their future. There are 8 IPC Personal Goals - enquiry, resilience, morality, communication, thoughfulnesss, cooperation, respect and adaptability. Opportunities to develop these goals are built into the learning taks within each unit of work.
The IPC International Learning Goals are unique to the curricluum and help young children begin the move towards an increasingly sophisticated national, international and intercultural perspective. Each thematic IPC unit includes an international aspect, to help develop a sense of 'international mindedness'. The IPC has over 130 different thematic units of learning, designed to appeal to children's interest and help them to learn more about the world around them. Themed units help children to see how subjects are both independent and interdependent. This enables them to see the big picture of their learning, make connections across different subjects, and talk about a topic from multiple perspectives.
Modern Languages at NAISR
Modern language instrution takes place daily for 45 minutes for students from Years 1 - 6. In addition to offering Dutch as a Foreign Language (DFL) in Years 1 - 6, we also offer Dutch as a Native Language (NL). This programme is designed for those students who already converse in Dutch as their native language. Based on a wealth of educational research, recognition of a child's home culture and native language is an important feature of any language learning approach. Provision for the maintenance and further development of the native language also helps to address many social, emotional and academic needs of the language learner. We strongly encourage students to continue the development of their mother tongue.
Technology Integration at NAISR
NAISR believes in the importance of our students being digitally literate to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. To ensure our students have the skills they require, we offer an integrated technology programme that is guided by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. Our teachers and students are given in-class coaching to enhance all areas of the curricuulum.
As part of our approach to the use of technology, we also focus on promoting the necessary skills to navigate today's digital world. Digital citizenship guides students in safe and appropriate ways to use technology and the internet. Digital literacy supports students as they are introduced to the world of online communication and social media. Computer programming is implemented from Foundation 1, with the use of robotics and a coding programme.
Physical & Health Education (PHE)
Our PHE programme is an important and compulsory part of our curriculum and includes games, gymnastics, athletics, and skill development. Homeroom teachers will notify parents of PHE days at the beginning of the year. Students in Years 3 - 6 wear a PE uniform. This consists of shorts and a t-shirt which can be purchased through the NAISR webshop at any time. Students are required to have a separate pair of gym shoes for inside activities (no black-soled shoes that will mark the gym floor) and outdoor activities (shoes for the playground and fields).
Swimming
NAISR students in Years 2 - 6 enjoy swimming as an integral component of the PHE programme. Classroom teachers will give advance notice of swimming start dates. Students work on obtaining their Dutch A, B and C swimming diplomas. The programme includes four main elements: stroke work, water safety, pool games and activities, and basic life-saving skills. Students who have already received their diplomas work on a more advance swimming programme.
Music
Students develop broad music skills in a social context in order to feel competent and motivated to participate in varied music activities. The emphasis is on group singing and instrument playing, while the students are also introduced to analysis, improvisation and composition. A variety of instruments are used throughout the Year groups. Years 1 - 4 learn to play percussion instruments and the xylophone, while in Year 5, students learn to play the recorder. Year 6 students learn to play a band instrument, which can be borrowed from the school. All students participate in class and school-wide concerts held throughout the school year.
Art
Our students are encouraged to investivate and explore various art techniques, concepts and ideas. They are also encouraged to develop a sense of enjoyment and excitement about the subject, through individual and group work. `Students are given the opportunity to work with various tools, processes and media while they explore visual and tactile art, craft & design.
STEAM
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) play an invaluable part in helping your child to develop academic, social and personal success. Through practical, hands-on problem solving, your child will develop transferable skills such as creativity, curiosity, resilience, resourcefulness, collaboration and confidence to help pave the way to a wide-open future.
Through our collaboration with the Massachusetts Institue of Technologly (MIT), we bring a new approach to learning the interdisciplinary subjects of STEAM. Through in-school challenges and specialised training for our STEAM teachers, our students are devleoping skills for their future.