Elementary School

The curriculum of the Elementary School, as in the Early Years Unit is the PYP (Primary Years programme). It is a programme based on inquiry that provides the children with the foundations to be active life long learners.
Six transdisciplinary themes provide the framework of the curriculum and students explore the subject areas through these themes. In the process they develop an understanding of important concepts, acquire essential skills and knowledge, develop particular attitudes and learn to take socially responsible action. The Six Transdisciplinary themes are:

Who we are

An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human

Where we are in time and place

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

How we express ourselves

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature and culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic

How the world works

An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological)and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

How we organise ourselves

An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human made systems and communities; the structure and function of organisations; societal decision making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment

Sharing the planet

An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

Over the course of a year the students engage in a unit of inquiry for each theme (4 units for the Busy Bee class). The focus of the unit is chosen to incorporate elements of the Italian ministerial programme, to show progression over the different age groups and to facilitate relevant and meaningful inquiry. A unit of inquiry will normally last 4 to 6 weeks.

Language, maths, science, social studies, physical education, music, art and drama are taught through the units of inquiry or as stand-alone lessons where necessary.
As we wish for all students to have access to the curriculum, regardless of their learning style or language ability, we use a variety of teaching and learning techniques. Through careful planning we provide a range of learning experiences that allow the children to develop the attributes of the learner profile: working in groups, working independently, research using the internet, research using the library; questionnaires, handling artefacts, visits to museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants, factories and the local environment; visits from various people in the community; practical experiments and demonstrations; sharing ideas and findings with each other and the rest of the school. The children will therefore demonstrate their understanding in a variety of different ways.

At the end of the Elementary School, the students in year 5 undertake a project known as the Exhibition. This is a unit of inquiry planned, developed and carried out by the students themselves on a subject that has importance to them. They then share their work with the school community. It is a demonstration of the skills and attitudes they have acquired during their time at the school and a very special project.