Early Childhood Education (EC1 – EC2 Composite Classes)
We recognize the great importance of the early years of education in laying the foundations for learning throughout life. We seek to create an environment that is designed to educate and enrich each child socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and aesthetically. We acknowledge the important role of families as the principal influence in the lives of young children. We aim to foster this through a constructive partnership between school and home.
In our PYP program, children are active participants in the process of learning as we seek the appropriate balance between child-initiated and teacher-generated activities. We play a lot, and encourage interaction and conversation between children. We know children learn best when they have real objects to manipulate, and their understanding is increased when they talk about what they experience with others. We structure their learning and play environment so that they have choices, and learn to be independent and responsible in how and what they choose. We make every effort to create a safe, low stress environment with clear limits and guidelines, based on realistic expectations for each age group. We follow a daily routine so that all children feel secure in participating, and learn to plan and appreciate order.
Teachers provide a model for children. We listen to, talk with, and observe the children carefully, to help them communicate what they are experiencing and to challenge them to think further. We strive to make children’s thinking visible to themselves. Children are recognized as inquirers. Their inquiry takes many forms and is the basis of well-crafted units of exploration with universal transdisciplinary themes that form part of the PYP at HIS. Finally, we reinforce friendship and social growth through cooperative learning activities and a family atmosphere enabling children from all over the world to learn to work together and appreciate each other.
Why is a composite class an excellent classroom environment for our youngest students? A composite class model offers many benefits to its learners, for both the older and younger students alike. At HIS we believe that young children learn best through play. A play based, composite classroom affords students many opportunities to learn and grow from each other, affording older students the opportunity to explain, demonstrate, and be positive role models. In order for our EC students to flourish, they are encouraged to explore their 4 Units of Inquiry through play.
Elementary Core Curriculum
In alignment with the PYP, the Elementary School core curriculum affords students a variety of challenging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences designed to make learning pleasurable and meaningful. The core curriculum incorporates six subject areas: Language, Mathematics, Sciences, Social students, Arts, Physical, Social and Personal education. The flexible structure of the classroom day in the elementary grades accommodates the students’ divergent backgrounds, learning styles and readiness for academic skills, encouraging them to progress at their individual rates and to develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning.
Description of Subjects in the Core Curriculum:
Language Arts – The primary goal of the Language Arts curriculum is to develop a positive attitude toward reading, writing, listening and public speaking using literature and authentic writing as the foundation. Students are given the opportunity to read, write, listen and discuss ideas every day in a meaningful context, related to their experiences, abilities and interests. In the lower Elementary grades, our goal is to establish reading as the act of comprehending rather than merely the act of decoding. Classroom libraries, shared literature study, individualized reading, sustained silent reading, thematic study of literature, journal writing and writing for publication and presentation are coupled with a study of phonics and selected use of basal reading and spelling texts. In all of the Elementary grades, greater emphasis is placed upon the integration of the curriculum for reinforcement and holistic expansion of language acquisition and skills with the goals of improving the quality of reading comprehension, developing a variety of reading strategies and increasing the range of voluntary reading. Writing is taught as a process, in which students learn to self-edit and peer edit their work.
Mathematics – Problem solving, inquiry, and real world application are the cornerstones of mathematics in the PYP. In solving problems, students are given the opportunity to organize data, interpret information, make decisions and think mathematically, enabling them to function effectively in today’s world. In mathematics, students gain increasing competency with math algorithms – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, percentages and decimals. Throughout the Elementary School, emphasis is placed on using manipulatives and real-life experiences to understand, develop and apply math concepts. Importance is also placed on computation and the learning of basic math facts.
Science – The objective of the Science curriculum is to expose students to the wonder of science and the joy of discovery through inquiry. At each grade level, students use a selection of science books combined with “hands on” activities and experiments to develop competence in the scientific process and to develop an understanding of basic concepts in earth and space science, life science, technology, physical science and the human body. The class teachers conduct these lessons in their classrooms using the wealth of science apparatus and materials.
Social Studies – In the Social Studies curriculum, emphasis is placed on the development of students’ self-understanding and what it means to be part of a community. Students explore ancient and living civilizations to develop an appreciation of diverse peoples – their cultures, environment, and cultural survival. They also gain familiarity with the skills used in social studies analyses such as mapping, graphing, and timelines. It includes the study of geography. Zimbabwe is also featured in the social studies curriculum to help give our students a better understanding of our host country.
Specialist Classes
As enrichment to our classroom instruction, we offer classes taught by trained specialists. During the week, children attend classes in Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Library, and Modern Languages (French or Spanish). In addition, some children will receive extra support from the EAL teacher or learning specialist.
Visual Arts – Students attend bi-weekly classes in the art studios. Here, the students explore satisfying and involving art experiences, learn basic art skills and art concepts, and expand their creative side. They learn to appreciate art forms and artists of various cultures and are given opportunities to interpret their experiences using a variety of media and art techniques. The program’s goal is to develop within our students a lifelong interest in and appreciation for the fine arts and a positive attitude toward their own creative self-expression.
E.A.L. – English as an Additional Language courses are offered to students who require an alternative or additional study of English. The courses focus on developing listening, speaking, writing and reading comprehension skills in the English language.
Information Technology (I.T.) – The I.T. teachers work closely with the classroom teachers so as to integrate I.T. into the curriculum rather than teach it in isolation.
Learning Support – Learning Support is available based on individual student needs.
Library and Media Skills – Elementary students visit the library with their individual classes once a week to exchange library books, enjoy storytelling, learn library and research skills. Students may also visit the library at other times. The library is seen as the hub of the school.
Modern Languages – Students select to participate in either French or Spanish, which is taught to students from EC2 through Grade 5. The emphasis is on learning to enjoy a world language through creative, participatory and interactive group activities.
Performing Arts – With its aesthetic qualities, music provides many experiences to help students acquire independence, a positive self-concept, a sense of responsibility and an understanding of how music correlates to the world around them. The music program is a sequential skills-oriented, participatory program, which includes singing, listening, playing instruments, creating, moving, writing and drama. Music classes are offered in an attractive, well-equipped studio.
Physical Education – The Elementary Physical Education program is based on a movement education approach. The action-oriented classes are designed to stimulate creativity, problem solving, self-confidence, collaboration, teamwork, and physical development. The program includes exploration with small hand apparatus such as balls/hoops/ropes, activities in gymnastics, track and field and games.
Classroom and Specialist teachers collaborate on a regular basis so that, where appropriate, specialist subjects are integrated or support the transdisciplinary units of inquiry.