The foundation for future success in university and life is laid in the ISF Primary School with a curriculum emphasizing academic, social, physical and ethical growth. Students in the ISF Primary School thrive in an atmosphere of high expectations and ongoing emotional and academic support in surroundings that make it easy for students to learn and concentrate.

The Lower Primary... Kindergarten through Grade 2

During these early years, children become more aware of themselves and the world around them.  They develop attitudes toward learning, and the foundation for academic achievement is laid.

Our World

Teaching students to become global citizens, the ISF Lower Primary curriculum provides students with a rich opportunity to appreciate commonalities while they celebrate their differences. Language and mathematics instruction in English provide important skills for the future, while daily language lessons in German provides an authentic context for discovery of culture and customs. A qualified staff of dedicated professionals looks after the needs of each student in the ISF Lower Primary and generates student excitement and curiosity for future learning.

Foundation for Academic Achievement

The ISF Lower Primary grades (Kindergarten-Grade 2) prepare each child for a formal school setting by introducing basic learning concepts upon which future education builds. Reading, phonics, language, mathematics, and German comprise the heart of the ISF Lower Primary curriculum.  Science, social studies and computing are integrated into the curriculum as of Grade 2.

The foundation for language development is a central focus of the ISF Lower Primary. The ‘Ginn Reading’ program is used to aid students in gaining fluency and confidence in reading. The SABIS® Phonics and Handwriting program, in conjunction with ‘Letterland’, is used to teach students letter shape and formation and sound recognition. The language program expands students’ ability to communicate thoughts and feelings through theme work, as well as encourages them to contribute actively to class discussion. Songs, stories, and pictures are used to help stimulate imagination and spark curiosity.

Mathematics is a second focus in the ISF Lower Primary curriculum. Students learn number value and formation; shapes, sets and classification are also mastered along with ordinal numbers. Students’ excitement in applying their mathematical skills comes as they learn how to tell time and do addition and subtraction. Language instruction in German either as a foreign language or as a mother tongue completes the main focus of the ISF Kindergarten curriculum. Reinforcing the curriculum in language and maths, the German curriculum teaches colours, numbers, letters and sounds. Celebrating our international host country, the Lower Primary German program teaches traditional songs, rhymes, games and festivals.

Developing a Positive Attitude Toward Learning

The ISF Lower Primary programme balances academic development with social, physical and emotional maturation. Art, music and physical education classes stimulate a healthy, eager, and happy attitude toward future learning.

The curriculum of the ISF Upper Primary School offers a challenging, well-rounded program emphasizing academic and personal growth. The academic coursework is integrated, sequential and age-appropriate in skills, knowledge, and values. Academic objectives include providing a well-rounded education based on a mastery of English, German and math, training students in logical reasoning and critical thinking while generating excitement for lifelong learning. These skills are taught in a nurturing and supportive environment. Students completing the Upper Primary curriculum at ISF will have a mastery of the basic concepts and core knowledge required to succeed at the challenging material at the Secondary level.

English

The English program in the Primary School at ISF develops the following skills: (1) decoding language from the printed word (phonics); (2) comprehending what is read; (3) developing an ever-expanding vocabulary, and (4) reading from multi-cultural literary sources. Our objectives in English are to instil a lifelong love of reading and to develop effective writing skills. Additionally we strive for a mastery of grammatical structure, correct spelling, confident skills of expression and good penmanship.

Mathematics

The ultimate goal of teaching mathematics is to help students develop an ability for mathematical thinking and an appreciation of the power and use of math. In the SABIS® Educational System, math is considered a ‘language’ applicable in all societies and cultures, and a critical part of the educational process.

The math curriculum at ISF provides a challenging program which involves reinforcement in subsequent years. The objective of the math program is to help students attain an understanding of mathematical concepts and master computational skills and problem-solving techniques that will enable them to understand the more abstract concepts in the Secondary school.

German

The German program in the ISF Primary School is a two-track system of German including German for native speakers or German as a foreign language.  German is required for students at all grade levels. Both programs provide the students with a solid background in grammatical structures, vocabulary, spelling, and writing skills. Students new to Germany and the German language are typically able to function in the language after three to four years in the ISF Primary German program.

Science

Beginning in Grade One and continuing throughout the next five grade levels, the ISF Primary School science curriculum offers children varied opportunities to become involved with basic scientific concepts, process-oriented techniques, and challenging problems for investigation. There are two major components in the curriculum: a physical sequence, guiding students through examination of the physical world, and a life sequence focusing on the biological world.

Social Studies

Starting in Grade 2, students learn about what is most familiar to themselves, their families and their communities. As their environments expand, studies include geography, and world history with local German content. Map and globe skills, the use of charts and graphs, chronology, critical thinking, and research are some of the components in our integrated skills approach to social studies.

Weekly classes in art, music, computing and physical education round out the curriculum in the ISF Primary School for those in Grade 2 and above. Serving to offer students a liberal arts education. These classes encourage students to develop into well-rounded individuals. Student talent is showcased throughout the year through art exhibits, concerts and numerous sporting events.

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