Early Years at ISOCS

 The Early Years Class welcomes children 3-5 years to a world of adventurous learning!

The Early Years opens from 08.15 and closes at 15.30 after parents have had an opportunity to spend the last 15 minutes of the school day sharing the events of the day with their children, through a plenary session with photos, video, blogs songs or masterpieces! Students may enrol for full days or half days and can bring a lunch or enjoy a hot lunch in our dining cabin at an additional cost of CHF11 per day. In keeping with Swiss tradition, ISOCS closes at midday on Wednesdays to encourage children to integrate with local children and participate in the many activities offered on Wednesday afternoons.

The Early Years class follows the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate (IB PYP) which provides a framework for learning that is engaging, relevant and challenging to students from all backgrounds. Consequently, classes are kept small and the teachers work to develop each child’s abilities at an age and stage appropriate pace. Children are introduced to concepts of literacy and mathematics through meaningful experiences and as they internalise the understanding the teacher is ready to guide each student in making connections, formalising, recording and reflecting upon their learning. Students are assessed on the IB PYP Scope and Sequence continua and learning activities are thoughtfully designed to move them along and increase the level of individual challenge appropriately.

Students engage in Units of Inquiry which incorporate the application of math and language as well as science, social studies, the arts and personal and physical education. Where no meaningful integration is possible subjects may be taught separately. The students have specialist teachers for German and music and take outings to the local gym and dance studio weekly. We also embrace regular outings into the community, taking full advantage of the fantastic resources surrounding our school. In minutes, the students can enjoy the library, lakeside play-park and woodland walks

 The IB PYP aims to develop self-confident, independent thinkers and communicators. They develop these attributes in a nurturing and expressive environment where learning happens playfully and is celebrated at every opportunity.  The teacher keeps records of each child’s experiences and achievements in their electronic portfolios and this collection is used for the student, parents and teacher to reflect on each child’s development in all areas. Formal reports are issued several times a year and parents are encouraged to have regular conversations with the teacher throughout the year.