Lower School
In Lower School our goal is to build on our students’ natural curiosity and eagerness to acquire and master new information by developing a solid foundation of cognitive skills and learning habits through our inquiry-based approach to learning.
Learning in Grades 1-5 incorporates a range of subject areas including Art, Language, Mathematics, Music, Personal, Social and Physical Education, Social Studies and STEAM.
By the end of 5th grade, our Lower School students advance to Upper School with not only a high level of academic and social skills, but also a sincere appreciation and understanding of what it means to be global citizens and culturally competent.
HIS is an IB Continuum School and uses the IB Learner Profile as a guide for developing student attributes so that we may nurture the ability of students to use a variety of necessary soft skills including communication, thinking, self-management, research, and social skills. Furthermore, we encourage mindful approaches to resilience, perseverance, inquiry, and being a principled and balanced individual.
The Lower School (Early Years – Grade 5) at HIS is currently following the principles and practices of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The curriculum is transdisciplinary in nature, which incorporates subject learning of Math, Literacy, Social Studies, Science, the Arts, and Design/Computer Technology within thematic units of inquiry. Lower School instruction is also supported by specialists in the areas of physical education, arts, Mandarin and ESOL, learning support, STEAM and library.
For further information on Lower School curriculum and programs, please click on the links below:
IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP)
IB PYP Brochure Chinese 国际文凭小学项目
IB PYP Early Years Brochure English
Inquiry-based Learning
At HIS we follow an inquiry-based curriculum framework which was designed to meet the needs of families living in diverse international communities.
Our teachers design inquiry-based units which ensure rigorous learning, through a range of exciting, active and meaningful experiences for children. Learning at HIS takes a global approach; helping children to reflect on the similarities and differences between their home and host countries; embrace diversity, and consider multiple perspectives.
Our units of inquiry are based on transdisciplinary themes which run from Pre-School to Grade 5. In Pre-School and Pre-K teachers choose four of these themes as a basis for the Early Years Units of Inquiry.
Our teachers design inquiry-based units which ensure rigorous learning, through a range of exciting, active and meaningful experiences for children. Learning at HIS takes a global approach; helping children to reflect on the similarities and differences between their home and host countries; embrace diversity, and consider multiple perspectives.
Our units of inquiry are based on transdisciplinary themes which run from Pre-School to Grade 5. In Pre-School and Pre-K teachers choose four of these themes as a basis for the Early Years Units of Inquiry.
Transdisciplinary Themes:
Key Concepts
Teachers design units which explore a Central Idea, and focus on up to three concepts. Our students are encouraged to ask questions and to pursue explorations into their own areas of interest. Learning experiences are designed to inspire children’s curiosity and creativity and to develop their ability to be well-rounded citizens of the world.
To read more about the IB Primary Years Programme, click here.