Lower School
Kindergarten to Grade 5

In ISU’s Early Years and Lower School, children learn in a warm, vibrant, language-rich environment designed to encourage deep, uninterrupted play, socialisation, independence and resilience. Guided by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), which culminates in the Grade 5 Exhibition, learning combines guided and self-directed activities, songs and role play to develop English speaking and listening, mark making, pre-maths, fine motor, sensory, art, small world and dramatic play skills. A strong Personal, Social and Health Education programme underpins the curriculum, while specialist lessons in Music, Art, German and Physical Education enrich the experience in this internationally minded IB World School.

At ISU, our Early Years classes offer children a joyful and nurturing start to school life. We create a warm, caring and stimulating environment in which young learners feel safe, valued and ready to explore.

Learning in the Early Years is rooted in play, inquiry and relationships. Through guided and self-directed play, children develop confidence, curiosity and independence while building the foundations for future learning. Our spaces -indoor and outdoor - are thoughtfully designed to be calm, inviting and engaging, with natural materials and spaces that encourage creativity, communication and deep, uninterrupted play.

Great importance is placed on personal, social and emotional development. Children learn to manage feelings, build friendships, take turns, solve problems and grow in resilience. They learn in English, developing language naturally throughout the day through songs, stories, conversations, role play and meaningful interactions with teachers and classmates.

Our Early Years team helps children develop essential early skills across a wide range of areas, including:

speaking and listening
early literacy and mark making
early numeracy
fine motor development
creative expression
sensory exploration
small world play and imaginative role play

Children also enjoy specialist lessons that enrich their experience and support their holistic development. These include Music and Movement, German and Physical Education.
The Early Years are a fully integrated part of ISU’s Lower School and mark the beginning of the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

In line with ISU’s philosophy, we see each child as a capable learner with unique strengths and potential. Our Early Years classes are a fully integrated part of ISU’s Lower School and mark the beginning of the Primary Years Programme (PYP); laying the foundation not only for academic growth, but also for learning to live and learn with others in a caring, supportive and diverse international community

Early Years to Grade 1
Our Early Years classes lay the foundation for a confident and successful transition into Grade 1. Children are supported in developing independence, communication skills and the ability to learn and work positively with others as part of a community.

As members of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Early Years students explore four of the six transdisciplinary themes. Through playful inquiry and discovery, they begin to ask questions, make connections and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

The Early Years experience is enriched by specialist lessons and wider Lower School opportunities. They also participate in assemblies, exhibitions, special events, displays and field trips as part of the wider Lower School community.

Supporting children’s emotional and social development remains central to all that we do. We aim to help each child grow as an independent learner who is caring, respectful and motivated to learn.

In the Lower School at ISU, students in Grades 1 to 5 grow as confident, capable and caring learners within the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Our approach combines academic challenge with curiosity, creativity and a strong sense of belonging.

Inquiry based Learning

Learning is rooted in inquiry. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, solve problems and make connections across subjects. Through this process, they develop strong academic foundations while also developing independence, collaboration and critical-thinking skills.

The PYP provides a transdisciplinary, concept-driven framework that makes learning engaging, relevant and meaningful. Rather than learning subjects in isolation, students investigate important ideas that help them understand themselves, their communities and the wider world.

The Lower School journey culminates in the Grade 5 Exhibition, where students bring together the knowledge, skills and understanding they have developed throughout the programme

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Zirkus Artista Coach

"It was a great pleasure to get to know the children at ISU and to work with them. They are very open, friendly and have great group dynamics!

Lower School Kindergarten to Grade 5

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Zirkus Artista Coach

Lower School
Kindergarten to Grade 5