The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) aims to prepare children for the following • The changing global world from national to international • The changing world of work-muscle to knowledge • The changing world of a career – from single to portfolio including the personal qualities needed for this Plus, perhaps most importantly a curriculum which takes into account the recent brain research which considers different styles of learning to help all children develop. The curriculum has two main elements • The Learning Goals • The Units of Work This states clearly what children should be able to do and understand. The IPC is built on rigorous standards. There are Learning Goals for • Subjects • Personal development • International understanding The subject goals are a synthesis of standards found in many countries, the personal goals are shared by only a few curricula while the international goals are unique. The units of work consist of the real practical help for teachers and children in the classroom. The units are arranged around themes that appeal to children and capture their interest, such as ‘Holidays’, ‘Ourselves’. Each unit is based on the Learning Goals and there are practical activities that help to achieve subject, personal and international goals. Each unit is based on brain friendly learning, so that all types of intelligence are considered. Science Children are taught Science through the International Primary Curriculum. Primary school science aims to build on children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. We encourage children to ask questions, to explore and to observe. At primary school, Science does not involve complex laboratory work; instead, children’s investigative skills and understanding is developed through solving problems within their everyday experience. History Children are taught History through the International Primary Curriculum. Our present teaching of the History curriculum aims to involve children in understanding and interpreting the past. Our younger children will receive a broad introduction to history based largely on their experiences and will include their own personal development and that of their family. As children progress through the school, there will be some teaching of historical events. In History, children learn about the past in relation to the present. Geography Children are taught Geography through the International Primary Curriculum. In Geography, children learn about places and environments in the world around them. Art Children are taught art through the International Primary Curriculum. At Elckerlyc, we also spend time on art outside IPC. Music Children are taught music through the International Primary Curriculum. At Elckerlyc we also have weekly music lessons. In music, children learn about musical expression and communication. Physical Education In physical education, children learn about healthy lifestyles and performing a range of movement activities. Children have opportunities to participate in: • Gymnastics • Ball games • Athletics • Dance Society Children are taught society through the International Primary Curriculum. In society, children learn about living as members of groups. Technology In technology, children learn about designing and making products to solve problems and meet needs. Information and Communication Technology Children are taught information and communication technology through the International Primary Curriculum. In information and communication technology, children learn about applying technology in order to gather, use and exchange information. International Development The International Primary Curriculum includes a set of international learning goals that are used at Elckerlyc. The international goals are based on an understanding of the characteristics of an international curriculum: An international curriculum should develop in children: knowledge and understanding beyond that related to their own nationality an understanding of the independence and interdependence of peoples, countries and cultures It will enable children to: adapt to other education systems develop both a national and an international perspective It includes: a degree of focus on the host country a degree of focus on the home country Personal Development The International Primary Curriculum includes a set of personal learning goals that are used at Elckerlyc International School. Children should be taught in such a way that they develop the personal qualities of: Inquiry, Adaptability, Resilience, Morality, Communication, Thoughtfulness, Cooperation and Respect. Efforts towards achieving these goals are reflected in the whole curriculum and in all other aspects of school life. |