Elementary School

HIS is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) School, implementing the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

PYP is an international curriculum framework designed for students between the ages of 3 and 12 years. The IB-PYP is a dynamic and flexible program which allows teachers to encourage and develop each child’s individual interests. It focuses on the overall growth of a developing child and addresses a student’s academic, social and emotional well-being. It encourages learners to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own learning. PYP also supports student efforts to gain an understanding of the world and to function comfortably and confidently within it. It helps learners establish their personal values as a foundation upon which a more international mindset can develop and flourish. The program offers a comprehensive, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. It provides guidelines related to student learning styles, teaching methodologies and assessment strategies.

The PYP curriculum framework is an expression and extension of three inter-related questions:

“What do we want to learn?”
“How best can we learn?”
“How will we know what we have learned?”

Learning in Grade 1 up to Grade 5 invites students to inquire into six Units of Inquiry under varying trans-disciplinary themes. Both teachers and students explore and acquire the essential knowledge and skills along with the attitude and learner profile attributes needed to take actions responsibly. The PYP sets out six themes to offer continuity and progression in the process of exploring significant, challenging, and relevant learning experiences.

The six themes are:

1. Who we are
2. Where we are in place and time
3. How we express ourselves
4. How the world works
5. How we organize ourselves
6. Sharing the planet

Language and Mathematics are woven throughout all of the Units of Inquiry ensuring consistency and continuity. Specialties complement the Grade level programs in order to provide a holistic learning experience for students. Specialties include: Islamic Studies, Art, Physical Education (PE), Learning Resources Techniques (LRT), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The PYP learning experiences culminates with the Grade 5 PYP Exhibition whereby students display their understanding of the programs knowledge, concepts, skills, and attitudes towards learning.