Learning Objectives Year 1–8
Inspire Lifelong LearnersAt I.B.I.S., our vision is for each of our pupils to leave our school prepared for the next steps in their education and that each of them is able to live positively and productively as a world citizen. Our approach to learning and teaching puts the educational success of each child to the fore: I.B.I.S. teachers and teaching and learning assistants focus their attention on each child and, mindful of their unique needs, assist and encourage development every step of the way.
At I.B.I.S., our pupils are supported and challenged to follow a structured path, from Kindergarten (part of Early Years) all the way to Year 8 (part of Key Stage Three).
Early Years (Kindergarten and Reception – ages 3 & 4) Curriculum
At I.B.I.S. we plan using the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum from the UK to plan and implement enriching and exciting learning experiences for our 3-5 year old students. We understand that students learn at different rates and therefore we create an environment where our students are supported to take their next steps at their own pace. We place great emphasis on learning through play, both inside the classroom and outdoors. It is our aim that every child develops a love of learning through the care and attention they receive at I.B.I.S.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2 – ages 5 to 7) Curriculum
Key Stage 1 incorporates Years 1 and 2 (children aged 5-7 years) and builds on the skills learnt in Early Years whilst also preparing our learners for Key Stage 2.
The I.B.I.S. KS1 curriculum reflects our beliefs in supporting the development of the child not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Our Key Stage One curriculum, while based on the English National Curriculum programmes of study, has been developed by our own teachers to draw upon the local culture of the Bonn area and also to reflect the diverse and international nature of our school community. All pupils at this stage of the school learn German, either as a foreign language or as a mother tongue.
To find out more about the curriculum for this age group, please see the ‘jigsaw’ overview for Year 1 and Year 2.
Key Stage 2 and 3 (Years 3 to 8 – ages 8 to 13) Curriculum
At I.B.I.S. we follow the English National Curriculum for all subject areas across the school, except German which follows the local curriculum (NRW). Many of our pupils move on to German schools with ease, so we facilitate this transition by following an optional German programme for Social Studies in Years 2-5 and German language instruction in Mathematics in Year 5. Families can also choose for their children to study these subjects in English. As we have children from a range of cultures and backgrounds, we have ensured that our curriculum builds upon skills and knowledge from one Key Stage to the next. It maintains an international approach.Supplementing the National Curriculum at Key Stage Three level is the Cambridge Curriculum for subjects such as Mathematics, English and Science.
In Year 6-8 children also learn a third language, either French or Spanish. In Years 7 and 8 we add “Genius Hour” to the timetable which builds upon the pupil’s own interests and develops skills for an independent project and research based style of learning.
The subjects throughout are taught using a variety of methods, from textbook based learning to project based and we use a cross-curricular approach, where possible, in order to create links between the subject areas.
To find out more about the curriculum for these classes, please see the ‘jigsaw’ overviews: Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7 and Year 8.
Full information from the UK educational authorities about the English-language curricula we follow can be found here:
Early Years: Early years foundation stage – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Years 1–8: National curriculum – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)